Teaching Computer Security Skills

Today the average high school student graduates having worked and played with computers all their lives, will know several different kinds of software, and possibly even some programming. The average college graduate in the early 1980’s had never seen a computer, except in movies. They are often anxious to go online and use the computer for even simple things, for fear of being hacked or having their identity stolen. They are unaware of computer safety measures like firewalls or virus protection. A one-on-one tutor would be a great help to them.

Teaching computer security skills is merely a matter of your skill with computers being put to the use of teaching, rather than programming or office work. Teaching in this way can be extremely rewarding and puts you out in the community, instead of sitting alone in an office somewhere. This can be a full-time business or a way to supplement your existing income with very little cost out of pocket for promotion or overhead.

You will need to decide what it is you have the skills to teach. Are you more familiar with Apple then IBM products, for example? Can you bring yourself up to speed enough to teach computer security techniques for both, equally? What types of programs do you know well enough to teach? If possible and affordable you might want to look into getting certification if you don’t already have it. Certifications are a great investment in yourself and in your business, but they can be costly. You might also look into taking computer security certification classes at a local community college or take courses in the best online schools to hedge your bets on getting certified.

Promotion can be fairly simple. Word of mouth is one of the best ways, since it costs nothing at all. Ask your customers if they know of anyone else who might need your help. Business cards and flyers can be printed at a relatively low cost, or you can create your own and leave them at places like senior recreation centers or the community college bulletin boards where people needing your help will see them. If there is a local ad sheet, place a small advertisement letting potential customers know how you can help them. You might also see if you can teach a one day seminar at the local Y or community center so that you can get the exposure as a computer security tutor. You should also have the method you will teach, sorted out. Or the students coming to you or will you go to their homes? Will you help them purchase security software or just make recommendations about what they might want to buy? Computer security is a relatively new field so this is a good time to start such a business. Teaching this skill can be rewarding and fun, especially for the office dweller who wants to spend more time meeting the public. You will be giving people back their confidence and peace of mind whenever they use their computer.

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