Cybersecurity researcher · Lead penetration tester · Module instructor
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · zaid.ahmad@apu.edu.my · LinkedIn (opens in a new tab)
I work across vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, digital forensics, and research into the human dimension of cyberattacks. I’m pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity at Asia Pacific University, studying repeated phishing victimization and preventive strategies.
APU Forensics & Cybersecurity Research Centre · January 2024–present
I lead a team through assessment scoping, testing, and remediation planning across web applications, enterprise systems, and cloud environments.
Asia Pacific University · Jul 2024–Present
Research on phishing victimization, cyber awareness, and preventive strategies. Co-authored work published in IEEE and the Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine.
Asia Pacific University · Aug 2024–Present
Design and deliver cybersecurity modules to master’s and undergraduate students.
Virtually Testing Foundation · May 2022–April 2023
I progressed from security engineering into program coordination and management, helping organise training, onboarding, and security work for an international cohort of interns.
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Intern, Cyber Secured · March–June 2022.
Research Intern, SISTMR Australia · October 2021–January 2022.
PhD in Cybersecurity, Asia Pacific University · July 2024–present.
M.Sc. in Cybersecurity, Asia Pacific University · March 2023–March 2024.
B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering and Technology · June 2018–July 2022.
Research into the psychological factors and everyday digital behaviours associated with repeated phishing victimization.
View paper on IEEE Xplore (opens in a new tab)Co-authored work on an e-learning framework that combines education and entertainment for primary STEM learning.
View paper on IEEE Xplore (opens in a new tab)A co-authored examination of social engineering and a conceptual framework for cybersecurity awareness. Published in the Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine, starting on page 90.
Read the journal issue (opens in a new tab)An early research paper examining well-known cyberattacks, including WannaCry, the Estonia attacks, and the Sony Pictures breach, as material for security education.
Read full paper (opens in a new tab)Public summary updated 2026-09-14. Full professional details are available on request.