Start a Cybersecurity Consulting Business

Small businesses get breached constantly but big security firms ignore them; an SMB-priced audit sells itself after one scare.

1. 1

   Anchor on a credential

   Security+, CISSP, or a verifiable security work history. Small businesses cannot judge technical skill, so they buy trust signals.

2. 2

   Build a fixed-price SMB audit

   A scoped package, for example $2,500 for an external scan, MFA and backup review, and a staff phishing test. Fixed scope keeps you profitable and clients unafraid.

3. 3

   Assemble a lean toolkit

   Nessus Essentials or OpenVAS for scanning and a phishing simulation tool cover the audit. Your whole stack fits under $1,000.

4. 4

   Set up entity and E&O insurance

   LLC plus professional liability, and a contract that defines scope, authorization to test, and limits of liability. Never scan anything without written permission.

5. 5

   Target compliance-pressured industries

   Medical, legal, and finance offices have HIPAA and client-data obligations. Build a 30-firm list and lead with a recent breach story from their own industry.

6. 6

   Deliver a report that sells fixes

   Prioritized findings in plain English, each mapped to a remediation you can do or manage. Then upsell a monthly monitoring and training retainer.

Read the full step-by-step guide →