The 10 Best Cyber Security Side Hustles To Start In 2024

Boost your income with these profitable cybersecurity gigs

Because of the digital interconnection of our world and technical breakthroughs over the past few decades, the landscape of digital threats has fundamentally changed.

With our growing reliance on digital technology for essential infrastructure, communication, and commerce, it’s the perfect time to start a cyber security side hustle.

The threat landscape has become more sophisticated and complicated, requiring dedicated professionals to monitor and address threats to people, institutions, and governments.

The 10 Best Cyber Security Side Hustles To Start In 2024

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, the demand for cybersecurity professionals grows exponentially, providing you with the perfect opportunity to earn extra income.

Cybersecurity trends are evolving in tandem with technological advancements, especially given the rise in ransomware attacks, hacking, and data breaches.

If you have the cybersecurity knowledge and experience to offer companies thorough data protection, you may even be able to replace your current 9-to-5 job.

Here’s a curated list of the best cybersecurity side hustles you can start in 2024 and how much you can earn:

10. Cybersecurity Trading

Cybersecurity trading involves investing in cybersecurity-related stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other financial instruments, capitalizing on the growing demand for security solutions in the cybersecurity industry.

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused a sharp increase in spending on cybersecurity due to the higher number of people shopping and working online.

With the increasing importance of cloud computing and remote work, organizations are also facing new and more sophisticated security challenges.

Because of the high demand for next-generation security software, some cybersecurity equities saw exceptional performance in 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, a bear market destroyed some of the most gig economy stocks, but cybersecurity made a comeback in 2023.

This presents a massive opportunity for the next ten years, as the sector continues to be a top investment target.

Cybersecurity trading involves investing in cybersecurity-related stocks, cryptocurrencies, or financial instruments, including some of the biggest gig economy companies on the NADQ.

A few of the companies that are doing well with growing revenues and continued expansion include:

• CROWDSTRIKE HOLDINGS (NASDAQ: CRWD): CrowdStrike is a leading force in the cybersecurity industry and is recognized as a pioneer in the lucrative endpoint security solutions market. They are a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange with a market capitalization of $71.1 billion as per MarketWatch in June 2024.
• ZSCALER (NASDAQ: ZS): A leading provider of cloud-based security solutions, Zscaler offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to protect businesses in today's ever-evolving digital landscape. With a market capitalization of $25.9 billion, Zscaler is a significant player in the cybersecurity industry.
• OKTA (NASDAQ: OKTA): Specializing in cloud-based identity and access management (IAM), Okta empowers organizations to manage and secure user access to critical applications and data. With a market capitalization of $15.7 billion, Okta is a key player in the IAM market.
• SENTINELONE (NYSE:S): A recent entrant to the cybersecurity market, SentinelOne offers endpoint protection solutions designed to combat advanced threats. This publicly traded company, often compared to established players like CrowdStrike, currently boasts a market capitalization of $6.4 billion.
• PALO ALTO NETWORKS (NYSE: PANW): As the largest independent cybersecurity company by total annual sales, Palo Alto Networks offers a wide range of enterprise security solutions. With a market capitalization of $90.8 billion, Palo Alto Networks is a dominant force in the industry.
• FORTINET (NASDAQ: FTNT): Renowned for its best-in-class hardware for data center security, Fortinet provides a comprehensive security portfolio designed to protect critical infrastructure. This large security company boasts a market capitalization of $48.9 billion as of June 2024.
• DATADOG (NASDAQ: DDOG): Focused on cloud-based security, Datadog offers a platform specifically designed to collect, monitor, and analyze data from cloud operations, providing valuable insights for securing cloud environments. With a market capitalization of $41.5 billion, Datadog is a key player in the cloud security space.
• AKAMAI (NASDAQ: AKAM): A major player in the internet infrastructure landscape, Akamai also provides secure web content delivery solutions. With a market capitalization of $15.3 billion, Akamai plays a crucial role in safeguarding online interactions.

After researching and investing in cybersecurity companies, you will monitor gig economy trends while managing your investment portfolio and profiting from this crucial market.

Your cyber security side hustle earnings will depend on the size of your investment and your skill in choosing the right stocks.

9. Creating An Online Course

The market for developing and selling online courses on cyber security topics is enormous, and companies are desperate to keep up to date on cybersecurity threats.

According to IBM's 2023 research, the typical data breach cost was $4.45 million, and only one in three company’s own security teams discovered the threat.

82% of data breaches involved cloud-based storage; while prompt detection and control reduced the impact, it cost $1 million more if attackers informed companies themselves.

The threat of cyber security breaches can be mitigated by regular staff training, making course creation a profitable and worthwhile side hustle.

You must design the course content, create marketing materials, engage with management and staff, and update courses with the latest trends and information security practices.

Developing and selling online courses on cybersecurity topics allows you to share valuable knowledge with those looking to enhance their cyberdefense skills.

To be successful, you need to get the support of key executives and then analyze the potential threats to which a business is exposed.

Your course can be presented in person or via an online gig economy platform like Skool, Teachable, Udemy, or Skillshare.

With the growing emphasis on remote learning and continuing education, online courses have become a staple for professional development.

The scalability of a cyber security side hustle lies in its ability to reach a global audience while earning between $500 and $1500 per attendee.

8. Public Speaking

Cybersecurity experts engage in public speaking engagements, conferences, or seminars, sharing insights and knowledge on cybersecurity trends, security vulnerabilities, and best practices.

However, there is more to becoming a sought-after cybersecurity speaker than just giving engaging speeches or demonstrating your cybersecurity knowledge.

You need to be able to inspire, inform, and spark change in your audience, and that comes with practice and keeping up with current trends.

You can start with smaller local events like small business networks and work your way up to becoming more well-known.

You can take advantage of speaking engagements at conferences, workshops, and meetings with the goal of successfully interacting with the audience.

Every chance you get to impart knowledge, speak online or appear on radio, you'll develop more authority and credibility in the industry.

Your reputation and impact will inevitably rise if you concentrate on providing participants with concrete takeaways and little-known insights.

Once you are experienced and have a recognizable public profile, you can secure gigs at cybersecurity events like DEF CON or Black Hat.

Expect to earn anything between $2,000 and $20,000 for a speaking event, based on your profile and the size of the crowd attending.

Your key responsibilities include preparing the presentation, speaking at events, networking with other professionals, and staying updated on the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape.

7. Cybersecurity Writing

Cybersecurity writers produce content such as articles, blog posts, and whitepapers on various cybersecurity topics, educating and informing readers about security issues and solutions.

There are multiple avenues to earn money as a cybersecurity writer, including creating your own blog, writing scripts for YouTube, or ghostwriting articles.

Gig economy platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer lucrative opportunities for you to complete writing projects and gigs for companies globally.

You need to have basic cybersecurity knowledge, an understanding of industry topics and have the ability to research and write informative and engaging content.

To create a freelancer portfolio, you can contribute to online forums and other websites or carve out a niche on Medium or Substack.

Rates vary greatly, and you must be prepared to write for $0,03 to $0,05 per word or $15 per hour before you start earning better amounts.

6. Teaching Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll teach and mentor individuals aspiring to enter the field, providing training on essential skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.

Apart from having years of experience in the IT field, you need to have the skills necessary to develop curriculum and conduct training courses.

While full-time salaries vary between $60,000 and $110,000 per annum, cyber security side hustle income depends on your availability and level of expertise.

You also need to decide how involved you will get in your student’s career, offering career coaching to help them find clients and employers.

Universities and local colleges always look for cyber security professionals to teach classes, but you can launch a course on Coursera or other online platforms.

5. Cybersecurity Freelancing

Freelance cybersecurity professionals may offer services such as network security analysis, incident response, and vulnerability assessments on a contract basis.

A cybersecurity freelancer should have a strong background in IT and a thorough awareness of several cybersecurity principles.

Network security, encryption, threat and vulnerability analysis, ethical hacking, familiarity with industry standards, compliance, and network security implementation are a few examples.

Your cyber security side hustle can earn you $50 to $100 per hour, and you can find clients on gig platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and OfferZen.

Your key responsibilities include finding potential clients, delivering cybersecurity services, managing freelance work, and maintaining a LinkedIn profile to attract more business.

4. Developing An Application

Creating cybersecurity applications or software solutions to address specific security challenges faced by businesses and individuals can be very satisfying.

Skilled professionals include security into an application at every level to provide a secure fintech solution that reduces the chances of a breach.

 While developing a cybersecurity app, you must consider several factors, including what data to store, where to store it, and who will access it.

Cyber security developers can expect hourly rates ranging between $50 and $55, depending on skill, experience level, and software complexity.

3. Auditing Agency

Auditing agencies conduct comprehensive assessments of organizations' cybersecurity measures to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.

These organizations include social media platforms, e-commerce websites, and large multinational companies and their subsidiaries, as well as auditing and accounting firms and retailer organizations.

While these types of companies don’t usually engage freelancers, you can start a side hustle as an auditing agency and pick up larger contracts.

You’ll conduct security audits, identify vulnerabilities, provide recommendations, stay current with cybersecurity industry standards, and ultimately replace your full-time income.

Hourly rates will vary widely based on the size of the company you’re working for and the complexity of the IT infrastructure.

However, you can expect to earn anywhere between $25 per hour and up to several thousand dollars per day based on type of contract.

2. Security Consultancy

Security consultants provide expert advice and guidance to businesses on how to improve their cybersecurity measures, often conducting risk assessments and audits.

If you have great talent and a lot of cybersecurity knowledge, you may work as a consultant and assistant for others while making a good living from this side hustle.

The work involves giving advice to individuals or organizations about potential problems pertaining to their operating systems and other areas.

You need a computer science background for these side hustles, creating security strategies, and implementing solutions to protect against cyber threats.

Websites like Freelancer and Upwork provide jobs for beginners as well as experienced freelancers as companies trust them due to the feedback and financial controls.

Expect to earn around $50 per hour, although many companies set a fee for a project and pay you once you reach set milestones.

1. Ethical Hacking Against Cyber Threats

Ethical hackers help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems by conducting controlled cyber attacks and penetration testing both remotely and on-site.

The good folks of the hacking community are known as ethical hackers, or "white hat" hackers, finding flaws in computer security for organizations worldwide.

They shield a range of companies against hackers with less honorable intentions rather than employing their sophisticated computer skills for evil purposes.

The average rate for ethical hackers is $53 per hour, but you can earn as much $60 based on your skill level and task difficulty.

Where Is the Best Place to Find Side Hustles As Cybersecurity Professionals?

The best freelance marketplaces include Upwork and Fiverr, as they are popular platforms for connecting freelancers with clients safely and securely.

You can list your cybersecurity services, such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, or security awareness training, and clients can hire you directly.

If you want to attract clients, then creating a profile on networking platforms like LinkedIn is sure to raise your profile.

You can join cybersecurity groups and connect with other professionals or company representatives who might need your expertise for short-term projects.

If you are comfortable making cold calls or sending cold emails, you can use a direct approach by contacting small and medium businesses (SMBs).

If you are still struggling, you can get tips for finding jobs on Upwork, as they provide excellent resources for new freelancers.

Summary

In the current environment, it is imperative that companies increase their security measures, and your cyber security side hustle skills will become sought after.

If you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and abilities to offer valuable input, finding a cyber security side hustle is well within your grasp.

Companies need cyber security professionals proficient in protecting their infrastructure, including cloud-based security architecture, data protection, risk assessment, and keeping them updated on current trends.