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What passive income job can I do with just my phone How to do I use college for Information Technology to land a job in cybersecurity? Why is difficult to find a mentor in the world of cybersecurity??
1. What passive income opportunities can I pursue using just my phone to start building generational wealth?
2. How can I leverage my college major in Information Technology with a focus on Cybersecurity to land my first job in the field?
3. Why is it so challenging to find a mentor in the cybersecurity industry?
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9 answers
Updated
Tiana’s Answer
While true passive income takes time to build, here are phone-friendly starter opportunities you can scale:
A. Create Digital Products (Low-effort, High-scaling)
Design Canva templates, eBooks, or budget planners.
Sell them on Gumroad, Etsy, or Payhip.
Manage uploads, sales, and promotions from your phone.
B. Affiliate Marketing (Phone-Friendly)
Promote products via TikTok, Instagram, or a simple blog.
Earn commission when people buy through your link.
Start with Amazon Associates, Canva Affiliate, or ShareASale.
C. Print-on-Demand
Use apps like Printify or Teespring to design T-shirts, mugs, etc.
You create designs, and they handle orders—no inventory needed.
D. Monetize a Micro-Brand
Start a niche content page (e.g., "Cybersecurity Tips for Beginners").
Grow followers and monetize through ads, brand deals, or small products.
E. Dividend Investing (Advanced Step)
Use apps like Robinhood or Wealthsimple to invest in dividend stocks or ETFs.
Put an effort up front, then automating or scaling it. Use your phone now, and let the income grow while you focus on your cybersecurity career.
A. Create Digital Products (Low-effort, High-scaling)
Design Canva templates, eBooks, or budget planners.
Sell them on Gumroad, Etsy, or Payhip.
Manage uploads, sales, and promotions from your phone.
B. Affiliate Marketing (Phone-Friendly)
Promote products via TikTok, Instagram, or a simple blog.
Earn commission when people buy through your link.
Start with Amazon Associates, Canva Affiliate, or ShareASale.
C. Print-on-Demand
Use apps like Printify or Teespring to design T-shirts, mugs, etc.
You create designs, and they handle orders—no inventory needed.
D. Monetize a Micro-Brand
Start a niche content page (e.g., "Cybersecurity Tips for Beginners").
Grow followers and monetize through ads, brand deals, or small products.
E. Dividend Investing (Advanced Step)
Use apps like Robinhood or Wealthsimple to invest in dividend stocks or ETFs.
Tiana recommends the following next steps:
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Anish Raghav’s Answer
I can help with questions 2 and 3.
How can I use my Information Technology degree to get a job in cybersecurity?
First, consider if you can change your major from IT to Cybersecurity, provided your college offers it. If it doesn't mean extra semesters and costs, go for it. If not, don't worry. Many people have entered the field without a cyber degree.
In your IT program, try to take classes with a focus on cybersecurity. Some colleges offer a special track with several cyber courses that can enhance your IT degree.
If this isn't an option, you can still succeed. Join college clubs that focus on cybersecurity. These clubs can help you meet people, build connections, and improve your skills. Participate in projects that you can include in your portfolio, which will be useful for your resume.
Employers value your ability to apply knowledge and achieve results more than test scores. They want to see how you can protect their assets from cyber threats.
If you have time, explore YouTube courses on cybersecurity tools and entry-level certifications like Sec+. If you can afford it, Udemy offers in-depth courses on cybersecurity and other technical skills.
Most importantly, work on projects that show your ability to use cybersecurity concepts to solve problems. Experience is key, but projects that demonstrate your skills are also valuable.
Why is it challenging to find a mentor in the cybersecurity industry?
Finding a mentor in cybersecurity can be tough because there aren't many professionals, and the job is demanding. Those who are in the field often don't have the time to mentor others.
In the short term, seek advice from YouTube channels that offer general guidance. It's better than having no advice at all.
For the long term, attend networking events, many of which are virtual and free. Don't hesitate to reach out to people in the industry through email or in person. Don't fear rejection; success often comes from being persistent even when faced with setbacks.
How can I use my Information Technology degree to get a job in cybersecurity?
First, consider if you can change your major from IT to Cybersecurity, provided your college offers it. If it doesn't mean extra semesters and costs, go for it. If not, don't worry. Many people have entered the field without a cyber degree.
In your IT program, try to take classes with a focus on cybersecurity. Some colleges offer a special track with several cyber courses that can enhance your IT degree.
If this isn't an option, you can still succeed. Join college clubs that focus on cybersecurity. These clubs can help you meet people, build connections, and improve your skills. Participate in projects that you can include in your portfolio, which will be useful for your resume.
Employers value your ability to apply knowledge and achieve results more than test scores. They want to see how you can protect their assets from cyber threats.
If you have time, explore YouTube courses on cybersecurity tools and entry-level certifications like Sec+. If you can afford it, Udemy offers in-depth courses on cybersecurity and other technical skills.
Most importantly, work on projects that show your ability to use cybersecurity concepts to solve problems. Experience is key, but projects that demonstrate your skills are also valuable.
Why is it challenging to find a mentor in the cybersecurity industry?
Finding a mentor in cybersecurity can be tough because there aren't many professionals, and the job is demanding. Those who are in the field often don't have the time to mentor others.
In the short term, seek advice from YouTube channels that offer general guidance. It's better than having no advice at all.
For the long term, attend networking events, many of which are virtual and free. Don't hesitate to reach out to people in the industry through email or in person. Don't fear rejection; success often comes from being persistent even when faced with setbacks.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
To make money with just your phone, do something you enjoy. Something fun and meaning for you. This could be reselling things you are passionate about, or creating content that you know and others don't. Garyv shows how to buy and resell stuff easily. Even creating shorts on youtube that are long enough will start to generate income once you get enough subscribers. Nothing is easy though. This will take a lot of effort and focus to make sure what you are delivering is clear, interesting, and understandable.
To get your first job and a mentorship, you need to try things you haven't done before. Talk to people, get to know them and when they ask about you, tell them your interests and what you're looking for. If they know about it, they will freely offer up tips or suggestions. This is how you network, by genuinely getting to know people and helping them if you can, connecting them with others you may know and vice versa. Also go to the career center at your school/university. This should be available even after you graduate. Try joining different communities or meetups. There are even some free mentorship groups in different communities where retirees meet up with people weekly or monthly at a coffee shop. They don't need to be a cyber professional to help you. If they are retired CIO, CEO, or manager, they will have connections and ideas on how to find more opportunities.
Good luck!
To get your first job and a mentorship, you need to try things you haven't done before. Talk to people, get to know them and when they ask about you, tell them your interests and what you're looking for. If they know about it, they will freely offer up tips or suggestions. This is how you network, by genuinely getting to know people and helping them if you can, connecting them with others you may know and vice versa. Also go to the career center at your school/university. This should be available even after you graduate. Try joining different communities or meetups. There are even some free mentorship groups in different communities where retirees meet up with people weekly or monthly at a coffee shop. They don't need to be a cyber professional to help you. If they are retired CIO, CEO, or manager, they will have connections and ideas on how to find more opportunities.
Good luck!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
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Answers
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To create passive income using just your phone while gearing up for a cybersecurity career, explore selling digital products on platforms like Etsy, Shutterstock, or Gumroad. Use Canva to craft e-books or templates. Try passive investing with apps like Robinhood, Acorns, and Fundrise to earn dividends or real estate income. Affiliate marketing with Amazon Associates or ClickBank can bring in commissions through social media. Cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta are easy to use, and you can start dropshipping with Shopify and Oberlo or rent out personal items on Turo and Fat Llama—all conveniently managed from your phone.
Transitioning from an IT degree to cybersecurity is exciting! Use college career services, seek internships, and get certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Practice with hands-on platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybrary, and showcase your work on GitHub. Participate in events like PicoCTF, NCL, and CTFtime challenges, and attend major conferences such as DEF CON, Black Hat, and RSA—many offer virtual access. Join communities and meetups via OWASP, WiCyS, or Meetup.com, and find mentors through CyberMentor Dojo, ISACA, or (ISC)². Keep up-to-date with Krebs on Security, The Hacker News, and podcasts like Smashing Security. By combining passive income strategies with focused learning, networking, and real-world experience, you can achieve financial freedom and a successful cybersecurity career.
Transitioning from an IT degree to cybersecurity is exciting! Use college career services, seek internships, and get certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Practice with hands-on platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybrary, and showcase your work on GitHub. Participate in events like PicoCTF, NCL, and CTFtime challenges, and attend major conferences such as DEF CON, Black Hat, and RSA—many offer virtual access. Join communities and meetups via OWASP, WiCyS, or Meetup.com, and find mentors through CyberMentor Dojo, ISACA, or (ISC)². Keep up-to-date with Krebs on Security, The Hacker News, and podcasts like Smashing Security. By combining passive income strategies with focused learning, networking, and real-world experience, you can achieve financial freedom and a successful cybersecurity career.
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Parul’s Answer
Consider diving into content creation, where you can earn money through ads or brand partnerships. You might also explore dividend-paying apps like Groww and Robinhood for additional income streams.
When it comes to cybersecurity, start by mastering basic IT and networking concepts. Take advantage of free resources like CompTIA Network+ videos and TryHackMe. Experiment with tools like Wireshark and Kali Linux to gain practical experience. Earning entry-level certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or the Google Cybersecurity course on Coursera can also boost your job prospects.
For mentorship, engage in online forums and LinkedIn groups. Participate actively to build your network and gain valuable insights. This approach can be incredibly beneficial!
When it comes to cybersecurity, start by mastering basic IT and networking concepts. Take advantage of free resources like CompTIA Network+ videos and TryHackMe. Experiment with tools like Wireshark and Kali Linux to gain practical experience. Earning entry-level certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or the Google Cybersecurity course on Coursera can also boost your job prospects.
For mentorship, engage in online forums and LinkedIn groups. Participate actively to build your network and gain valuable insights. This approach can be incredibly beneficial!
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Shubham’s Answer
If you want to earn passive income using just your phone, try low-effort options like selling designs on print-on-demand sites (using Canva and Redbubble), promoting affiliate products on social media, or uploading good-quality photos to stock photo websites. These take a bit of setup but can earn in the background once they’re running. If you’re studying Information Technology and want to get into cybersecurity, focus your college projects on security, get certifications like CompTIA Security+, and seek out internships, tech clubs, or competitions to gain hands-on experience. Networking with professors and industry speakers can also open doors. Finding a cybersecurity mentor can be tough because the field is fast-paced and professionals are often busy, but showing genuine interest and being active in online communities can help you connect with the right people over time.
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Jim’s Answer
There’s no “set-it-and-forget-it” goldmine with just your phone unless you’ve already got capital, skills, or content built. If you’re looking to build passive income using just your phone, the key is to start small with scalable activities. The real power comes from using your phone to build a brand, skillset, or digital product that pays long-term. As for launching a career in cybersecurity with your IT degree, don’t rely on your diploma alone. Employers want to see hands-on experience, so focus on earning certifications like CompTIA Security+, Network+, or eventually CEH. Build a home lab, document your learning, and share projects or walkthroughs on LinkedIn or GitHub to stand out. Most entry-level pros start in help desk or SOC (Security Operations Center) roles—these are stepping stones that let you learn how systems really work. Lastly, finding a mentor in cybersecurity is hard because the industry is overloaded, competitive, and many professionals are protective of their time and knowledge. Instead of asking someone to be your mentor right away, start by showing initiative. Post your progress in cyber communities, attend virtual conferences, ask thoughtful questions, and add value to discussions. Mentorship comes when people see you’re serious, hungry to learn, and doing the work on your own first.
Quick story about me, I started out in construction, then moved into mechanical maintenance, and now I’m teaching myself how to code. I’m learning Python and JavaScript, using Visual Studio Code as my main platform. I didn’t come from a tech background at all. In fact, where I came from, computer literacy didn’t really matter. But now it’s something I’ve grown interested in, and I’m teaching myself everything from scratch....watching videos, taking classes, learning through trial and error.
Right now, I’m building an app completely on my own, from the ground up, in my free time at home. What I’ve learned is this: you just have to start. Don’t wait for someone to guide you, don’t sit around hoping someone will show you the way, its not that easy, just get after it and figure things out as you go. Don’t get too caught up in one thing unless you’re truly passionate about it. Instead, try to gain as much knowledge, experience, and hands-on exposure in as many areas as possible. That’s how you eventually find your direction
Quick story about me, I started out in construction, then moved into mechanical maintenance, and now I’m teaching myself how to code. I’m learning Python and JavaScript, using Visual Studio Code as my main platform. I didn’t come from a tech background at all. In fact, where I came from, computer literacy didn’t really matter. But now it’s something I’ve grown interested in, and I’m teaching myself everything from scratch....watching videos, taking classes, learning through trial and error.
Right now, I’m building an app completely on my own, from the ground up, in my free time at home. What I’ve learned is this: you just have to start. Don’t wait for someone to guide you, don’t sit around hoping someone will show you the way, its not that easy, just get after it and figure things out as you go. Don’t get too caught up in one thing unless you’re truly passionate about it. Instead, try to gain as much knowledge, experience, and hands-on exposure in as many areas as possible. That’s how you eventually find your direction
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Alex’s Answer
breaking into cybersecurity or tech can feel tough especially without a mentor or roadmap. But even with just your phone, you can start. Sell digital products, learn in public, or create niche content. These small moves add up!
Use your IT coursework to build a visible portfolio. Get into CTFs, explore certs like Security+, and apply to entry-level roles like SOC analyst or GRC intern. I’ve put together a sheet with 2,000+ remote and early-career jobs that might help https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19JrgDvtmDaMAWeIjrRfeaSY4DOo3c5vP5St1Bc5NaPM/edit?gid=0#gid=0
As for mentorship, It’s hard to find, but community is out there. Join Slack or Discord groups for beginners in cyber or tech. Ask questions. Offer help when you can. Mentorship often starts with showing up consistently
Use your IT coursework to build a visible portfolio. Get into CTFs, explore certs like Security+, and apply to entry-level roles like SOC analyst or GRC intern. I’ve put together a sheet with 2,000+ remote and early-career jobs that might help https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19JrgDvtmDaMAWeIjrRfeaSY4DOo3c5vP5St1Bc5NaPM/edit?gid=0#gid=0
As for mentorship, It’s hard to find, but community is out there. Join Slack or Discord groups for beginners in cyber or tech. Ask questions. Offer help when you can. Mentorship often starts with showing up consistently
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Dakota’s Answer
Hey! If you’re looking to build up passive income straight from your phone, here are a few options to explore that don’t require a huge investment:
Print-on-demand stores — Use apps like Canva + Printify or Redbubble to design shirts, mugs, or stickers and sell them online. No inventory needed.
Affiliate marketing — If you’re active on TikTok, Insta, or even just in group chats, you can share links from platforms like Amazon Associates or LTK and earn small commissions.
Sell digital products — Think: templates, study guides, or journals you make once and sell on sites like Gumroad or Etsy. All manageable from your phone.
Cashback + investing apps — Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or even dividend-paying investing apps like Robinhood or Stash can bring in small passive earnings over time.
Start small, test what feels right, and scale up from there. The real key to building wealth is staying consistent. 📲💸
Print-on-demand stores — Use apps like Canva + Printify or Redbubble to design shirts, mugs, or stickers and sell them online. No inventory needed.
Affiliate marketing — If you’re active on TikTok, Insta, or even just in group chats, you can share links from platforms like Amazon Associates or LTK and earn small commissions.
Sell digital products — Think: templates, study guides, or journals you make once and sell on sites like Gumroad or Etsy. All manageable from your phone.
Cashback + investing apps — Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or even dividend-paying investing apps like Robinhood or Stash can bring in small passive earnings over time.
Start small, test what feels right, and scale up from there. The real key to building wealth is staying consistent. 📲💸