Maximizing Your Earnings: Cybersecurity Side Hustles Explored
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity Side Hustles
As we approach 2024, it’s time to reflect on our goals and set new intentions for the year ahead. Crafting New Year’s resolutions can serve as a powerful tool for tracking your progress over the coming months. In 2022, my objective was to write regularly on Medium while sharing valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals looking to increase their income. These articles turned out to be the most popular content I produced on the platform!
For more insights, check out my articles below:
- Passive Income in Cyber Security — A How-To Guide
- Passive Income in Cyber Security — Part 2
I aimed to be transparent about the effectiveness of my strategies, ensuring that I only shared what I had personally tested. Now, let's dive into my performance during the latter part of 2022.
Section 1.1: Passive Income from Udemy
Udemy has proven to be an excellent source of passive income for me, particularly with two of my courses focusing on AI governance and PCI DSS. While some of my other courses didn’t perform as well, the success of these two has allowed me to earn a commendable income.
Imagine the possibilities if I had five or six successful courses! If you're interested in exploring this avenue, check out my article on creating an effective Udemy course.
- Passive Income in Cybersecurity 3: Crafting a Great Udemy Course
Section 1.2: Earnings from Medium
Medium has been a platform I frequently discuss due to its potential for brand building and supplementary income. In December, I still made over $300, but my earnings from the Medium Partnership Program (MPP) saw a decline. The reason behind this was quite positive.
Medium helped me secure several writing opportunities that took up most of my time in December. While I can't disclose specific figures, these gigs compensated for any shortfall from the MPP. I often emphasize that Medium is not just a way to earn money; it also drives traffic to your profile for new opportunities.
If you’re interested in freelance tech writing, I recommend reading:
- The Complete Guide to Becoming a Tech Writer in 2023
Chapter 2: Exploring Other Income Streams
Section 2.1: Self-Publishing on KDP
My experience with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has been positive, though not as lucrative as I had hoped for the month of December. This was partly due to my decision not to utilize Amazon Ads, as I'm still learning about their effectiveness. Nevertheless, I launched a new book on Cloud Security that generated around £230 in the last quarter. I plan to focus more on this avenue, as it can be a challenging but rewarding source of side income.
Section 2.2: YouTube Challenges and Opportunities
My relationship with YouTube is quite complex; it's both my least and most productive income source. This year, my channel, Cloud Security Guy, reached over 1,000 subscribers, but unfortunately, my watch hours have not yet met the requirements for monetization.
Despite this, I have a program on Thinkific that assists individuals in obtaining the UK Global Talent Visa. YouTube has been instrumental in driving traffic to this program, resulting in a notable income boost. Though it may not directly relate to cybersecurity, the effort invested in YouTube is worthwhile for 2023!
This video, titled "Cyber Security Side Hustles | Tips and My Income Report," dives into various strategies for generating income in the cybersecurity space.
Section 2.3: Freelancing on Fiverr
Fiverr is another avenue I explored, providing opportunities for income generation, albeit without the passive nature of other methods. The platform requires significant effort, especially in a highly competitive environment. If you receive ten orders, you must invest tenfold in your work to meet client expectations.
For those seeking to thrive on Fiverr, check out my article:
- I Tested FIVERR for Two Months as a Cybersecurity Freelancer: Is the Platform Still Worth It in 2022?
Conclusion: Future Plans and Motivation
In summary, I plan to continue refining these income streams while exploring new opportunities to share in upcoming months. I hope my journey inspires you to recognize the various ways to monetize your cybersecurity expertise. If you’re eager to learn more, don’t hesitate to download my free eBook below.
Taimur Ijlal is an award-winning leader in information security, boasting over 20 years of global experience in cybersecurity and IT risk management. Connect with Taimur on LinkedIn or subscribe to his YouTube channel, “Cloud Security Guy,” for regular updates on Cloud Security, AI, and career advice in cybersecurity. If you're interested in Cybersecurity career coaching, feel free to reach out.