Make a difference and some cash: Teaching security

How would you like to make more money using the skills you already have?

No. This is not a gimmick. Information security skills are in high demand and many of us have experienced the stress of the security skills shortage. You have those skills and you can use them to teach the next generation of security professionals and make money doing it.

Make money teaching information security

If you want to make money on the side and have a passion for teaching information security, here are some great options for you:

College professor

Did you know you that at many colleges work experience qualifies you to teach on the subject of your career? Many of the best information security teachers are those with real world experience and can teach students what it means to be working in such a fast paced industry.

Become self-employed

This is a long-term way to make money, but it is the most interesting in the sense that you get to dictate what you want to talk about and how. Start a website and create a blog or webinars. Once you have gained enough of a following and trust, you can turn this into a business in numerous ways. You can host workshops, get speaking gigs or write whitepapers people are willing to pay to read.

Become a speaker

You don’t have to have your own website to become a speaker. If you have a good topic and are a great communicator, submit your topic ideas to security conferences and webinars that have guest hosts (like our own WebTracks).

Become a writer

There are dozens of publications out there that are willing to pay writers up to $1,000 per article and with the public concern around information security, plenty of publications would love to have a expert break down the problems into understandable pieces for their audiences. Check out this list of publications for ideas on where to submit your work.

Computer security instructor for SANS

While it is not easy, becoming a computer security instructor for SANS Institute would be an awesome way to make extra money or just advance your career. SANS gives you all the information on how to become an instructor on their website, but they also share the warning that it isn’t easy. Make sure you try some of our other suggestions in this article to gain experience in communication and teaching before applying.

Now, what are you waiting for? Start spreading the word about information security and make some money doing it.