Businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, causing the need for strong cybersecurity to be greater. In response to this growing demand, many professionals now work as freelancers on various online platforms, like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, for clients looking to protect their digital assets.
For market analyzing purposes, one of our top talented cybersecurity experts explored different marketplaces to understand their Pros and Cons, which we will highlight in this case study.
The Rise of Cybersecurity Freelancing
Freelancing in cybersecurity has become a popular career path as it is easier to start as a freelancer, and other features include choosing different projects, working remotely, and managing their schedules. Even though marketplaces have made it easy to connect with different clients globally, this convenience comes with its own challenges, particularly in finding the right balance between professional freedom and marketplace limitations. We have identified some pros and cons for Buyers and Freelancers, which are discussed below.
Pros of Cybersecurity Freelancing on Marketplaces
There are several pros we have identified. Let’s have a quick look at a few of them.
Access to global expertise and client base
The most significant advantage of using the marketplace is probably accessing a global audience. Clients are free to choose professionals from a freelancer pool, and such a marketplace can create more job opportunities for freelancers worldwide.
Some small businesses believe choosing an expert from such a marketplace is more efficient since they are open to choosing someone among many freelancers within a short time.
Some small businesses might believe that the marketplace authority verifies the right skills.
Low Fees and Often It is Negotiable
Usually, a professional penetration tester charges between USD 40 and USD 150 per hour. However, we have noticed that many freelancers charge as little as USD 5. Many businesses want to hire experts for the lowest possible fees.
Freelancers are open to setting their own pricing(low/high), and on different sides, clients can choose someone with the lowest possible price offer.
Escrow Payment System
Most freelancing platforms provide escrow payment systems. We have noticed that many clients prefer to use third-party escrow payment systems offered by the freelancing platform. With this system, clients can release payments safely only after they are satisfied with the delivered work, reducing the risk of paying for unsatisfactory services.
The main benefit is that freelancers and clients feel safe in this way.
Cons of Cybersecurity Freelancing on Marketplaces
Even though there are some pros, business owners shouldn’t forget its cons.
Difficulty in Find True Cybersecurity Professionals
Talented professionals usually offer services through their own platforms. Even if they choose to try freelancing marketplaces, they often find it challenging to distinguish themselves in a crowded market, where many may offer lower rates but lack the same level of expertise. Clients might struggle to find the ideal freelancer for their requirements, risking hiring someone who fails to meet their expected standards.
Unfortunately, we haven’t found that many freelancers are OSCE3, OSCP, or even CISSP certified.
Limited Freedom
Many marketplaces can impose various restrictions, such as communication rules or dispute resolution processes, that prevent freelancers and buyers from building long-term relationships. Being heavily platform-dependent, there are risks of account suspension and policy change.
High Fees and Commissions
Many freelancing platforms deduct as much as 20% from their earnings, which leads clients to face additional fees.
To be frank, we have found only beginner-level freelancers who offer their services at very low fees. It is believed that some freelancers first offer low rates and gain positive reviews to win more projects in the future.
Conclusion
The freelancing marketplace has both opportunities and challenges. To help both parties, we wanted to highlight the most important pros and Cons of the cybersecurity freelancing marketplace.
Bytium is a managed IT company with a certified and highly expert team that helps individuals and small to medium companies run their businesses smoothly. If you ever need any technical support and cybersecurity services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can confirm that you will have no complaints about the skills and quality of the services.
