29 Business Ideas For Ethical Hackers [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 29 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)

For ethical hackers, leveraging your deep understanding of security to start a mobile app development business could be a lucrative venture. By integrating top-notch security measures from the ground up, you could develop high-quality, secure apps for a variety of purposes, such as games, productivity tools, or social networking platforms. This approach not only sets your products apart in the market but also taps into the growing demand for secure mobile apps among businesses and consumers alike.

As someone already proficient in technical skills, transitioning to mobile app development allows you to expand your professional repertoire and increase your income. You could even offer specialized services, such as developing secure communication apps or tools that help other businesses safeguard their data. Your unique blend of hacking expertise and app development can attract clients who prioritize security, offering a competitive edge in a crowded market.

Taking your entrepreneurial mindset into the mobile app space means you can capitalize on your existing skills while creating valuable, in-demand products. Moreover, this side business could potentially evolve into a full-fledged company, giving you newfound independence and the ability to scale your operations as demand for secure mobile applications continues to grow.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

Read by 12,488 founders

2. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting an AI-based business could be a lucrative way to leverage your skills while staying cutting-edge. You could develop AI-driven security solutions that proactively identify vulnerabilities and protect against cyber threats, offering businesses a robust layer of defense. Alternatively, you might create intelligent automation tools that simplify complex cybersecurity tasks, allowing companies to operate more efficiently and securely.

The potential goes beyond just security; you could also explore creating AI algorithms that enhance data analysis, providing actionable insights for various industries. Your technical expertise and understanding of system vulnerabilities give you a unique edge in developing innovative solutions that could solve real-world problems and drive technological advancement. With the AI sector rapidly expanding, diving into this field could position you at the forefront of the next major technological wave.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,976 founders

3. Start an email marketing tool ($249K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical expertise to build a highly secure and efficient email marketing tool. With email marketing being one of the most effective channels for generating leads and increasing sales, creating a tool that prioritizes security would set your product apart in a market expected to reach $2.53B by 2028.

The knowledge you have in cybersecurity can help you develop features that other email tools may lack, such as enhanced encryption, phishing detection, and spam filters. This added layer of security will not only attract entrepreneurs and startups but also industries like real estate, which handle sensitive client information and can greatly benefit from a secure communication tool.

By starting an email marketing tool business, you could supplement your income, create additional revenue streams, or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor. Given the booming demand for email marketing solutions, your skillset and focus on security features could make your tool an indispensable resource for businesses looking to safely and effectively reach their audience.

How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,027 founders

4. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of cybersecurity to start a startup instructing business. Many new businesses and startups lack the expertise to protect their digital assets and could benefit immensely from your guidance on how to safeguard their operations from cyber threats. You could offer services such as advising on secure business planning, implementing effective marketing strategies that emphasize cybersecurity, and providing overall direction to ensure their success without compromising data integrity.

To kickstart this venture, identify your areas of cybersecurity expertise and consider focusing on a specific industry that aligns with your strengths. Create a basic website or develop a strong presence on social media platforms to showcase your services and attract potential clients. Offer your expertise at an affordable rate initially to build a solid reputation through satisfied customers and word-of-mouth referrals, eventually growing your side business into a full-fledged enterprise.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 45,987 founders

5. Start a two sided marketplace ($20.3K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your specialized skills to create a two-sided marketplace focused on cybersecurity services. This platform could connect businesses in need of security assessments and vulnerability testing with skilled ethical hackers who can provide those services. Your expertise would ensure the robustness and security of the marketplace itself, fostering trust among both service providers and consumers.

Think of it as an asset for companies who lack an in-house security team, giving them easy access to vetted professionals while providing ethical hackers with consistent work opportunities. The demand for cybersecurity is growing, which means a platform that efficiently matches needs with skills could quickly gain traction. This model offers scalability through network effects, making each additional user on either side add more value to the entire ecosystem.

By solving the significant pain point of finding reliable cybersecurity talent, you create a platform that thrives on trust and expertise. Moreover, your background would allow you to address concerns related to user verification, seamless transactions, and platform optimization effectively. This could be a lucrative side business or even a full-fledged venture, providing a consistent revenue stream as the platform grows.

How much you can make: $100 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How This Uber Driver Created A $270K/Year App For Gig Workers

Muver is a mobile app for gig workers allowing them to multi-app seamlessly between Uber, Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, Lyft, Instacart, and more within a single app with over $270k revenue in the past 12 months.

Read by 4,896 founders

6. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting an email app business could supplement your income by leveraging your technical skills in a growing market. You could develop an application that streamlines email communication with intelligent filtering, prioritization, and AI-driven responses. This approach addresses a real need in our digitally dominated world, offering a platform that's both secure and efficient.

With your understanding of cybersecurity, you could differentiate your app with advanced security features, ensuring users' data is protected. This niche could attract individuals and businesses seeking robust email solutions. Combining your expertise in software development, user interface design, and market research, you could create a product that stands out from established competitors like Gmail and Outlook, capturing a substantial market share.

How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Built Our App From The Back Of A Bus And Grew It To 10,000 Users

Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.

Read by 13,291 founders

7. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting a B2B lead generation service could offer a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a new business venture. Given your expertise in penetration testing and cybersecurity, your unique skill set can set you apart in the lead generation landscape. By applying your analytical prowess, you could develop sophisticated methods to identify high-quality prospects for businesses, while also ensuring data integrity and security—traits highly valued in any industry.

Additionally, your ability to utilize technology tools effectively positions you well to automate and optimize the lead generation process, making it more efficient and reliable. With demand for quality leads consistently high, a B2B lead generation service allows you to build a scalable and constantly needed service. This could make your entrepreneurial journey both financially rewarding and impactful in the business world.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

Read by 10,030 founders

8. Start a micro saas ($82.9K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting a micro-SaaS business offers you a unique opportunity to utilize your expertise in cybersecurity to create targeted solutions for niche markets. You could develop software tools that address specific security vulnerabilities, offer automated penetration testing, or provide continuous monitoring for small-to-medium enterprises that may not have the resources to hire full-time cybersecurity staff. Such specialized software would be invaluable in helping these businesses maintain robust security protocols.

By focusing on a micro-SaaS model, you could gain in-depth knowledge of your customers' specific needs and deliver highly customized solutions to address their unique problems. This approach ensures precision and effectiveness, and fosters a closer relationship with your customer base, making your business indispensable to your clients.

In the process, you'll not only be supplementing your income but could also build a sustainable side business or even transition to running your own company full-time. To achieve this, identify a significant problem in cybersecurity that lacks adequate solutions and develop a software platform that can evolve with your customer feedback and needs.

How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,512 founders

9. Start a niche web design business ($50K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting a niche web design business could be a seamless way to supplement your income and leverage your technical skills. By specializing in creating secure websites for a particular market, such as law firms or financial services, you could offer not only visually appealing and functional websites but also integrate high-level security measures. This dual expertise may set you apart in a competitive market and allow you to position yourself as a niche expert.

Your background in ethical hacking means you inherently possess strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which are crucial in web design. By niching down to a specific industry, you could become a recognized authority, enabling you to charge premium prices for your specialized services. Additionally, your ability to communicate complex security concepts in an accessible manner could further enhance your value to clients, establishing your reputation and leading to more business opportunities.

How much you can make: $200 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Left Silicon Valley And Started A $100K/Month Digital Agency

Never Settle, a digital agency with over 1,000 completed projects and a focus on lean methodology and building relationships with clients, has made a name for itself in the eCommerce space, offering comprehensive solutions to businesses of all sizes while maintaining consistent and moderate growth.

Read by 7,238 founders

10. Start a social media automation business ($148K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop robust and secure social media automation tools. These tools could help businesses and influencers streamline their social media activities, from scheduling posts to automating interactions and analyzing data. Your knowledge of cybersecurity would be a significant asset in ensuring that these automation solutions are safe from vulnerabilities, thus adding a unique selling point to your services.

Given the rising demand for efficient social media management, you could tap into a growing market and offer customized, secure solutions that save time and enhance online presence for your clients. This venture could serve as a supplemental income stream or evolve into a full-fledged business, allowing you to blend your passion for technology with entrepreneurial endeavors.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,167 founders

11. Start a consulting business ($104K/month)

Starting a consulting business could be an excellent opportunity for you as an ethical hacker to monetize your specialized skills in a burgeoning industry. With the global consulting industry valued at about $250 billion and witnessing year-over-year growth, there's a significant demand for expert advice on cybersecurity, risk management, and vulnerability assessment. You could offer your clients valuable insights and strategies to protect their digital assets while benefiting from the thriving market.

By leveraging your expertise in ethical hacking, you could assist organizations in identifying and mitigating potential security threats, leading to better protection against cyber-attacks. Whether as a side business or a full-time venture, consulting allows you to work with various clients across different sectors, thereby diversifying your income streams. Reading about the entrepreneurial journeys of established industry experts could offer you the guidance needed to successfully launch and grow your consulting business.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $45K/Month Cybersecurity Consulting Firm For Startups

Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.

Read by 35,770 founders

12. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your skills in data analysis and digital marketing to launch a successful lead generation service. By identifying and attracting potential customers for businesses, you would be directly contributing to their growth and success. Your ability to analyze patterns and trends online will help create targeted strategies and campaigns that capture high-quality leads.

In today's competitive digital landscape, businesses are in desperate need of effective lead generation to sustain their growth. By starting a lead generation service, you could offer tremendous value by providing a steady stream of potential clients. This entrepreneurial venture not only supplements your income but also positions you as a critical asset in the sales pipeline of various businesses.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $20K/Month Digital Marketing Services Company

Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.

Read by 5,521 founders

13. Start a business communications software ($1.73M/month)

As an ethical hacker with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a business communications software venture could be a highly lucrative and impactful opportunity. Leveraging your technical acumen, you could design and develop state-of-the-art tools that facilitate seamless communication within and between companies, significantly enhancing their workflows and productivity.

In today's technology-driven and remote work-centric landscape, the demand for efficient, secure, and user-friendly communication software is immense. By creating solutions that bridge communication gaps and foster collaboration, you could help businesses streamline their processes and increase profitability. This uncharted and dynamic field presents numerous untapped opportunities, placing you at the forefront of shaping the communication tools of the future.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.

Read by 8,208 founders

14. Start an user feedback app ($31.4K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop a user feedback app, tapping into the growing market for real-time customer insights. This platform would help businesses gather, organize, and analyze feedback seamlessly, offering them actionable data to enhance their products and services without interrupting user experiences.

Creating a user feedback app would utilize your skills in software development, data analysis, and user experience design, making it a natural fit for your background. By providing a service that offers recurring revenue through subscription models, you could build a sustainable side business—or even a full-fledged company—while directly addressing the needs and preferences of customers.

Furthermore, this venture could enrich your ethical hacking career by diversifying your skill set and expanding your professional network within the tech community. The potential for significant payoff lies in the critical insights your app would provide to businesses, enabling them to make smarter decisions and secure a stronger market position.

How much you can make: $100 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Created A Conversion Rate Optimization Software And Landed The #1 On Product Hunt

Conversion Crimes is a software with a service geared towards small businesses and agencies to help them with conversion rate optimization and user experience, which recorded just shy of $10k in its first month after launching in September 2020.

Read by 7,921 founders

15. Start a video production company ($166K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting a video production company could provide a unique opportunity to diversify your income streams by tapping into the growing demand for high-quality video content. Your technical expertise and attention to detail can be valuable assets when handling the complex equipment and software used in video production.

You could create videos tailored for cybersecurity awareness, online ads promoting privacy tools, or even comprehensive employee training videos on best security practices. Leveraging your knowledge in cybersecurity, you could offer a specialized service creating secure and engaging content for tech companies and other industries that require a keen focus on information security. This venture not only complements your existing skills but also opens up new business avenues, enabling you to explore your creative side while still contributing to the tech community.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 72 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Video Production Company From My Bedroom in LA

Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.

Read by 18,283 founders

16. Start an online payment service ($1.16M/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your expertise in cybersecurity to start an online payment service, ensuring robust security measures and a trustworthy platform for clients. By developing a solution that processes various payment types such as debit cards, credit cards, and cash cards, you would cater to diverse business needs. Your knowledge in ethical hacking would be instrumental in creating a fortified system, potentially attracting merchants who prioritize secure transactions.

Launching an online payment service offers the prospect of financial freedom through passive income. The platform could charge convenience fees to stores and service providers for using the service, generating a steady revenue stream for you. Given your background, you could highlight the heightened security features of your platform, gaining a competitive edge in the market and increasing your platform's adoption rate.

How much you can make: $2,200 — $5,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

I Bootstrapped A $60M/Year Global Payroll Solution

Transformify, a global payroll and payments platform for international contractors, achieved 650% revenue growth in 2021 and reached profitability in 2019, offering social impact programs for various vulnerable groups, vendor management systems for temporary workforce management, and an AI-driven applicant tracking system to help job seekers switch careers amid Covid-19 outbreak.

Read by 7,772 founders

17. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your expertise in security and systems management by developing cloud management software. This software would help businesses manage their cloud resources efficiently, ensuring data storage, security compliance, and optimal performance. By focusing on security features, you could offer unique value, addressing the critical need for secure and compliant cloud environments.

The market potential for cloud management tools is vast, spanning various industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail. This venture would allow you to utilize your technical skills in a high-demand field, solving complex problems for businesses transitioning to the cloud. Embracing this opportunity could supplement your income or serve as a lucrative side business, combining your passion for cybersecurity with the growing need for advanced cloud solutions.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Partnered With Salesforce To Develop A $330K/Month Laboratory Information Management SaaS

Third Wave Analytics developed the world's first cloud-based and customizable LIMS platform on Salesforce, generating $330k monthly revenue from clients such as Ohio State University and Boston University School of Medicine while partnering with the University of California-Berkeley for a COVID-19 study; founder Savitra Sharma advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on clear objectives to meet their goals.

Read by 8,111 founders

18. Start an ecommerce management software ($603K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop a robust, secure ecommerce management software, addressing the crucial need for safety and efficiency in online retail. An understanding of security vulnerabilities will allow you to create a platform that not only streamlines tasks like inventory tracking, order processing, and customer relationship management but also ensures the protection of sensitive data, thereby distinguishing your product in a competitive market.

Given the increasing reliance on online sales, smart and intuitive ecommerce solutions that save time and reduce errors are in high demand. Whether catering to small businesses or larger enterprises, developing such software could open up significant entrepreneurial opportunities, offering both financial rewards and the chance to make a tangible impact in the world of ecommerce. If you're looking to start a side business or even a full-time venture, this could be a promising avenue to explore.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,343 founders

19. Start a google display ads consulting business ($1.43M/month)

As an ethical hacker, leveraging your knowledge of digital landscapes and cybersecurity to start a Google Display Ads consulting business could be a lucrative side hustle or full-time venture. By utilizing your deep understanding of online behavior and your analytical skills, you could guide businesses in creating, managing, and optimizing their ad campaigns to effectively target their desired audiences.

Your expertise in identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security protocols could also be invaluable in ensuring the safe and effective use of display ads, which is a significant concern for many businesses today. With Google Display Ads being a constantly evolving field, keeping up with the latest trends and updates could make you an indispensable asset to your clients. This business offers flexibility, allowing you to start with a manageable number of clients and expand as you gain more experience and demand increases, making it an ideal pursuit for entrepreneurial-minded individuals in the cybersecurity field.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $8,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $850 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Disrupted The Ad Industry And Grew My Business To $20M/Year

MonetizeMore founder and CEO shares his success story of growing his ad optimization business to over $20M in annual revenues by focusing on the offering that delivered the best results, using content marketing for lead generation, and establishing strategic partnerships with complimentary businesses.

Read by 21,850 founders

20. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting a data mining and analytics tools business could align perfectly with your skill set. You could use your expertise in cybersecurity to develop robust software that extracts, processes, and analyzes vast amounts of data, turning raw information into actionable insights for industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail.

The skyrocketing demand for data-driven decision-making presents a lucrative market for innovative analytics solutions. By providing businesses with the intelligence they need to make better strategic decisions, you could play a pivotal role in driving industry transformations and pioneering their success.

In essence, this venture combines your technical skills with a strategic understanding of market needs. It offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,397 founders

21. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

If you're an ethical hacker with a knack for analyzing data and strong communication skills, starting a customer intelligence analytics business could be a lucrative side venture or even a full-time business. By leveraging your ability to understand complex datasets, you could help businesses make better decisions, improve customer interactions, and ultimately drive more revenue.

This business model is in high demand, as all types of businesses—from small startups to large enterprises—require insights into their customer base. Companies like Verint Systems Inc have shown the profitability of this field, generating $1.3 billion in revenue in 2022 by turning customer interactions into valuable insights.

With a customer intelligence analytics business, you could position yourself as an essential resource for businesses looking to refine their marketing strategies and enhance customer satisfaction. Your unique skills as an ethical hacker would give you an edge in identifying and securing sensitive data, adding an extra layer of trust and reliability for your clients.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Read by 10,903 founders

22. Start a marketing and sales business ($92K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your analytical skills, technical knowledge, and understanding of digital landscapes to start a marketing and sales business. Your insights into cybersecurity can also be a unique selling point, providing clients with not just marketing strategies but secure, data-driven solutions that protect customer information.

You could specialize in crafting tailored marketing campaigns, deploying effective sales techniques, and using digital tools to generate leads and drive conversions. By understanding client needs and identifying the most potent opportunities, you’ll provide immense value to businesses looking to elevate their brand.

Given the constant evolution of digital marketing, your expertise is always in demand. This venture could offer a lucrative side business or a new career path that capitalizes on the growing need for secure, strategic marketing solutions.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.

Read by 8,888 founders

23. Start a project management tool ($162K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical skills and cybersecurity expertise to develop a project management tool that prioritizes secure collaboration and data integrity. Your deep understanding of potential security threats gives you a unique edge in creating a tool that not only streamlines project workflows but also safeguards sensitive project information against cyber attacks.

By incorporating essential features like task lists, Gantt charts, and time tracking, along with advanced security measures, you could offer a comprehensive solution tailored for teams that handle sensitive data. Utilizing a software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription model, you could tap into a recurring revenue stream, providing consistent income while helping organizations enhance their efficiency and security simultaneously.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $830,000/month

How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 11,998 founders

24. Build a chrome extension ($72.8K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your programming and coding skills to develop a Chrome extension that addresses specific security concerns, such as data protection or system vulnerabilities. By creating a tool that enhances user security or mitigates common threats, you could fill a niche market and help users protect their online activities more effectively.

You could monetize the extension through sales on the Chrome Web Store or offer it for free with advertising. This venture not only supplements your income but also positions you as an expert in cybersecurity, potentially attracting consulting opportunities or other business ventures in the future.

Creating a Chrome extension allows you to showcase your technical prowess and entrepreneurial spirit, making it a powerful way to turn your ethical hacking skills into a viable side business or even a full-time endeavor.

How much you can make: $10 — $450,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 21 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.

Read by 39,152 founders

25. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

As an ethical hacker, starting a content marketing business could provide you with an exciting avenue to share your cybersecurity expertise while supplementing your income. By creating and distributing relevant, helpful content, you could attract businesses looking to enhance their security posture — an area where your skills and knowledge would be invaluable. With the high demand for content marketing services leading to 67% more leads for businesses with a solid strategy, your insights could be highly sought after.

Leveraging your understanding of SEO and social media, you could effectively reach your target audience, positioning yourself and your brand as thought leaders in cybersecurity. Hiring content creators to help you develop and distribute valuable content would allow you to focus on strategic planning and ensure that the material is both engaging and informative. Whether it's through blog posts, whitepapers, or video tutorials, your content could play a crucial role in aiding organizations to stay secure.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,771 founders

26. Start a sms marketing business ($193K/month)

As an ethical hacker, your deep understanding of cybersecurity could uniquely position you to offer a secure and robust SMS marketing service. Considering the high demand and effectiveness of SMS marketing, you could leverage this knowledge to ensure that your clients' promotional campaigns and transactional messages are not only effective but also compliant with privacy standards and protected against potential threats. This added value can set you apart in a competitive market, driving higher client trust and loyalty.

With 85% of adults in the US owning a smartphone, SMS marketing offers a direct and immediate connection to potential customers. You could tap into this opportunity by providing personalized promotions, discounts, remarketing campaigns, and online surveys, all while guaranteeing the security of sensitive customer data. Given that around 55% of US retailers plan to increase their investments in SMS marketing, your background in ethical hacking ensures that the solutions you offer will be both high-impact and secure, appealing to businesses looking for reliable marketing platforms.

By starting an SMS marketing business, you could offer services on a one-off purchase or long-term subscription basis, providing flexibility and scalability to your clients. Your technical expertise could enable you to build a platform from the ground up or enhance existing ones, ensuring they are resilient against cyber threats. This approach not only supplements your income but also allows you to apply your cybersecurity skills in a thriving market.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 11,998 founders

27. Start a customized food ordering app business ($51.5K/month)

As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical skills to start a customized food ordering app business, merging your expertise in cybersecurity with the growing demand for personalized dining experiences. Imagine developing an app that knows exactly what your users like to eat and how they like it, offering tailored meal options based on dietary needs and flavor profiles. This blend of technology and culinary art transforms meal planning into a personalized experience, right from the palm of their hand.

Creating this platform would involve collaborating with local restaurants, ensuring seamless delivery logistics, and, importantly, developing secure, user-friendly software to protect customer data. Your background in ethical hacking positions you uniquely to build a robust, secure application that gains users' trust while providing them with a convenient and customized food ordering experience. If you’re passionate about both technology and food, this entrepreneurial venture could offer a fulfilling way to supplement your income or even become a primary business.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How We Created A $1M/Month Meal Prep Software

Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.

Read by 10,919 founders

28. Start an education consulting business

As an ethical hacker, starting an education consulting business could be a highly rewarding way to supplement your income and leverage your expertise. You could advise educational institutions on integrating cybersecurity into their curricula, ensuring that students are well-versed in the critical skills needed to protect digital infrastructure. Additionally, you could offer workshops and seminars for teachers and students, educating them on best practices in cybersecurity.

This venture could also involve helping schools implement effective cybersecurity policies or guiding students interested in a career in ethical hacking through the college admissions process. The demand for tailored educational solutions in this rapidly evolving tech landscape is ever-growing, providing you with ample opportunities to make a significant impact. By tapping into your unique skill set, you could build a fulfilling side business that not only generates extra income but also elevates educational standards in cybersecurity.

How much you can make: $50/month

How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)

How long does it take to build: 29 days (?)

On Launching An Online Course With Career Strategies For College Students

G7 Education offers online courses and in-person classes focused on career development, with a focus on cybersecurity and cloud computing, and has been profitable at $50 a month, thanks to customer obsession and a free learning management system.

Read by 3,805 founders

29. Start an ecommerce brand ($79.9K/month)

As an ethical hacker, venturing into the ecommerce realm offers a tantalizing blend of technical skill and entrepreneurial spirit. You could leverage your cybersecurity expertise to create a unique selling proposition, such as offering a line of secure, privacy-focused tech accessories or software. Your deep understanding of online security could also assure customers that their data is safe, giving your brand a competitive edge.

In addition to your technical knowledge, your problem-solving skills would be invaluable in tackling the various challenges of running an ecommerce business. From setting up a secure and user-friendly online store to managing inventory and developing effective marketing strategies, your analytical mindset can drive efficiency and innovation. By building a trusted brand, you could supplement your income, make extra money, or even pivot to a full-time venture, all while maintaining the digital integrity you value.

How much you can make: $450 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Turned A $5K Investment Into A $7.2M Apparel Brand

This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.