Cybersecurity Development Programme (CSDP)

Overview of CSA's Cybersecurity Development Programme (CSDP)

CSA’s Cybersecurity Development Programme (CSDP) is a 12-month programme to develop cybersecurity talents in the public sector, with the aim of building up cybersecurity capabilities to secure Singapore’s digital economy and infrastructure.

The programme is open to both recent graduates and working professionals, and consists of two phases: a rigorous 3-month classroom training phase, followed by a 9-month job posting.

During the 3-month training phase, CSDP officers will acquire cybersecurity certifications* such as:

• EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (including CEH Masters) conducted by Ngee Ann Polytechnic

• Cisco’s CyberOps Associate conducted by CSA Academy

• Singapore University of Technology and Design’s (SUTD) ModularMaster Certificate in Cybersecurity (four modules)

Thereafter, CSDP officers will take on a 9-month posting in one of CSA’s divisions, with the opportunity** to gain experience in one of these areas in cybersecurity (non-exhaustive):

• Malware Analysis

• Digital Forensics & Incident Response

• Emerging Technologies

• Penetration Testing

• Cybersecurity Solutions and Consultancy

• Cybersecurity Operations Centre

• Threat Intelligence

• Governance, Risk and Compliance

During the 9-month posting, CSDP officers will also gain valuable experience working on cybersecurity projects at the national level, undergo technical and non-technical courses, and receive exposure to front-facing engagements with recognised industry players, the general public and students.

At the end of the 12-month programme, CSDP officers can look forward to additional development opportunities either in CSA or other government agencies (upon successful deployment at the of programme). CSDP officers will also be awarded the:

• CSDP Certificate of Completion

• SUTD ModularMaster Certificate in Cybersecurity

* Training may be subject to change.

** Further assessment(s) may be required in order to determine the officer’s suitability for the first job posting, factoring in each officer’s interest and the cybersecurity needs across the Whole-Of-Government (WOG). Due consideration will be taken on a case-by-case basis and the final decision on the first job posting will be at CSA’s discretion.

Eligibility and Application Details

Programme Eligibility

What we look for:

• Applicants with Singaporean Citizenship.

• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree preferably in Computer Science/Engineering, Information Security, Cybersecurity or a STEM-related field.

• Applicants who are passionate about contributing to Whole-of-Government (WOG) cybersecurity needs.

• Applicants who demonstrate an aptitude for cybersecurity and possess a positive learning attitude.

• Applicants who have demonstrated interest and involvement in cybersecurity (e.g. attaining cybersecurity certifications, participating in CTFs, Hackathons, Hack The Box) will at an advantage.

• Applicants with a strong foundation in networking basics.

• Applicants who effectively understand and communicate complex cybersecurity concepts clearly and concisely.

• Applicants who are team players that value collaboration and are able to proactively take the initiative when working independently.

• Applicants who can adapt to rapidly changing situations/problems and suggest sound and novel ways of thinking and doing.

Application Details

Applications will be holistically assessed for their suitability.

The selection process involves a 60-hour take-home assignment which consists of a cybersecurity research topic and a technical test.

Shortlisted candidates will then undergo an HR interview before they are considered for a final interview with CSA’s division directors.

Applicants are highly encouraged to apply early as applications will close once all vacancies are filled.

Visit the Job Opportunities page and click on Systems Engineer, Cybersecurity Development Programme (CSDP) to submit your application.

What to Expect in CSDP

CSDP Frequently Asked Questions

• Cybersecurity Development Programme FAQ page