21 Cyber Security Business Ideas To Start In 2024

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Cybersecurity is a huge, growing industry. In fact, it's one of the fastest-growing industries in the world! This is a growing field because more businesses are seeing the value in taking steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity is a booming business. With the rise of hackers, data breaches, and other threats to digital security, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. Whether you're thinking about going into the field or just need to brush up on your existing knowledge, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you do so.

Here is a list of the top 21 cybersecurity business ideas you can start for cybersecurity business:

1. Cyber Security Specialist

A Cyber Security Specialist is a person who specializes in the prevention, detection, and response to cyber-attacks. Cyber Security Specialists are required to have a deep understanding of computer systems and how they can be compromised.

In order to start your own Cyber Security Specialist business you will need to have specialized training in the field as well as a strong knowledge of computer systems. You will also need to be able to demonstrate that you are capable of doing what is required for this job.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Specialist is $97,500 per year depending on where they work and their level of experience.

2. Malware Analyst

Malware analyst is an IT security professional who analyzes malicious software. They study the code and structure of the malware to find out how it works and what it is designed to do. It is a challenging job that requires analytical, programming, and reverse engineering skills.

Malware analysts are most needed in the field of IT security. They are responsible for identifying and classifying malware which can be used to develop new defenses against these threats.

To become a successful malware analyst, you should have a deep understanding of programming languages and computer science. You should also have a good understanding of security protocols and techniques.

The average Malware Analyst salary in the United States is $96,285. But there are also many other factors that will determine how much money you can make as a malware analyst such as your location, experience, and the type of clients you work with.

3. Forensic Expert

Forensic experts are professionals who specialize in the investigation of evidence. Forensic experts use scientific methods to solve crimes.

The forensic expert business is a booming industry with a lot of potential for making money. It is an easy business to start since you don’t need any formal qualifications or experience.

The role of a forensic expert is to collect, examine, process, and interpret evidence from crime scenes in order to provide information that will assist in the investigation or prosecution of criminal cases.

Forensic experts work with law enforcement agencies as well as with defense attorneys. They may also work for private companies that specialize in providing services related to investigations or litigation support services.

the average Forensic Scientist's salary is $69,728. The salary range typically falls between $63,649 to $77,843.

4. Information Assurance Engineer

Information Assurance Engineer is a relatively new profession that has come up with the growth of information technology. An information assurance engineer makes sure that companies are running their networks and information systems safely.

The primary job of an info assurance engineer is to protect the data, networks, and systems from any kind of cyber threats. This includes designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting hardware and software systems as well as securing the network from outside attacks.

The demand for these professionals is growing at an exponential rate, as all companies are becoming more dependent on computers and networks for their day-to-day operations.

Info assurance engineering is a career that can be quite lucrative. The average Information Assurance Engineer salary in the United States is $98,69, but the salary range typically falls between $91,151 and $106,924.

5. Security Software Developer

Security software developers design and develop security software applications. They may work on a single application or a suite of applications to enhance security of systems.

The security software developer is responsible for creating solutions that will keep a system secure and safe. They are also responsible for creating and maintaining the code that makes up the application, as well as the user interface that allows users to interact with it.

Security software developers typically have a background in programming, but they also need to be familiar with computer science, mathematics, algorithms, and cryptography.

The salary of a security software developer will depend on his experience level and what kind of company he works for. The average security software developer salary in the U.S. averages $140,263per year or $71.93 per hour, with entry-level positions beginning at $115,300 per year and most experienced workers making up to $191,800 per year.

6. Network Architect

Network Architect is a person who is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the network infrastructure of an organization. They ensure that the network is up and running at all times.

Network architects work with a variety of hardware and software to create a network that meets the needs of the organization. They may also be responsible for installing, upgrading, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting routers and switches.

In order to become a network architect it is generally required to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. In addition, you must have technical skills & excellent interpersonal skills. The average salary for a network architect is $137,666 per year in the United States.

7. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

According to a PWC report, more than 80% of companies now have a chief information security officer (CISO) on the management staff. This trend indicates that organizations are becoming aware of cyber threats, and they are taking steps to prevent attacks. CISOs are senior-level executives who ensure that an organization's cyber security plan is aligned with its vision, operations, and technology. They work closely with staff members to identify risks and devise ways to mitigate them without causing disruptions. They also manage security policies within the organization.

The average salary for a Chief Information Security Officer in the United States is $234,025.

8. Ethical Hackers

Ethical hackers are key resources to organizations because they have an intuitive knowledge of how hackers think and work, allowing them to pick apart the logic of cyberattacks. They conduct security tests daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on the needs of the organization. As cyberattacks become more and more prevalent, ethical hackers are gaining momentum in the market. They can provide organizations with insider information that might lead to high-level cyberattacks.

The average salary for an ethical hacker in the United States is $120,000 per year. The median salary for entry-level positions is $112,000 per year and the median salary for experienced workers is $156,780 per year.

9. Cryptographer

Cryptographers are professionals who create, design, and analyze codes. They also use the knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and engineering to protect information by converting it into encrypted codes.

The demand for cryptographers is very high in the current market due to the rise in cyber-attacks and hacking incidents. It is rising because of the increasing need for cybersecurity in different fields such as finance, healthcare, defense, and telecommunications.

The salary of a cryptographer varies depending on their experience level as well as their location or country they work. Still, the average annual salary of a cryptographer is $126996, or an equivalent hourly rate of $61.

10. Security Administrator

Security administrator takes care of the security of an organization. They are involved in all aspects of the company's security from physical to cyber.

Security administrators are responsible for implementing the necessary policies and procedures to protect the company's data from unauthorized access.

To start your own business as a security administrator, you need to have great knowledge about different types of threats that exist in today's world like cyber attacks, malware, and ransomware. You should be able to identify these threats and come up with solutions for them.

The salary for a security administrator varies depending on the size of the company you work with. The average salary for a security administrator is $82,541 per year in the United States.

11. Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester is a security professional who tests the security of an organization's infrastructure by attempting to break into it. They use a variety of specialized penetration testing tools, including software and hardware, to create simulated attacks on the target network.

Penetration testers work with network administrators to identify vulnerabilities in their systems and then help them fix them before they attack other companies or individuals.

The average salary of a penetration tester in the United States is $122,215 per year or $62.67 an hour. Entry-level positions start at $100,936 per year while most experienced workers make up to $162,373 per year.

12. Security Architect

A security architect is an IT professional who is responsible for designing and implementing a system’s security. They are responsible for implementing systems that protect against threats such as hackers, viruses, or other malicious code.

Security architects are usually employed by organizations with large technical infrastructures and need to protect their data from various threats like such as hackers or malwares.

A security architect must have a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and be able to work with the company's IT staff to develop a comprehensive strategy for securing the company's data.

The salary of a security architect can vary depending on factors like the organization they work for, their level of experience, and the country they live in. The average security architect salary in the United States is $127,990, but the salary range typically falls between $114,231 and $142,222.

13. SOC Engineer

SOC engineers are the backbone of an IT department. The SOC Engineer is a specialized engineer who is usually hired by a company to make sure that their business meets the safety standards set by OSHA.

They are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the infrastructure that is critical to business operations. They also play an important role in inspecting the workplace and making sure that it's safe for employees.

The job of a SOC engineer is to ensure that IT systems run smoothly and efficiently, without interruption or downtime. SOC engineers may be required to work overtime or night shifts in order to respond quickly when there is a problem or outage in the system.

The average annual salary for a soc engineer in the United States is $147,328. Entry-level positions start at $107,250 per year while most experienced engineers make up to $200,000 per year.

14. Security Consultant

Security Consultant provides advice and services to protect the security of an organization's assets. Security consultants can work in many different industries, but they all have the same goal: to make sure that their clients are safe from cyber attacks.

The demand for Security Consultants has been increasing in recent years due to the rapid growth of cyberattacks and the complexity of computer networks.

You can make in-between $103,478 to $145,343 per year in the United States working as a security consultant.

15. Source Code Auditor

Source code auditing is the process of ensuring that a program’s source code matches its corresponding compiled executable.

Source Code Auditor helps to find bugs and vulnerabilities in the software. It offers services to find security flaws in software code, which can be exploited by hackers.

Source Code Auditor is a lucrative career path. The estimated total pay for a Source Code Auditor is $74,610 per year in the United States area.

16. Vulnerability Researcher

Vulnerability research has enabled the development of many new technologies, such as anti-virus software and firewalls. A Vulnerability Researcher is a person who researches and identifies vulnerabilities in computer systems. They are often employed by companies who want to find out how to fix their software or protect themselves from intruders.

The first step of becoming a vulnerability researcher is to gain experience in programming and understanding how to use an exploit. It's also important to know about the different types of attack vectors and how they work.

A Vulnerability Researcher usually has a degree in computer science and programming, but it's not necessary for many companies. A good Vulnerability Researcher should be able to work independently, be analytical, and have good communication skills.

The salaries of Vulnerability Research Engineers in the US range from $100,000 to $115,000, with a median salary of $110,000.

17. Solution Architect

A solution architect is a person with in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of a business. They are responsible for designing and implementing solutions to meet customer requirements.

The position requires strong leadership skills and can be very challenging as it requires coordination of many different teams and departments in order to deliver successful solutions.

The average solution architect's salary in the USA is $145,156 per year or $74.44 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $125,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to $179,999 per year.

18. Database Administrator

A database Administrator is a person who manages the database in an organization. This includes maintaining the database, making backups, and adding new features.

They are responsible for making sure that the database is secure and that it does not leak data to unauthorized people. They also make sure that security patches are applied in an organized manner.

The average salary for a Database Administrator in the US is $131,431. The average additional cash compensation is $9,656 and the average total compensation is $141,087.

19. Application Security Engineer

Application security engineer's role is to ensure that internal and external applications are secure. They may also focus on privacy and compliance issues related to third-party applications such as Azure or AWS. Organizations that want to integrate such software into their day-to-day operations hire these cybersecurity professionals. They also work to prevent cyber threats that disrupt the integrity of an organization's infrastructure.

The average Application Security Engineer salary in the United States is $104,418. However, a typical salary range falls between $89,427 and $120,992.

20. Incident Manager

An incident manager is responsible for identifying the appropriate resources and proficiencies to resolve security incidents in an organization. They work closely with other members of the security team, forming teams when something goes wrong, and taking full ownership of the results. Incident managers typically receive their credentials after gaining leadership aptitude and problem-solving abilities.

The average Incident Manager salary in the United States is $125,567, but salaries can range between $111,126 and $144,695.

21. Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud security engineers design and maintain cloud-based networks and systems of an organization. They handle all aspects of the organization’s cloud computing environments, including core infrastructure platforms and software. They also provide security recommendations on how to design and develop software applications on the cloud.

The average salary for a cloud security engineer in the United States is $137,513 per year. Entry-level positions start at $118,129 per year and most experienced workers make up to $175,130 per year.

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.