Passive Income Ideas For Network Security Administrators [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a network security administrator in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a network security administrator 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 network security administrator.

Here's the full list:

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

As a network security administrator, you likely have specialized knowledge that many people are eager to learn. By creating and selling an online course about network security, you could turn your expertise into a steady stream of passive income. All you need to do is identify a topic, develop the course content, and choose an online platform to host and sell the course.

Given the growing demand for e-learning, which is expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, there's significant potential to reach a large audience. You could teach various subjects, such as basic network security principles, advanced threat detection, or best practices for securing remote work environments. By sharing your knowledge, you help others and create a new income stream for yourself.

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.

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

As a network security administrator, you possess a strong foundation in technology, which could be a great asset in starting an AI-based business solution. You could leverage AI to create tools that streamline various business processes, such as automating customer service, managing inventory, or analyzing data. By incorporating AI into these areas, businesses can operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and make smarter decisions.

The best part is, you don't need to be an AI expert to get started. Many platforms offer user-friendly tools that you can integrate with your existing knowledge of network systems and security protocols. As companies are increasingly turning to AI for a competitive edge, you could find yourself tapping into a growing market with high demand for advanced tech solutions.

By focusing on automating repetitive tasks or providing valuable customer insights, your AI-based business solution could offer significant value to businesses. It's a promising opportunity to not only supplement your income but also to innovate and potentially revolutionize how businesses operate.

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.

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

As a network security administrator, you could leverage your technical skills to create a lead generation tool that automates the process of finding new clients for businesses. Your expertise in data security would be valuable in ensuring the collected leads, such as email addresses and phone numbers, are handled with utmost confidentiality and protection. This kind of tool can collect potential customer information from websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints, helping businesses streamline their marketing efforts.

With businesses always looking for efficient ways to grow their customer base, there is a high demand for reliable lead generation tools. You possess the tech know-how to create a seamless, secure, and user-friendly application. This venture not only diversifies your income but also taps into a growing market need.

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

4. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool business could be a great way to leverage your skills as a network security administrator. Your expertise in securing and managing networks gives you a unique edge in creating a reliable and safe email marketing tool, which is a crucial feature for businesses concerned about data protection and privacy.

With the expected growth of the global email marketing tool market, diving into this field could be a lucrative side hustle. You'll be able to create a platform that helps businesses manage and automate their email campaigns effectively, providing value to a wide range of users, from entrepreneurs to real estate agents. Not only could this generate passive income, but it also allows you to diversify your professional skills and tap into a booming industry.

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 (?)

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 14,150 founders

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

As a network security administrator, you have a unique skill set that could be invaluable in creating a mobile app. Your background in security means you understand the importance of protecting user data, an aspect that many developers might overlook. By focusing on security features, you could create an app that stands out in the market, whether it’s a productivity tool, a secure messaging service, or a gaming app with top-notch data protection.

Diving into app development doesn't require you to have extensive coding skills; you could start by partnering with a skilled developer. Your role would involve planning the user experience, designing intuitive interfaces, and ensuring the app is secure and bug-free. With the right marketing strategy and a clear vision, your app could attract a large user base and even generate substantial revenue, providing a robust stream of passive 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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6. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)

As a network security administrator, you could consider starting a niche website focused on cybersecurity tips, tools, and best practices. This venture would allow you to share your expertise with people who need it, such as small business owners or individuals looking to secure their digital lives.

You could create content that answers common questions, reviews security software, or provides how-to guides for implementing security measures. Over time, as you attract a dedicated audience, you could monetize your website through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, or selling e-books and courses. This allows you to leverage your existing knowledge while creating a potential stream 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

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

As a network security administrator, you could start a podcast focusing on cybersecurity tips, industry trends, and stories from your professional experience to share valuable insights with an audience interested in IT security. Your expertise could attract listeners such as fellow IT professionals, small business owners, and even individuals wanting to learn more about how to protect their digital lives.

Creating a podcast allows you to share your specialized knowledge in an engaging, accessible format while supplementing your income. With modest investment in recording equipment and the use of free or affordable hosting platforms, you could generate passive income through sponsorships, advertisements, or listener donations as your audience grows.

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.

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

As a network security administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise by starting a YouTube channel to share knowledge and tips on cybersecurity. You could create videos that explain complex security concepts in simple terms, offer step-by-step guides for setting up secure networks, or review the latest security tools and software.

This kind of content could attract a dedicated audience of both beginners and professionals looking to enhance their skills. By consistently uploading high-quality videos, you could monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and even selling related merchandise or consulting services. The effort you put into creating and promoting your videos could lead to a steady stream of passive income over time.

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

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.

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

Starting a niche blog could be a great way for you, as a network security administrator, to supplement your income by sharing your expertise on cybersecurity. You could focus on creating unique and informative content like how-to guides on setting up secure networks, product reviews for the latest security tools, or commentary on recent security breaches and how to prevent them.

By identifying niche topics within cybersecurity that are not widely covered, you could attract a dedicated following. To monetize your blog, you could provide affiliate links to relevant security products, collaborate with brands in the tech industry, or even grow a YouTube channel offering video tutorials and interviews with experts.

Engaging regularly with your followers and offering valuable content could grow your blog's visibility and open up opportunities for speaking engagements and partnerships. This way, you could turn your professional knowledge 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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10. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As a network security administrator, your technical skills could be leveraged to create a successful social media automation business. By developing tools that schedule posts, automate reactions, and analyze data, you could help clients like small businesses and influencers manage their social media efficiently. With your background in technology, you could easily handle the technical aspects of creating and maintaining these automation tools.

The demand for automation in social media management is growing, thanks to the need for consistent and strategic engagement. You could use your knowledge to build or customize software solutions while keeping up with the latest social media trends. This business could become an additional income stream, making good use of your existing skill set.

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.

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

As a network security administrator, you could leverage your existing tech skills to create an AI writing tool that generates accurate and engaging content. This tool could be immensely helpful for businesses, bloggers, and students who need quick, error-free writing. By developing such a tool, you could address today's high demand for quality content while also easing the workload of writers globally.

With your expertise in technology, you could ensure the AI writing tool remains secure and reliable, offering a competitive edge in the market. Embarking on this entrepreneurial journey could not only supplement your income but also make a significant impact in the digitized world.

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.

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

Starting a WordPress plugin business could be a fantastic way for a network security administrator to earn passive income. Given your deep understanding of security issues, you could develop plugins that solve specific security challenges for websites, such as firewall protection, malware scanning, or secure login systems. By leveraging your expertise, you could create solutions that website administrators urgently need to keep their sites safe.

You could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, on your own blog, or create a separate website for them. This would allow you to reach a broad audience while addressing pressing security concerns effectively. Plus, once your plugins are developed and listed, they could continue to generate income with minimal ongoing effort.

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.

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

As a network security administrator, starting a cold email service business could be a practical way to diversify your income. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could ensure the security of email campaigns, implementing robust protocols to protect sensitive client information during outreach. Additionally, your understanding of data analytics could help you track and improve campaign metrics like open rates and conversions.

You’d need to hone your skills in crafting compelling emails and familiarize yourself with various email marketing tools. By offering your services to small businesses needing lead generation, you could build a steady client base. Over time, as your success stories grow, so could your clientele, allowing you to scale your business efficiently.

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.

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

As a network security administrator, you could leverage your industry knowledge and technical expertise to earn passive income through affiliate marketing. By promoting products and services related to cybersecurity, such as antivirus software, firewalls, or VPN services, you could earn commissions each time someone makes a purchase through your referral links.

Your familiarity with the latest cyber threats and solutions gives you a unique edge, as you can provide genuine, informed recommendations to your audience, increasing the likelihood of sales. To get started, you would need to find the right products or brands to partner with and create content, such as blog posts or videos, that showcase and review these items.

This side hustle requires initial time investment to build and maintain your online presence, but over time, it could generate a steady stream of passive income as your content attracts more viewers and potential customers. This way, you can supplement your regular income while sharing your passion and expertise in network security.

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]

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meet the author
Pat Walls