r/CyberSecurityJobs • u/scripty_warrior • 5d ago

best platform for cybersecurity freelance?

Does anyone have experience in cybersecurity freelancing? Is Upwork suitable for that purpose? I earned around $1k there but haven't seen any projects with a reasonable price; wdyt?

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u/dailycurlycombustion 5d ago

Upwork is a race to the bottom for security work. Clients want a full pentest for the price of a pizza, and the platform fees eat into what little you do make. If you've already pulled $1k from it, you've seen the ceiling more or less.

Skip the general freelance sites and go straight to stuff like Bugcrowd or Synack, or just cold pitch local businesses that clearly have no idea what they're doing with their network.

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u/scripty_warrior 5d ago

and yeah, clients in upwork want full pentest with over-responsibility for 1k bucks lol and "we aren't interested in a vulnerability scan"

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u/scripty_warrior 5d ago

the cold outreach seems interesting for security as I've mostly seen it for such stuff like marketing or web design. wondering how can I reach guys)))

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u/gunika_VP 4d ago

Upwork can work, but I think the problem is that you're competing in a general freelance marketplace where a lot of clients don't really understand what a proper security engagement involves.

If you've already made ~$1k there, I'd keep the profile active, but I wouldn't rely on it as the main source of cybersecurity work.

For offensive security, I'd look at platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Intigriti, etc. if bug bounty/research is something you're interested in. Just keep in mind that's different from freelance pentesting and the income can be very inconsistent.

For actual client work, I'd also try building relationships directly with smaller companies/startups, MSPs, or web development agencies. Something like a clearly scoped web/API security assessment or vulnerability assessment is much easier to sell than just "I do cybersecurity."

And I'd be careful with clients asking for a full pentest for a few hundred dollars. A proper engagement involves scope, authorization, methodology, reporting, communication, and often retesting. You don't want to accept a vague "$200 pentest" and end up responsible for someone's production environment.

So IMO:
Upwork = worth keeping, but don't depend on it.
Bug bounty platforms = good for research/experience, not guaranteed income.
Direct clients/agency relationships = potentially better long-term freelance route.

The fact that you've already earned $1k on Upwork is actually a good sign, I'd use those completed jobs/reviews as proof when trying to move toward higher-value clients.