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Freelance Cybersecurity | Starting in 6 Steps
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What are the 6 Steps to Become a Freelance Cybersecurity Specialist?
Are you considering becoming a freelance cybersecurity specialist? With the rapid advancement of new technologies and the implementation of GDPR, companies increasingly need to protect their IT data. At the same time, there’s a growing demand for autonomy among IT professionals. This has given rise to the profession of independent cybersecurity expert. This article outlines all the necessary steps to work in cybersecurity as a freelancer: from essential training to finding freelance assignments and choosing your legal structure.
Step 1 - Understand the Required Skills in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity roles require knowing the essential qualities and technical skills before getting started.
Soft Skills
A cybersecurity consultant must have a genuine interest in new technologies and digital innovations. An analytical mindset is necessary to detect security issues and analyze data. Good organization and educational skills are important for informing clients about potential risks.
Technical Skills
Freelancers in cybersecurity need to master a variety of technical competencies, such as:
- Knowledge of security standards;
- Understanding security architecture for IT data;
- Risk anticipation;
- Controlling security settings;
- Identifying suitable software;
- Planning security action plans.
📌Example of a Cybersecurity Profession:
One of the most common freelance cybersecurity jobs is the cybersecurity consultant. Their role is to advise and support organizations in securing their IT systems. Responsibilities include both prevention and raising awareness against cybercrime.
In addition to interpersonal and technical skills, a cybersecurity freelancer must know how to run a business to handle prospecting, proposals, and accounting efficiently.
Step 2 - Get Training to Become a Freelance Cybersecurity Specialist
As previously mentioned, cybersecurity demands a solid technical foundation in IT security (networks, hacking techniques, databases, etc.). This is why training is essential before you start out. You can consider public or private institutions at the Bachelor’s or Master’s (Bac +2, Bac +3, Bac +5) level.
💡Good to know: A Master’s (Bac+5) will give you more credibility with clients.
📌Example of cybersecurity training:
Consider the Professional Bachelor's in IT, specializing in administration and security of networks. The program offers two tracks: ‘application and network security’ or ‘cyberdefense, anti-intrusion of information systems’. For more information, check the ONISEP website.
Step 3 - Choose the Right Legal Status
Before launching your freelance cybersecurity activity, make sure to select your legal status carefully:
| Status | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-entrepreneur | Very simple management, low costs | Turnover limit (€77,700), no expense deductions | Beginners or testing activity |
| Sole proprietorship (EI, real regime) | Deduction of expenses, can hire employees | Heavy accounting, higher charges | Established freelancers with significant expenses |
| EURL | Limited liability, credible | More paperwork, higher cost | Experienced freelancers aiming to grow |
To find out more, check our guide for picking the best professional status.
If you want to freelance in cybersecurity without creating a company and minimize your risks, consider the alternative of wage portage. The principle is simple: you become an umbrella company employee of an umbrella company that handles all your administrative tasks and invoices your clients. It then pays your fees to you as a salary. This way, you can focus on delivering your assignments and remain protected like a regular employee. If this interests you, join Weepo umbrella company, specialized in IT and tech careers.
Step 4 - Set Your Rates
Once you’ve chosen your legal status, it’s time to set your rates. Freelancers in cybersecurity generally charge per day. Their average daily rate (TJM) varies according to location and mastered skills. Here are some rate estimates from Malt based on the freelance’s expertise:
- Webmaster: around €400;
- Developers (back-end, front-end, etc.): average €550;
- Database and network administrators: €580.
Regarding level of experience, here are the average daily rates (TJM) according to Malt:
- 0 to 2 years: €400;
- 3 to 7 years: €580;
- 8 to 15 years: €700+;
- More than 15 years: ~€800.
💡Good to know: Freelance cybersecurity rates are always higher in the Paris area than in the provinces.
If you wish, use our guide calculate your freelance TJM.
Step 5 - Find Clients
Leverage Your Network
If you have already worked as a company employee in cybersecurity, approach your former employers, colleagues, or professional contacts. Your previous employer may hire you for projects or recommend you. Also, attend industry events like afterworks and conferences to meet other entrepreneurs in the sector.
Register on Freelance Platforms
| Platform | Type | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malt | Generalist |
|
|
| Crème de la Crème | Generalist (selective) |
|
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| Upwork | Generalist (international) |
|
|
| Codeur.com | Specialized (tech & web) |
|
|
| Free-Work | Specialized IT/tech |
|
|
| FreelanceRepublik | Specialized IT/data/cybersecurity |
|
|
Strengthen Your Online Presence
Use the means below to reinforce your online presence:
- Create a website: invaluable for being found on Google via natural SEO.
- Set up a Google My Business page: ideal for boosting your local visibility and collecting client reviews.
- Sign up on social networks: an optimized LinkedIn profile is the perfect shop window to attract prospects.
Direct Client Outreach
Consider prospecting clients directly by email, phone, or through your LinkedIn inbox to increase your chances of setting up meetings. You can target companies specializing in technological innovation as well as traditional businesses with a website or data operations.
💡Good to know: If you are an umbrella company employee at Weepo, check out our wage portage IT & development jobs page to find your next client.
Step 6 - Get Professional Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance (RC Pro)
Professional liability insurance is not mandatory for cybersecurity freelancers, but it’s highly recommended. It protects freelancers from financial risks associated with damages caused to clients or third parties. In cybersecurity, risks exist because you work directly on client data and IT systems.
Cyber Insurance
Alongside professional liability, you can also opt for cyber insurance, which protects against intangible losses resulting from cyberattacks (both for you and your clients). It offers more complete coverage by covering all related costs resulting from malware or hacking: business interruption, restoration costs, etc.
💡Good to know: According to the 9th cybersecurity barometer, nearly 49% of French companies suffered at least one cyberattack in 2023.
The Key Takeaways Summed Up in 7 Points
You now know all the steps to become a freelance cybersecurity specialist. Let's recap:
- Becoming a freelance cybersecurity specialist requires knowing the key skills—such as analytical capability and technical proficiency.
- Getting trained before launching your activity is essential to master all the nuances of IT security.
- Possible legal statuses to start with are Micro-entrepreneur, Sole Proprietorship, and EURL.
- You can opt for wage portage if you want to test your activity or minimize risks when starting out.
- For your rates, reference the average daily rate (TJM) of cybersecurity freelancers and your own experience.
- Find clients by leveraging your network, registering on freelance platforms, or directly reaching out to businesses.
- To secure your business, consider subscribing to professional liability insurance as well as cyber insurance.
Convinced about a career in cybersecurity? Why not check out our guide on professional retraining: data analyst?
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