Careers
Cyber Specialist (CySpec)
Cyber Specialists are trained to deal with advanced cyber threats, engage in real-world cybersecurity operations and contribute to the nation’s cyber ecosystem.
Their roles range from threat monitoring and assessment, to cyber forensics, incident response, malware analysis, and penetration testing.
Vocational training, on-the-job training and academic training will equip CySpecs with vocational knowledge and skills that will prepare them well for a future in the cybersecurity industry.
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Specialised Cybersecurity Operations
Cyber Specialists will conduct specialised real-world cybersecurity operations in areas such as:
- Cyber Forensics
- Incident Response
- Malware Analysis
- Penetration Testing
Developmental Opportunities
Cyber Specialists will have opportunities to develop their cybersecurity skills through: (a) vocational training; (b) On-the-Job Training (OJT); and (c) academic training. Vocational training will equip them with vocational knowledge and skills that include how cybersecurity fundamentals are applied in MINDEF/SAF’s context. Following vocational training, they will commence OJT, where they will train on specific systems, and learn tasks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the specific units they are deployed to, and hone their skills through specialised cybersecurity operations. They may also have the opportunity to gain professional certifications as they continue to develop and upgrade their
cybersecurity skillsets. MINDEF has also partnered local universities to offer an undergraduate work-learn programme for Cyber Specialists to continuously upgrade their skills and competencies. Cyber Specialists will take cybersecurity modules on a part-time basis at either the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) or National University of Singapore (NUS), earning academic credits in the process that can contribute towards the eventual completion of the degree. The work experience and qualifications gained will position Cyber Specialists well for a career in the cybersecurity industry.
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*Cyber Specialists can complete their degree programmes at the same time as their peers who serve two years of full-time NS. For those interested in having MINDEF/SAF sponsorship for their remaining years of study, they may consider taking up a career in MINDEF/SAF where there are uniformed and non-uniformed options for cybersecurity vocations.
Salary & Benefits
After a minimum period of service, Cyber Specialists will receive competitive Regular salary and will be entitled to Regular benefits such as leave and medical coverage.
All National Service (NS) pre-enlistees are eligible to apply. Applicants are expected to possess baseline knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. Interested pre-enlistees may register their interest by filling out the application form here (Please note that the application form will not be available outside of the application window).
The selection process will commence one year ahead of your enlistment. Shortlisted applicants will be put through rigorous selection tests assessing aptitude and cybersecurity skills. Prior experience and knowledge of programming, network security, cryptography and malware analysis will be useful! Selected individuals will be offered the Cyber Specialist Award before your enlistment while others may serve as Cyber Operators. Those who accept the Cyber Specialist Award may choose between a 3 or 4 -year scheme.
Interested pre-enlistees may apply for the Cyber Work-Learn Scheme one year before enlistment.
Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
Cyber Vocations
A Cyber Operator will perform basic roles such as threat monitoring and assessment during his 2-year full-time NS.
A Cyber Specialist will undergo specialised training and participate in a 3-year or 4-year undergraduate work-learn programme to perform specialised roles such as incident response, cyber forensics, malware analysis, and penetration testing. Cyber Specialists will also receive Regular pay and benefits after serving a minimum period of service.
Work-Learn Programmes (WLPs)
MINDEF has partnered the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) since 2018 to offer an undergraduate WLP, which offers academic modules from SIT’s Information and Communications Technology (Information Security) undergraduate programme. We have now also partnered the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing, which is offering academic modules from its Information Security programme.
You may choose the university you wish to undergo the WLP with. To be placed on the WLP with SIT, you must be offered the Cyber Specialist Award. To be placed on the WLP with NUS, you must be offered the Cyber Specialist Award, and NUS must offer you a place in the School of Computing’s Information Security programme by the end of your BMT.
The programmes are similar. Cyber Specialists will earn similar percentage of academic credits for the completion of the respective university’s Information Security degree. Cyber Specialists will undertake the same operational duties. The difference in admission criteria is based on the respective university’s policy.
Yes, you are still encouraged to apply for the CySpec Scheme. The online application is only an indication of interest to be considered for the scheme.
Yes, you are still encouraged to apply for the CySpec Scheme as long as you are interested in any Computing/Computer Science/Computer Engineering-related degree. The online application is only an indication of interest to be considered for the scheme.
All local universities have agreed to defer the enrolment date of Cyber Specialists for the duration of their scheme (3 or 4 years). For individuals who have secured university placements, MINDEF will provide you with a letter for you to submit to your university’s Admission Office when you apply to defer your enrolment.
MINDEF/SAF will work with the universities to schedule your operational duties and part-time studies.
You can apply to any university to continue your studies through their normal admission processes. Cyber Specialists who have earned academic credits at SIT or NUS may be eligible for credit transfer to other universities. This is subject to the academic policy of the respective universities.
If you are interested in MINDEF/SAF sponsorship for your remaining studies, you may wish to consider a career in MINDEF/SAF. There are uniformed and non-uniformed options for service in cybersecurity vocations. You may also click here and here for information about our uniformed and non-uniformed cyber vocations respectively.
ADMINISTRATION
The online application is only an indication of interest to be considered for the scheme. You will be scheduled to undergo selection tests to determine your eligibility. If found suitable for the Cyber Specialist Award, you will be offered a contract before your enlistment. You can choose whether or not to accept the contract. However, once the contract has been signed, you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the contract.
MINDEF/SAF will pay the tuition fees of the academic programme at NUS or SIT until completion of the contract.
There is no bond period for Cyber Specialists beyond the contract.
The maximum duration for the CySpec Scheme is 4 years. Hence, no extension is available for those who opt for 4 years of service. Cyber Specialist on the 3-year scheme may opt to switch to the 4-year scheme before they graduate from the Cyber Specialist Cadet Course (CSCC), depending on your performance and MINDEF/SAF's operational requirements.
Once the contract is in effect, you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. Cyber Specialists on the 3-year or 4-year scheme are expected to remain committed to their training and operational roles for the duration of their contract.
Cyber Specialists who are interested to continue serving in MINDEF/SAF may wish to consider a career in MINDEF/SAF. There are uniformed and non-uniformed options for service in cybersecurity vocations. You may also click here and here for information about our uniformed and non-uniformed cyber vocations respectively.
All servicemen, regardless of PES status, will be eligible for selection to be 3-year or 4-year Cyber Specialists.
Deployment is based on MINDEF/SAF’s operational requirements. You will be informed of your posting upon completion of BMT.
You may be required to perform shift work and stay in, according to the unit’s operational requirements.
You are required to attempt and pass the IPPT annually if you are eligible to take IPPT based on your medical status. You will also need to meet BMI requirements.
As this application is only an indication of interest, all interested pre-enlistees should sign up for this scheme. Your NS performance will be taken into consideration when applying for MINDEF/SAF scholarships.
Yes, you may apply for this scheme as this application is only an indication of interest. If found suitable for the Cyber Specialist Award, you will be offered a contract before your enlistment. On your end, you should engage your scholarship award agency to clarify the terms and conditions of your bond.
You will continue to be enlisted according to standard enlistment procedures.
For any enquiries, please click here to contact us!