Is This The Best Way To Monetize Your Cybersecurity Knowledge In 2025 ??
Cybersecurity Side Hustles: Writing Thought Leadership
Last year I published a guide on how to become a cybersecurity writer and make some good side-income
This year I want to highlight another key opportunity for Cybersecurity writers in 2025
That is .. writing thought leadership content for LinkedIn. This is Cybersecurity Side Hustles: Writing Thought Leadership.
LinkedIn is no longer just a job-hunting platform — it’s the new engine for lead generation and brand building
CISOs, CEOs, and other business leaders want to be known as thought leaders on the platform
For cybersecurity professionals with good writing skills, this presents a golden opportunity: getting paid handsomely to ghostwrite thought-provoking cybersecurity content for busy executives.
Why LinkedIn Is the New Platform for Thought Leadership
LinkedIn has evolved into the most powerful platform for professionals and businesses.
For cybersecurity executives, publishing high-quality content on LinkedIn is critical for three reasons:
CISOs and CEOs are under constant pressure to project expertise and authority in cybersecurity. By sharing insightful posts, articles, and newsletters, they can establish themselves as thought leaders and trusted voices in the industry.
Businesses now look to LinkedIn as a key source for finding potential partners, service providers, and talent. Consistent, valuable content attracts leads and builds trust.
Thought leadership differentiates CISOs and their organizations in a competitive industry. However, thought leadership only works if the content is original, thought-provoking, and does not read like something copied straight from ChatGPT.
The problem?
Time.
Most executives simply don’t have the time to sit down and create high-quality, engaging content regularly.
That’s where you can come in.
What Is Cybersecurity Ghostwriting?
Cybersecurity ghostwriting is writing content - posts, articles, whitepapers, or reports - on behalf of cybersecurity leaders or businesses.
The content is published under the executive’s name, but you’re the one who creates it behind the scenes.
Executives are hungry for content that:
Highlights industry trends and insights (e.g., Zero Trust, AI security risks, NIS2 compliance).
Resonates with a broader audience without boring them to tears in technical jargon.
Showcases their leadership, ideas, and company’s value.
Does not sound like AI-generated fluff with 500 emojis thrown in
Your role as a cybersecurity ghostwriter is to bridge the gap between technical expertise and good storytelling.
If you’re a cybersecurity professional with strong writing skills, this is one of the most lucrative side hustles you can start.
How to Position Yourself as a Cybersecurity Ghostwriter
1. Build Your Writing Portfolio on Medium or LinkedIn
If you’re new to writing, the first step is to build a credible portfolio.
Start publishing insightful cybersecurity content regularly:
Medium: Write in-depth guides, opinion pieces, and analysis of cybersecurity trends. Medium publications can help you reach a larger audience.
LinkedIn: Share weekly posts or start a LinkedIn Newsletter focused on cybersecurity topics you’re passionate about.
The goal here is to showcase your ability to write clear, engaging, and thought-provoking content - skills that C-level executives value.
A great way is to get the Linkedin Top Voice Blue Badge.
Consistency and high-quality content can get you noticed and amplify your authority.
2. Develop Your Copywriting Skills
Cybersecurity writing isn’t just about facts and figures.
To stand out, you need to learn how to write persuasive copy that:
Captures attention (with strong headlines and hooks).
Simplifies complex ideas (avoiding jargon overload).
Provides value and actionable insights.
Invest in learning copywriting basics.
Study the writing style of successful ghostwriters, take online courses, or read books on the topic.
Strong copywriting will set you apart from writers who only focus on technical accuracy.
3. Pitch Yourself to C-Level Executives
Once you have a small portfolio, it’s time to monetize. Here’s how to find clients:
A. Use LinkedIn to Find Leads
Search for CISOs, CTOs, or cybersecurity leaders who post inconsistently but still want to build their brand.
Engage with their content: leave insightful comments, share their posts, and start building a relationship.
After a few weeks, send a direct pitch:
Highlight your expertise in cybersecurity.
Showcase your writing portfolio.
Explain how you can help them build their thought leadership presence on LinkedIn.
Sample Pitch: “Hi [Executive Name], I’ve noticed your insightful posts on [cybersecurity topic]. As a cybersecurity professional and writer, I help leaders like you create engaging, original content that builds authority on LinkedIn. I’d love to chat about how I can support your thought leadership goals. Here’s a link to my recent work: [Portfolio Link].”
2 - Freelance Platforms and Cold Outreach
Create a professional profile on Fiverr, Upwork, or Contently showcasing your cybersecurity and writing expertise.
Reach out to cybersecurity companies or PR agencies that represent C-level leaders.
Offer competitive rates initially to secure your first few clients. Once you build credibility, you can charge premium rates.
Why Cybersecurity Professionals Should Jump In Now
Cybersecurity ghostwriting is a high-demand, high-value niche for several reasons:
There is a shortage of writers who understand cybersecurity deeply enough to write accurate, insightful content.
AI tools like ChatGPT can create generic content, but businesses and executives crave authentic, human-driven perspectives.
Thought leadership is more critical than ever for executives who want to differentiate themselves in a crowded industry.
For cybersecurity professionals, ghostwriting is a perfect fit because:
You already have the subject matter expertise.
The demand for original cybersecurity content is only increasing.
It’s a side hustle that can pay exceptionally well per article depending on complexity and client.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Cybersecurity Ghostwriters
Start writing consistently on LinkedIn and Medium to showcase your skills.
Develop storytelling and copywriting skills to engage audiences.
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with CISOs, CEOs, and cybersecurity companies.
Thought leadership writing is about building relationships and trust — both take time but are immensely rewarding.
Cybersecurity ghostwriting is one of the most underrated yet lucrative opportunities for professionals in the field.
As companies and executives increasingly turn to LinkedIn for brand building and lead generation, the need for original, high-quality content will only grow.
By combining your technical expertise with writing skills, you can carve out a profitable niche and build a reputation as the go-to ghostwriter for cybersecurity thought leadership.
So stop waiting - start writing.
Good luck on your Cybersecurity side hustles for 2025 !
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