Data Security Specialist

MHA - Internal Security Department (ISD); Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MHA - Internal Security Department (ISD) in Singapore seeks a data governance professional to strengthen data security and compliance across the organisation. You will join the Data and AI Governance unit and collaborate with data security experts to shape policy, risk assessment, and data strategy.

You will conduct risk assessments, implement controls, manage user access, monitor data usage, and advise on IM8 practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Engineering or related fields.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, ISO 27001 are preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum 5 years in data security, cybersecurity, data governance, IT governance or related fields.
• Experience implementing or operationalising data security tools.
• Familiarity with IM8 on data management and cybersecurity principles is advantageous.
• Strong ability to write and leverage data audit and analytical tools to inform insights.
• Able to communicate complex data security topics to both technical and business audiences.
• Applicants keen to build a career in data security are welcome; Singaporeans only.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular data security risk assessments across diverse business scenarios.
• Design and implement data security controls to protect sensitive information.
• Oversee user access management to ensure proper permissions.
• Monitor data usage to ensure confidentiality and alignment with requirements.
• Lead investigations and responses to data security incidents to mitigate risk.
• Maintain security documentation and operating procedures for compliance.

Skills

data governance

stakeholder communication

presenting to leaders

data audit tools

Education

Degree in Information Systems or Computer Science or Data Engineering

CISSP / CISM / CRISC / ISO27001 (preferred)

Job description

What the role is:

The Internal Security Department (ISD) confronts and addresses threats to Singapore's internal security and stability. For over 75 years, ISD and its predecessor organisations have played a central role in countering threats such as those posed by foreign subversive elements, spies, racial and religious extremists, and terrorists. A fulfilling and rewarding career awaits those who want to join in ISD's critical mission of keeping Singapore safe, secure and sovereign for all Singaporeans. Data is integral to ISD's operations. As the use of data and analytics grows, having a vigorous data security and management regime becomes even more essential to enable secure data operations. You will join the Data and AI Governance unit that reports to the Chief Data Officer (CDO), where you will work together with like-minded data governance professionals and data security experts. Depending on your interests and aptitude, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain valuable experience in a broad spectrum of data-related roles, ranging from Data and AI policy formulation, security risk consultancy, data asset management and data strategy development. You will also work with cross-functional teams to offer guidance on data security, compliance and risks as we continue to leverage data, analytics and AI to bolster our operational effectiveness.

What you will be working on:

• Conduct regular data security risk assessments across diverse business scenarios to safeguard data integrity and ensure strict confidentiality of corporate data.
• Design and implement data security controls in systems and processes to protect sensitive information against unauthorized access or breaches.
• Oversee user access management processes to ensure permissions for sensitive data are strictly controlled and appropriately granted.
• Monitor ongoing data usage and activities to maintain data confidentiality and ensure alignment with established business requirements.
• Advise cross-functional teams on IM8 and industry data security best practices and compliance standards.
• Lead investigations and responses to data security breaches and incidents to mitigate risk and minimize operational impact.
• Maintain and update security documentation and operating procedures to ensure continuous compliance with evolving regulations and support organizational knowledge management.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging data security technologies for potential implementation to help optimise internal data security operation.
• Work across multiple functions to influence senior stakeholders, and communicate complex data security topics clearly to both technical and business audiences.
• Support Data Governance team for the implementation of the data awareness programme (e.g. training, edm etc) to ensure ISD officers are equipped with the knowledge on proper handling of data in their daily work.

What we are looking for:

• Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Engineering and other related disciplines, or equivalent competencies
• Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Risk and Information Security Control (CRISC), ISO 27001 etc are preferred but not mandatory.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in data security, cybersecurity, data architecture, Data Governance, IT governance, IT auditor, enterprise risk management or related fields is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing or operationalizing data security or security tools within an organization.
• Familiar with IM8 on data management, cybersecurity principles and processes would be an advantage.
• Proficient in writing and leveraging data audit and analytical tools to inform insights.
• Able to work across multiple functions, influencing senior stakeholders, and communicating complex data security topics clearly to both technical and business audiences.
• Skilled in engaging, influencing, and presenting confidently to senior leaders and stakeholders to drive alignment, decisions, and sustained adoption.
• Applicants who are keen to build a career in data security but with no experience are welcome to apply.
• Only Singaporeans need apply.

We wish to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About MHA - Internal Security Department (ISD)

The Internal Security Department (ISD) confronts and addresses threats to Singapore's internal security and stability. For over 75 years, ISD and its predecessor organisations have played a central role in countering threats such as those posed by foreign subversive elements, spies, racial and religious extremists, and terrorists. At the heart of our work are the collection of intelligence that enables us to size up the threats to Singapore’s internal security, and taking the executive actions necessary to overcome those threats. Every day, we collect and analyse intelligence, make impartial assessments, and take decisive action to counter the threats to Singapore’s internal security and stability, and sovereignty.