Malaysia vs USA vs Singapore vs Hong Kong vs Australia
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the most in-demand fields in 2025, with analysts playing a critical role in safeguarding digital infrastructure across industries. For payroll and HR professionals, understanding cybersecurity salary trends is key to workforce planning, budgeting, and global hiring strategies.
This guide offers a comparative view of salaries across key markets, highlights the impact of experience and specialization, and explains why outsourcing cybersecurity roles to Malaysia is becoming a strategic move for cost-effective talent acquisition.
Content Outline
Key Summary
Malaysia Offers Cost-Effective Security Talent
Cybersecurity Analysts earn MYR 60,000–180,000 annually (USD 13,000–40,000), making Malaysia a smart choice for outsourcing without compromising expertise.
USA Leads Global Salary Rankings
Mid-to-senior analysts earn USD 110,000–150,000+, reflecting high demand and premium compensation.
Singapore Offers Competitive Packages
Cybersecurity Analysts earn SGD 80,000–150,000 (USD 59,000–110,000), especially in finance and tech sectors.
Hong Kong Salaries Are Moderate but Rising
Analysts earn HKD 300,000–420,000 (USD 38,000–54,000), with growth driven by regulatory and financial sectors.
Australia Pays Well for Senior Roles
Cybersecurity Analysts earn AUD 110,000–160,000+ (USD 72,000–105,000+), with strong demand in enterprise and government.
Outsourcing to Malaysia Delivers Global Value
Employers save on payroll while accessing English-speaking, technically skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Breakdown by Country (2025)
Malaysia
Malaysia’s cybersecurity sector is growing rapidly, supported by initiatives like the MyDIGITAL Blueprint and rising demand for compliance and threat detection.
Level | Salary (MYR) | Salary (USD) |
Entry (0–2 yrs) | 60,000 – 90,000 | 13,000 – 19,500 |
Mid (3–5 yrs) | 110,000 – 140,000 | 24,000 – 30,000 |
Senior (6+ yrs) | 160,000 – 180,000 | 35,000 – 40,000 |
Market Insight: Malaysia offers cost-effective access to cybersecurity talent skilled in threat analysis, SIEM tools, and compliance frameworks.
Also Read: Cloud Engineer Salary Guide 2025
United States
The U.S. remains the highest-paying market for cybersecurity analysts, driven by demand in finance, healthcare, and tech.
Level | Salary (USD) |
Entry (0–2 yrs) | 75,000 – 95,000 |
Mid (3–5 yrs) | 110,000 – 130,000 |
Senior (6+ yrs) | 140,000 – 150,000+ |
Market Insight: U.S. analysts often receive bonuses and stock options, but high living costs in tech hubs reduce net savings.
Singapore
Singapore’s cybersecurity market is thriving, especially in fintech, government, and healthcare.
Level | Salary (SGD) | Salary (USD) |
Entry (0–2 yrs) | 80,000 – 100,000 | 59,000 – 74,000 |
Mid (3–5 yrs) | 110,000 – 130,000 | 81,000 – 96,000 |
Senior (6+ yrs) | 140,000 – 150,000+ | 103,000 – 110,000+ |
Market Insight: Analysts in Singapore benefit from strong demand for compliance, cloud security, and incident response.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s cybersecurity market is expanding, particularly in finance and logistics.
Level | Salary (HKD) | Salary (USD) |
Entry (0–2 yrs) | 300,000 – 330,000 | 38,000 – 42,000 |
Mid (3–5 yrs) | 360,000 – 390,000 | 46,000 – 50,000 |
Senior (6+ yrs) | 400,000 – 420,000 | 52,000 – 54,000 |
Market Insight: Salaries are moderate, but Hong Kong offers exposure to regulatory-heavy cybersecurity projects.
Australia
Australia offers strong mid-to-senior salaries, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
Level | Salary (AUD) | Salary (USD) |
Entry (0–2 yrs) | 110,000 – 130,000 | 72,000 – 85,000 |
Mid (3–5 yrs) | 135,000 – 150,000 | 88,000 – 98,000 |
Senior (6+ yrs) | 155,000 – 160,000+ | 101,000 – 105,000+ |
Market Insight: Australia combines competitive pay with strong demand for cloud security and compliance expertise.
Also Read: BI Analyst Salary Guide 2025
Cybersecurity Salary Table – Cybersecurity Analyst Salaries by Country (2025)
Country | Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | Senior (6+ yrs) |
Malaysia | MYR 60k–90k (USD 13k–19.5k) | MYR 110k–140k (USD 24k–30k) | MYR 160k–180k (USD 35k–40k) |
USA | USD 75k–95k | USD 110k–130k | USD 140k–150k+ |
Singapore | SGD 80k–100k (USD 59k–74k) | SGD 110k–130k (USD 81k–96k) | SGD 140k–150k+ (USD 103k–110k+) |
Hong Kong | HKD 300k–330k (USD 38k–42k) | HKD 360k–390k (USD 46k–50k) | HKD 400k–420k (USD 52k–54k) |
Australia | AUD 110k–130k (USD 72k–85k) | AUD 135k–150k (USD 88k–98k) | AUD 155k–160k+ (USD 101k–105k+) |

Comparing Cybersecurity Analyst Salaries Across Countries
When comparing salaries globally, it’s important to look beyond the numbers. Cost of living, industry demand, and specialization all influence the value of a salary.
Malaysia: Affordable Talent with Strong ROI
Cybersecurity Analysts in Malaysia earn between USD 13,000 and 40,000 annually. While lower than Western markets, Malaysia offers English-speaking professionals with strong technical skills in threat detection, compliance, and cloud security.
Example: A mid-level analyst in Malaysia may earn USD 28,000, compared to USD 120,000 in the U.S. a 75% payroll saving without compromising quality.
Tips for Employers:
- Outsource cybersecurity roles to Malaysia for cost efficiency
- Use an Employer of Record (EOR) to manage payroll and compliance
- Focus on talent hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Penang
Also Read: How to Hire the Best BI Analysts in Malaysia
United States: Premium Pay with High Living Costs
Senior cybersecurity analysts in the U.S. earn USD 140,000–150,000+, especially in finance and healthcare. However, living costs in cities like San Francisco and New York can offset salary advantages.
Recommendation:
Reserve U.S. hires for strategic roles and build offshore teams in Malaysia for scalable support.
Singapore: Competitive Salaries in a Regional Tech Hub
Singapore offers USD 59,000–110,000 salaries for cybersecurity analysts. High demand in fintech and enterprise IT drives compensation.
Tip:
Combine Singapore-based leadership with Malaysian analysts for cost-effective operations.
Hong Kong: Moderate Pay with Regulatory Demand
Analysts earn USD 38,000–54,000, with rising demand in finance and compliance-heavy sectors.
Tip:
Use Hong Kong for niche roles and Malaysia for scalable support.
Australia: Strong Pay with Balanced Work Culture
Australia pays USD 72,000–105,000+ for cybersecurity analysts. The market values cloud security and compliance expertise.
Recommendation:
Hire senior roles locally and integrate Malaysian analysts for cost-effective delivery.
Why These Salaries Differ
Cybersecurity analyst salaries vary significantly across countries due to a mix of economic, regulatory, and workforce factors. Understanding these drivers helps employers make informed decisions when budgeting for payroll or planning offshore hiring strategies.
1. Cost of Living
In high-cost cities like San Francisco, New York, or Singapore, salaries tend to be higher to offset living expenses such as housing, healthcare, and transportation.
Also Read: Guide to Outsourcing BI Analytics Teams for Cost Efficiency
Example:
A cybersecurity analyst in San Francisco may earn USD 140,000 annually, but with rent averaging USD 3,500/month, their disposable income is quickly reduced. In contrast, an analyst in Kuala Lumpur earning USD 30,000 may enjoy a similar or better quality of life due to lower living costs.
Implication for Employers:
Higher salaries in developed markets don’t always translate to better ROI. Offshore hiring in lower-cost regions like Malaysia can deliver equivalent talent at a fraction of the cost.
2. Industry Demand
Sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology face constant threats from cyberattacks, making cybersecurity roles mission-critical. These industries are willing to pay premium rates to attract and retain top talent.
Example:
A cybersecurity analyst working for a fintech company in Singapore may earn SGD 130,000 due to the sensitive nature of financial data and the need for real-time threat monitoring. Meanwhile, an analyst in a logistics firm may earn less due to lower risk exposure.
Implication for Employers:
Salary benchmarks should reflect the risk profile and data sensitivity of the industry. Companies in high-risk sectors should expect to pay more or offer additional incentives.
3. Talent Supply
Malaysia has invested heavily in developing its cybersecurity workforce, with many professionals certified in globally recognized programs like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CompTIA Security+, and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
Example:
A mid-level analyst in Malaysia with CEH and three years of experience may earn MYR 120,000 (USD 26,000), while a similarly qualified analyst in Australia could command AUD 140,000 (USD 92,000).
Implication for Employers:
Markets with a growing supply of certified professionals offer better hiring flexibility and lower salary pressure. Malaysia’s talent pool is expanding rapidly, making it ideal for scaling cybersecurity teams.
4. Regulatory Pressure
Countries with strict data protection laws and compliance requirements often see higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, which drives up salaries.
Also Read: How to Hire and Manage a High-Performing Offshore Cloud Engineer Team in Malaysia
Example:
Australia’s Privacy Act and Hong Kong’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance require companies to maintain robust cybersecurity frameworks. As a result, analysts with compliance expertise are in high demand and can command salaries upwards of USD 100,000.
Implication for Employers:
Hiring in markets with evolving regulatory landscapes may require specialized talent and higher compensation. Alternatively, companies can outsource compliance support to certified professionals in lower-cost regions.
5. Remote Work Trends
The shift to remote work has opened global hiring opportunities. Companies are increasingly building offshore cybersecurity teams to reduce payroll costs while maintaining 24/7 threat coverage.
Example:
A U.S.-based company may hire a cybersecurity analyst in Malaysia to monitor systems during off-peak hours, ensuring round-the-clock security without paying overtime or night-shift premiums.
Implication for Employers:
Remote work enables strategic hiring across time zones and geographies. By leveraging offshore talent, companies can optimize coverage and reduce costs without compromising security standards.
Also Read: Employment Guide for Hiring Cloud Engineers in Malaysia
Why Outsource Cybersecurity Roles to Malaysia?
Malaysia is rapidly becoming a strategic hub for cybersecurity outsourcing, offering a compelling mix of affordability, technical expertise, and operational efficiency. For global employers, especially those managing distributed teams or scaling security operations, Malaysia presents a high-value alternative to traditional hiring markets.
Here’s why:
1. Lower Payroll Costs
Hiring cybersecurity analysts in Malaysia can reduce payroll expenses by up to 70% compared to hiring in the U.S., Australia, or Singapore. This cost advantage allows companies to scale their security teams without compromising quality.
Example:
A mid-level SOC Analyst in the U.S. may earn USD 120,000 annually, while a similarly skilled analyst in Malaysia earns around USD 28,000. That’s a savings of over USD 90,000 per head which can be reinvested into tools, training, or additional hires.
Strategic Benefit:
Companies can build full 24/7 security coverage by hiring multiple Malaysian analysts for the cost of one Western-market hire.
2. Access to Certified Talent
Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce is highly credentialed, with many professionals certified in globally recognized standards such as:
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management
- NIST Framework – U.S. cybersecurity best practices
- GDPR Compliance – European data protection regulations
- CEH, CISSP, CompTIA Security+ – Core technical certifications
Example:
A Penetration Tester in Malaysia with CEH and OSCP certifications may have hands-on experience with enterprise-grade tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nessus making them suitable for global assignments.
Strategic Benefit:
Employers gain access to professionals who understand international compliance and threat landscapes, reducing onboarding time and training costs.
3. Time Zone Advantage
Malaysia’s location in GMT+8 makes it ideal for supporting global operations. Companies in North America, Europe, and Australia can leverage Malaysian teams for off-peak monitoring, incident response, and overnight coverage.
Example:
A U.K.-based fintech firm may assign its Malaysian SOC team to monitor systems during U.K. nighttime hours, ensuring uninterrupted security without requiring night shifts locally.
Strategic Benefit:
Round-the-clock coverage becomes feasible without burdening domestic teams or paying overtime premiums.
Also Read: How to Successfully Outsource a Cloud Engineering Team
4. Government Support
Malaysia’s government actively promotes tech sector growth through initiatives like:
- MyDIGITAL Blueprint – National digital transformation strategy
- MDEC Incentives – Grants and support for tech hiring and training
- CyberSecurity Malaysia – National agency for cybersecurity standards and workforce development
Example:
Companies setting up remote teams or partnering with local EORs may benefit from tax incentives, training subsidies, or access to government-backed talent pools.
Strategic Benefit:
Hiring in Malaysia aligns with national priorities, offering long-term stability and institutional support.
5. Popular Roles Outsourced to Malaysia
Malaysia’s cybersecurity talent spans a wide range of specialties, making it suitable for both operational and strategic roles. Commonly outsourced positions include:
Role | Description |
SOC Analyst | Monitors security events, investigates alerts, and escalates incidents |
Threat Intelligence Analyst | Tracks emerging threats, analyzes attack patterns, and informs defense strategies |
Compliance & Risk Analyst | Ensures adherence to data protection laws and internal security policies |
Cloud Security Specialist | Secures cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and manages identity/access controls |
Penetration Tester | Simulates attacks to identify vulnerabilities and recommend fixes |
Example:
A global SaaS provider may outsource its entire Tier 1 SOC operations to Malaysia while retaining Tier 3 incident response in-house balancing cost and control.
How to Hire Cybersecurity Analysts in Malaysia
Hiring cybersecurity talent in Malaysia is a streamlined process when approached with the right partners and frameworks. With a growing pool of certified professionals and a business-friendly environment, Malaysia offers global employers a reliable path to building high-performing security teams without the overhead of establishing a local entity.
Here’s how companies are successfully hiring cybersecurity analysts in Malaysia, and how FastLaneRecruit supports each step:
1. Use an Employer of Record (EOR)
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that legally employs talent on your behalf. This model allows companies to onboard Malaysian cybersecurity analysts quickly, while the EOR handles:
- Payroll processing
- Tax filings
- Statutory contributions (EPF, SOCSO, EIS)
- Employment contracts and compliance
How FastLaneRecruit Helps:
FastLaneRecruit offers full EOR services across Malaysia, ensuring that your cybersecurity hires are legally compliant, paid on time, and fully supported. Whether you’re hiring one analyst or building a 24/7 SOC team, FastLaneRecruit simplifies onboarding and payroll execution so you can focus on performance, not paperwork.
Example:
A U.S.-based SaaS company uses FastLaneRecruit’s EOR service to hire three Malaysian SOC Analysts. FastLaneRecruit manages contracts, monthly payroll, and local labor compliance all without the client needing to register a Malaysian entity.
Also Read: Why You Should Hire Cloud Engineers in Malaysia
2. Partner with Local Recruiters
Malaysia’s tech talent market is competitive, and working with specialized recruiters helps you access pre-vetted candidates with the right certifications and experience. Recruiters can also advise on market trends, salary expectations, and candidate motivations.
How FastLaneRecruit Helps:
FastLaneRecruit maintains an active network of cybersecurity professionals across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor. With deep expertise in tech hiring, FastLaneRecruit can source candidates for roles such as:
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Cloud Security Specialist
- Compliance & Risk Analyst
Example:
A fintech firm in Singapore partners with FastLaneRecruit to fill a remote Cloud Security Specialist role. Within two weeks, FastLaneRecruit presents three shortlisted candidates with CISSP and AWS Security certifications, ready for interview.
3. Offer Remote Flexibility
Remote and hybrid work models are widely accepted in Malaysia, especially among cybersecurity professionals outside major cities. Offering flexible arrangements can expand your talent pool and improve retention.
Best Practices:
- Provide clear expectations for remote work hours and deliverables
- Use secure collaboration tools (VPN, SIEM dashboards, encrypted messaging)
- Offer stipends for home office setup or internet connectivity
How FastLaneRecruit Helps:
FastLaneRecruit supports remote onboarding, equipment provisioning, and performance tracking for distributed teams. Whether your analysts are based in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, FastLaneRecruit ensures seamless integration into your global operations.
4. Align Compensation with Market Rates
Offering competitive salaries is key to attracting and retaining top cybersecurity talent. Use local benchmarks to structure packages that reflect experience, certifications, and specialization.
Malaysia Salary Benchmarks (2025):
- Entry-Level Analyst: MYR 60,000–90,000
- Mid-Level Analyst: MYR 110,000–140,000
- Senior Analyst: MYR 160,000–180,000
How FastLaneRecruit Helps:
FastLaneRecruit provides up-to-date salary guides and market insights to help you structure offers that are both attractive and sustainable. Packages can include base salary, performance bonuses, training allowances, and flexible benefits.
Also Read: Why Malaysia is Becoming a Hub for Offshore BI Analysts
Example:
A cybersecurity startup uses FastLaneRecruit’s salary benchmarking to offer MYR 130,000 to a mid-level Penetration Tester aligned with market expectations and certified skillsets.
FastLaneRecruit combines local expertise with global execution, making it easier for companies to hire, onboard, and retain cybersecurity analysts in Malaysia. Whether you’re expanding your security operations or building a remote-first team, FastLaneRecruit ensures every hire is compliant, cost-effective, and ready to deliver.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity analysts are indispensable in today’s digital-first world, and their salaries reflect that value across global markets. While the U.S. and Australia offer premium compensation, Malaysia presents a compelling alternative for companies seeking skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you’re building a global SOC team or hiring for compliance-heavy roles, understanding regional salary trends helps you make informed payroll decisions. Malaysia’s cybersecurity talent pool is ready and hiring smart means hiring globally.
Ready to Build a Smarter and Safer Global Team?
Cybersecurity threats don’t wait and neither should your hiring strategy. Whether you’re scaling a remote SOC team or filling compliance-critical roles, FastLaneRecruit makes it easy to hire top-tier cybersecurity analysts in Malaysia and beyond. From salary benchmarking and certified talent sourcing to full payroll and compliance support, FastLaneRecruit is your trusted partner for global hiring done right.
Let’s secure your workforce, affordably, compliantly, and confidently.
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