Passive Income Ideas For Cybersecurity Analysts [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a cybersecurity analyst in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a cybersecurity analyst today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.

For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a cybersecurity analyst.

Here's the full list:

1. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, starting a podcast could be a fantastic way to share your expertise and insights with a broader audience while supplementing your income. You could discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity, share tips on protecting against cyber threats, and interview industry experts. This could attract a dedicated following of listeners who are keen on staying updated and learning from someone in the field.

You would need some basic equipment like a microphone and headphones, and choose a niche within cybersecurity that you’re passionate about. By promoting your podcast through social media and online communities, you could build an audience and eventually attract sponsors or advertisers interested in reaching your specific listener base.

In addition to growing your personal brand, a podcast could offer opportunities for networking and collaboration, further enriching your career. It's a simple yet effective way to turn your expertise into passive income while continuing to work in your profession.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,203 founders

2. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, starting an online course sales business could be a great way to earn extra income by sharing your expertise. You could create courses that teach people the fundamentals of cybersecurity, offer training on specific tools and techniques, or provide advanced knowledge for those looking to deepen their understanding of the field. By doing so, you'd not only help others gain valuable skills but also tap into a growing e-learning market that's projected to be worth over $645 billion in the near future.

Creating an online course can be done with relatively low startup costs. Many platforms available today make it straightforward to design and sell courses. Once your course is up and running, it can generate passive income as learners continue to enroll and benefit from your knowledge over time. This approach allows you to leverage your professional expertise outside your day-to-day job, providing a steady stream of income with the potential for significant financial upside.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,038 founders

3. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you could tap into the world of AI writing tools as a way to supplement your income. Given your technical expertise, you could develop or contribute to an AI writing tool that generates high-quality, error-free content quickly. This tool could aid businesses, bloggers, and students in their writing tasks, thereby offering a valuable service.

Creating an AI writing tool makes sense for you because it leverages your understanding of software, algorithms, and data security. Your skill set uniquely positions you to ensure the tool is not only efficient but also secure from cyber threats. This could be a side hustle that aligns well with your current profession while providing a steady stream of passive income.

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

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.

Read by 6,767 founders

4. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, starting an AI-based business solution could be a practical way to supplement your income. You could leverage your analytical skills to identify vulnerabilities and optimize security processes using AI. This could help businesses enhance their cybersecurity measures, which is increasingly critical in today's digital landscape.

Moreover, AI tools can automate repetitive tasks and analyze large datasets efficiently, which means less manual work and more time for strategic decision-making. Even if you don't have a background in AI, many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive support to get you started. Given the growing demand for AI solutions, you could potentially tap into a lucrative market while providing valuable services to businesses looking to improve their operations.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,998 founders

5. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business. By developing tools that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could help businesses and influencers save time and increase their social media presence.

Given the growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a high demand for automation services. Your background in cybersecurity could give you an edge in creating secure and reliable automation solutions, making you a trusted partner for clients looking to enhance their online visibility. Plus, once set up, many aspects of this business can run on autopilot, providing you with a source of passive income.

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 15,250 founders

6. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a lead generation tool that helps businesses find potential customers. By creating a software application or platform that identifies and captures customer leads, you could automate the time-consuming process of finding new clients, giving companies more time to focus on converting those leads into sales.

Your tool could integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation solutions, businesses would be eager to use a tool that streamlines their marketing efforts and helps them grow their customer base. This could be a profitable venture for anyone with a tech background like yours.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

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 8,923 founders

7. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you could leverage your expertise to develop a mobile app that addresses security concerns, such as a tool for secure communication or a password manager. Your unique insights into vulnerabilities and protective measures give you an edge in creating an app that is both innovative and useful.

With some basic coding knowledge or by collaborating with a developer, you could work on designing an intuitive user interface and ensuring the app's functionality. Considering the increasing importance of online security in everyday life, a well-designed app in this niche has the potential to attract a large user base, leading to substantial passive income through downloads and premium features.

By combining your professional skills with a clear vision and effective marketing, your app could stand out in the crowded market and become a reliable source of extra income.

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

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

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

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Read by 11,017 founders

8. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a great way to supplement your income. Your expertise in security allows you to identify common vulnerabilities and issues that website owners face. By developing plugins that address these security needs, you could offer valuable solutions that help protect websites from threats.

You could sell these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, on your own blog, or even create a separate website dedicated to your products. Not only would this generate passive income, but it would also allow you to leverage your existing skills and knowledge in a new, profitable way.

How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.

Read by 18,985 founders

9. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent way for a cybersecurity analyst to supplement their income. By promoting products and services that align with your expertise and interests, such as cybersecurity software and hardware, you could earn commissions for each sale made through your marketing efforts. This approach allows you to leverage your industry knowledge to select credible products that resonate with your audience.

To get started, you could research and partner with eCommerce stores or manufacturers specializing in cybersecurity products. Promoting these products through a blog, social media, or an email newsletter could build a steady stream of passive income over time. As you gain more experience, your audience will likely grow, increasing your earning potential exponentially.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

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

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

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10. Make passive income with a cold email service business ($170K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, starting a cold email service business could be a significant opportunity for you. Given your familiarity with analyzing data and understanding digital ecosystems, you could leverage those skills to craft and send targeted email campaigns on behalf of businesses. By researching client needs and prospective audiences, you could create compelling messages that resonate and drive engagement.

Your technical skills will come in handy when tracking metrics like open rates and conversions, allowing you to refine your strategies for better results. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, you could start with small businesses in need of lead generation and gradually expand your client base as you build a portfolio of success stories. This venture not only supplements your income but also taps into a consistent demand for effective email marketing services.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)

How I Launched A $200K/Month Gmail Mail Merge Tool

GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.

Read by 13,715 founders

11. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you could leverage your specialized knowledge to create a niche website focused on cybersecurity topics. This website could offer tips, tutorials, and analysis on the latest trends and threats in the field, helping both beginners and seasoned professionals stay informed and protected. With your expertise, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in this critical and ever-evolving subject.

Monetization options could include affiliate marketing of cybersecurity tools, ad placements, or even selling your own digital products like e-books or online courses. By investing time in quality content and SEO, you could drive significant traffic to your site, eventually making it a reliable source of passive income.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

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

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,620 founders

12. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be a fantastic way for a cybersecurity analyst to supplement their income by sharing their specialized knowledge and insights. By focusing on areas such as data protection tips, the latest threats, cybersecurity tools, or industry news, you could engage with a passionate community interested in cybersecurity.

You could create content such as how-to guides, top product lists, and commentary on recent cybersecurity events. As your blog gains visibility, you could monetize it through affiliate links, brand collaborations, or even paid speaking engagements.

Building a following might also open other opportunities like growing a YouTube channel where you can provide video tutorials or interviews with industry experts. By consistently creating valuable content and interacting with your audience, you could turn your blog into a steady source of passive income.

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

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

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

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

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13. Make passive income with an online survey tool ($304K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you could leverage your technical expertise to create a secure and reliable online survey tool. By developing a platform that ensures data privacy and protection, you could address a significant concern for businesses when collecting customer feedback. This way, your unique background in cybersecurity becomes a valuable selling point for your online survey tool, differentiating it from others on the market.

The growing demand for data collection means many businesses are looking for efficient ways to gather insights from their customers. With your knowledge of data protection and system integrity, you could build a user-friendly survey builder, data collection tool, and reporting system, all while keeping user data secure. An online survey tool could become a steady source of passive income as more companies prioritize customer feedback while ensuring the highest security standards.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

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

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

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Read by 12,019 founders

14. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

As a cybersecurity analyst, starting a YouTube channel could be a great way to supplement your income by sharing your expertise in an accessible format. You could create content on topics like best practices for online security, how-to guides on using cybersecurity tools, or even tips on how to start a career in cybersecurity. This type of content would be valuable to both professionals in the field and individuals looking to protect their personal data.

Earning potential could come from ad revenue, sponsorships, and possibly even selling merchandise like branded gear or digital products. Since people are always eager to learn how to stay safe online, your channel could attract a dedicated audience wanting trustworthy and knowledgeable advice.

While building a successful channel requires consistent effort in planning, creating, and promoting your videos, the reward could make it worthwhile. With your existing knowledge and passion for cybersecurity, a YouTube channel could be an effective way to leverage your skills for extra income.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

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

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

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meet the author
Pat Walls