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By Yea Jie Xuan, Bachelor of Science with Honours in Cyber Security
After completing the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Cyber Security from Coventry University in 2022, I was thankful for the opportunity to be able to work as a cyber security operations engineer at the PSA Singapore, which operates the largest transhipment hub in the world. My daily routine involves protecting the organisation’s computer database from unauthorised access, data breaches or cyber-attacks. You may only think of cyber security professionals when there is a data breach or hack, but there is more to our work than just keeping our organisation safe from cyber threats.
A Typical Day at PSA Singapore
My day usually starts off with reviewing the alerts from our security operation centre (SOC). While there are different severity levels to the alerts we receive, various frameworks and standards, such as the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) are in placed to help us determine errors that require immediate attention. The most common alerts I received are malware and phishing emails because these threats are easier for cyber attackers to execute.
While severity is an important consideration, we also evaluate the effectiveness of existing protection layers and the ease with which vulnerabilities could be exploited. By taking in the different factors, we create a plan for responding to potential incidents and prioritise cases accordingly.
Some important cyber security tools that we use include Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) monitoring tools that collate logs from across the network and correlate the events from different devices to paint a clearer picture of incidents happening in our environment. We also use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to detect and respond to suspected endpoint threats. Think of your anti-virus that helps to detect and stop potential threats from running on your pc at home, but EDR platforms come with even more capabilities and features.
In addition to addressing the issues from SOC, I also oversee vulnerability management and penetration tests, where we attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities in our systems to determine whether unauthorised access or other malicious activities are possible, and identify which flaws pose a threat to our systems.
Given the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats, it is critical that we maintain a proactive approach to cyber security. This includes tracking and implementing timely patches and fixes to ensure that our systems remain secure against the latest threats.
Navigating Challenges on the Job
Embarking on my professional journey at PSA Singapore has been a significant milestone following the completion of my degree with Coventry University. Transitioning from a full-time student to a working professional presented its challenges, but it has been an invaluable learning experience. I am grateful that my degree equipped me with the necessary tools to apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations encountered in the workplace. With a curriculum focused primarily on coursework, I had the opportunity to put my textbook knowledge into practice, honing my skills and gaining practical expertise. This seamless integration of theory and application has been instrumental in shaping my growth as a professional at PSA Singapore.
One of the challenges I struggled with was managing many small tasks. To stay on top of my workload, I use task management tools like Notion and Microsoft To-Do, and also flag emails to remind myself of outstanding tasks.
It also took me some time to understand the company’s structure and the responsibilities of various departments. I work closely with my colleagues, especially those with more experience. They have guided me and offered insights into why certain processes are in place. I’m grateful that my teammates have been incredibly supportive, smoothening my transition into the working world.
The leadership team also would often go above and beyond to personally check in with us, which I feel is a nice touch that fosters open communication and helps us address any challenges or issues we may encounter. I truly appreciate these gestures, as it shows me that the company is committed to supporting our personal growth and professional development.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Whether I'm tackling regular reports, long-term projects or keeping an eye out for new products and emerging threats, there's always something to do. In this constantly evolving field, staying ahead of the curve is key. That means conducting in-depth research to assess the suitability of new solutions and staying up to date with the latest trends and emerging threats. It's a demanding but rewarding job that keeps me on my toes and allows me to make a real difference in the world of cyber security.
At PSA Singapore, we are given the opportunity to take courses at no cost, allowing me to take my professional development to the next level without worrying about finances. In addition, the company has an e-learning platform that educates staff on cyber security hygiene and helps us keep up to date with industry trends by partnering with different agencies to send us the latest news on cyber threats and solutions.
Cyber Security: A Shared Responsibility
I have come to realise that cyber security is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cyber security department. According to statistics, human involvement is a significant factor in most cyber security incidents. Therefore, it is important to prioritise education and training to increase awareness and ensure everyone has the knowledge and skills to maintain strong cyber security practices.
If reading Jie Xuan’s experience in the cyber security field has piqued your interest, or if you’re someone who aspires to contribute to a safer online environment, why not consider a Cyber Security career.
At PSB Academy, we offer a suite of cyber security courses – diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree to equip aspiring cyber security specialists with the knowledge and skills to tackle ever-evolving cyber threats. Join us today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the exciting and ever-growing field of cyber security.
