Passive Income Ideas For Ethical Hackers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a ethical hacker in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a ethical hacker 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 ethical hacker.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could supplement your income by starting an online course sales business. With the ever-growing demand for cybersecurity expertise, you could create valuable courses that teach beginner and intermediate skills in ethical hacking. This not only helps you share your passion and knowledge, but it also taps into a lucrative market where people are eager to learn how to protect their digital environments.
Creating online courses is a flexible way to generate passive income. Once you've developed your course, you can sell it on various e-learning platforms, reaching a wide audience without needing to be actively involved after the initial setup. As the e-learning market is projected to surpass $645 billion in the near future, this could be a solid opportunity to make extra money while doing what you love.
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 (?)
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.
2. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could start an AI-based business solution to capitalize on your cybersecurity expertise and leverage AI to create more efficient and secure systems. Imagine developing AI tools that help businesses automate repetitive security tasks, provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities, and predict cyber threats with impressive accuracy. Companies are increasingly seeking advanced, automated solutions to streamline their security and operational processes, and your skills put you in a prime position to meet this demand.
You don't need to be a tech guru to launch this kind of business—many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and strong support systems to help you get started. By focusing on high-impact areas such as threat detection, data analysis, and system optimization, you could quickly establish yourself in the growing market for AI-driven business solutions. The demand for these technologies is increasing, and with the right plan, you could significantly supplement your income while staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
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.
3. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a lead generation tool that attracts potential customers for businesses. This software application or platform would automate the time-consuming task of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on converting leads into paying customers. By integrating with various digital touchpoints like websites and social media channels, your tool could collect valuable data such as email addresses and phone numbers.
The demand for efficient lead generation is high, making this a lucrative opportunity. With your tech-savvy background and a basic understanding of marketing, you could create a tool that helps businesses streamline their customer acquisition processes. This not only supplements your income but also opens up a new avenue for passive earnings by selling subscriptions or licenses for your lead generation software.
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 (?)
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.
4. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical skills to create a mobile app that addresses security issues or helps users protect their online privacy. Your knowledge of system vulnerabilities and cyber threats provides a unique perspective in designing an app to safeguard users' digital lives. Whether it's a password manager, a secure communication tool, or an app that educates users about cyber hygiene, the possibilities are vast.
Developing a mobile app requires a clear vision, basic coding skills, or the ability to outsource development. You’ll need to focus on creating an intuitive user interface, ensuring robust security features, and thoroughly testing the app for bugs and vulnerabilities. Once launched, effective marketing is key to attracting users and generating downloads, which can provide a steady stream of passive income over time.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
5. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your expertise by creating a niche website focused on cybersecurity education, tools, and news. This platform would cater to an audience interested in hacking techniques, certifications, and best practices, offering you a chance to share your insights and build a loyal following.
You could monetize your site through various channels, such as affiliate marketing for cybersecurity tools, ad placements, or selling your own e-books and online courses. Over time, with consistent effort in content creation and search engine optimization, this niche website could turn into a steady source of passive income, letting you make money while also contributing valuable information to your community.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
6. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your problem-solving skills to identify security issues within WordPress and develop plugins that address these vulnerabilities. By creating plugins that enhance website security, you provide a valuable service that many website owners are willing to pay for, ensuring their sites remain safe from malicious attacks.
Furthermore, selling your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or through your own website could generate steady passive income. Not only can you earn from the initial sale, but you could also set up a subscription model for ongoing updates and support. This creates opportunities for recurring revenue with relatively low maintenance once the plugin is established.
Focusing on security solutions allows you to stay within your realm of expertise while branching out into the entrepreneurial world. This way, you could supplement your income effectively while also helping others secure their digital presence.
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
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.
7. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel could be your next big move as an ethical hacker. You could share your expertise by creating how-to guides on ethical hacking techniques, cybersecurity tips, or even breakdowns of the latest security threats. There’s a growing audience interested in learning about cybersecurity, so your channel could attract followers who value your insights.
Beyond sharing knowledge, you could potentially earn extra income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. Building a successful channel will require consistency, engaging content, and some understanding of SEO to maximize your reach. While it’s hard work, the payoff could be significant both in terms of financial rewards and personal satisfaction.
If you dedicate the time and effort, creating a YouTube channel could not only supplement your income but also bolster your professional reputation in the cybersecurity community. This is a platform where your creativity meets opportunity, making it a fulfilling venture to explore.
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 (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
8. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as an ethical hacker could allow you to share your specialized knowledge with a dedicated online audience. You could write about topics like the latest hacking techniques, cybersecurity news, and how-to guides for beginners. By creating unique and informative content, you could engage with other ethical hackers and tech enthusiasts who are eager to learn.
To monetize your blog, you could use strategies like placing affiliate links to relevant software or tools, growing a YouTube channel with tutorial videos, and collaborating with tech brands for reviews or sponsored posts. Attending and speaking at cybersecurity events can also help you gain visibility and credibility in your niche. With regular engagement and high-quality content, your blog could become a valuable resource for others while providing you with a steady stream 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 (?)
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.
9. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could tap into affiliate marketing to generate passive income by promoting products and services related to cybersecurity. Since you already possess in-depth knowledge about cybersecurity tools and software, you could recommend reputable solutions to your audience and earn commissions for each sale. This way, you leverage your existing expertise and credibility within the industry to drive sales and boost your income.
To start, you could identify products and brands you trust and believe in, such as antivirus software, VPN services, or ethical hacking courses. By sharing valuable content that showcases the benefits of these products, you position yourself as an authority while potentially profiting from your recommendations.
With your technical skills, you could also optimize your online presence by creating blog posts, YouTube videos, or even hosting webinars to review and promote these products. This kind of content not only helps others make informed choices but also steadily grows your passive income as more people trust and act on your advice.
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 (?)
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.
10. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could diversify your income by developing an AI writing tool. Leveraging your technical skills, you could create a digital assistant that generates high-quality, engaging content for businesses, bloggers, and students. This aligns with the current demand for quick and accurate content creation, making it a promising venture.
Using your knowledge in cybersecurity, you could ensure that your AI tool is not only effective but also secure, protecting users’ data from potential threats. By addressing common challenges in content creation, such as errors and time consumption, your tool could become an indispensable resource for writers everywhere. This approach not only supplements your income but also allows you to innovate in an emerging field.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
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.
11. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a great way for you as an ethical hacker to supplement your income. You could share your expertise and experiences while discussing trends and issues in cybersecurity. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also opens up opportunities for sponsorships and advertisements as your audience grows.
To start, you could choose a niche within ethical hacking, like penetration testing or cybersecurity tools, that you're passionate about. With basic recording equipment, you could produce and publish your content on a budget. As your podcast gains traction, you could attract sponsors and advertisers, turning your knowledge and insights into a steady stream of passive income.
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
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.
12. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could supplement your income by starting a social media automation business. This venture involves creating tools and services that help clients manage multiple social media accounts effortlessly, driving engagement and fostering growth. Essentially, your work would save small businesses and influencers time by automating posts, interactions, and data analysis.
Given your technical expertise, developing or integrating such software solutions would leverage your existing skills. Staying updated on social media trends and tailoring services to meet clients' needs could be an exciting way to use your tech-savvy background. With the growing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, this could be a lucrative and fulfilling side hustle.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
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.
13. Make passive income with a cold email service business ($170K/month)
As an ethical hacker, you could leverage your technical skills and strategic mindset to start a cold email service business. This venture involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns on behalf of companies to help them reach new clients. With your analytical abilities, you could easily research target audiences, analyze client needs, and use email marketing tools to track metrics like open rates and conversions.
Your knack for writing compelling emails and engaging with audiences can make this business quite rewarding. The potential for scaling is high: you could begin by offering services to small businesses needing lead generation, and as you gather success stories, you can expand your clientele. Combining your marketing skills and technical know-how, a cold email service is a lucrative side hustle that complements your ethical hacking expertise.
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 (?)
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.
14. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As an ethical hacker, creating an email marketing tool could be a smart way to generate passive income. Your background in cybersecurity gives you a unique advantage—you could design a tool that prioritizes data privacy and security, features that are highly valued in today’s market. Entrepreneurs and businesses are increasingly focused on safeguarding their communications, making your expertise particularly appealing.
With email marketing still being one of the most effective ways to reach customers, your tool could attract a wide range of users, from startups to established companies, and even real estate agents. The global market for these tools is growing, expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. By entering this market, you could tap into a profitable and expanding industry, creating a reliable stream of passive income while leveraging your existing skills.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
