How To Make $500K in Cyber Security in 2 Years
Video Overview & Insights
In this video, I break down exactly how I'd make $500K in cybersecurity if my life depended on it—just for fun. From high-paying roles to smart strategies, here’s the game plan I'd follow.
Links spreadsheets and exam decks mentioned👇
p.s. I'm serious about everything I said in this video, but I don't expect most people to actually DO it because it's quite extreme (hence me saying it's "for fun".) If you want some extraordinary outcome, you have to put in some extraordinary effort. I also don't recommend people do unethical over-employment—that is, if you are planning to stack multiple jobs, you should really be prepared to do satisfactory work at the very least.
Here are all the links for stuff I mentioned in this video, though most of the links can be found in the roadmap:
500k Roadmap Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QJHR54mpa-zcx2iBqCLb4EKD-4UmHZcXNO2xYZ5KQss/edit?gid=0#gid=0
500k Resume:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C0NVZR5IKthn9MsBzWUCqtSVJ-ebee2y5t_kyv1abic/edit?tab=t.0
75 Hard — Mentioned for building health, energy, and discipline:
https://youtu.be/SkCnVH3Vjps?si=q7NRmRjhqK_vcIGw
How to Complete a Cyber Degree Under 1 Year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJzsrrw76fQ
Free Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Deck:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJzsrrw76fQ&t=13s
Free CySA (CS0-003) Exam Deck:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LBkKFFyB5I6cWgfm-vzig43nP3BTvOrt/view?usp=drive_link
Free CISSP Exam Deck:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBptp-oMTWsQh4bh7pOER23bLFwKoXre/view?usp=drive_link
Content Ideas:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oTPiLprcXWismyUmsw0seCv1YiPXtLm5eJ2-tR7f-SU/edit?tab=t.0
⚡️ If you're interested in joining our group (access to production SOC, enterprise tools, and weekly calls with me, and cyber internships), check out the cyber range:
https://www.skool.com/cyber-range
I’m going to Wgu cybersecurity program for a bachelors. what’s your thoughts on that and how could i land a good job by time i graduated
00:42 Disclaimer
01:03 Josh’s Background
Great video, Josh.
I'm currently a third-year Cyber Security and Business student in Australia, majoring in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance. My background is a bit unusual as I've worked in physical security, run my own business, and spent years studying financial markets, so I've become increasingly interested in risk, fraud, compliance, and cyber-enabled financial crime.
Do you think starting in financial crime, AML/CTF, fraud, or banking risk is a strong foundation for someone ultimately wanting to move into GRC and security leadership?
Also, if you were starting again today, would you prioritise Security+, ISO 27001/GRC training, or focus on something else entirely?
Would love to hear your perspective.
01:46 High-Level Strategy of How to Make $500K
02:29 The Type of Jobs You Should Get and Avoid
Thank you, AI linked me to your channel as I'm thinking about changing careers. I want a remote role in IT. God bless ya
02:33 If This is Your 1st Cybersecurity Job
02:49 Job Type
Im graduating highschool next year and planning to get a degree in cyber security. Do you think it would also be a good idea to major or minor in AI?
03:45 Kind of Jobs You Want to Get
05:22 How To Most Efficiently Ramp Yourself Up
Nice bullshit
05:39 Rebirth Warning
07:38 Increasing Your HP, MP, Halo Effect
get a degree lol no shit
09:39 Maxing out the $500K Cybersecurity Roadmap
10:34 Roadmap walkthrough
thanks man for infos for free im not from a modern country but its very helpful
19:57 Conclusion
Video Reference:
🎉🎉🎉🎉
08:20 Skool Games Event Recording Q1 2025
https://youtu.be/4oduwkX7bfw
When you say "consistency", what do you mean? Consistently following the plan or something specific in the plan?
Free Certification Practice Tests
https://lognpacific.com/free-certification-practice-tests/
Soon as you started talking health, I knew this is legit.
Normal roadmap:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u560DyBIoH4oBimcpKMF09kiTAbur0YjLM2KzJa-1q0/edit?gid=0#gid=0
I’ve heard for a lot of people, when it comes to things like exotic cars, it’s not about having them. It’s about chasing them. Once you get to the point where you can have it, it doesn’t have that same appeal, and you start chasing the next big thing (that you won’t buy once you can afford it) like a luxury mansion.
As for the degree from WGU, I’m doing that same program now. You said you’ve seen people do it in six months, but I’m halfway done and it’s been two and a half weeks.
500k roadmap:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QJHR54mpa-zcx2iBqCLb4EKD-4UmHZcXNO2xYZ5KQss/edit?gid=0#gid=0
I’ve just gotten into cyberark . I really love it. Is that a good career to job stack?
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Thank you so much!!!!
linkedin.com/in/joshmadakor
I agree with what you said about vulnerability management being the job to look for, but I am a bit confused about what you mean about doing it ethically? I understand the idea of overemployed, but how are you saying it can be done ethically? Could you expand on that?
Also, I just saw one of your most recent videos, and it seems like you make most of your money through having your own business, and I was wondering if this is something you still employ today or you now just work on your business?
instagram.com/joshmadakor
You need a bachelors degree just for entry level jobs these days. I have A+, Net+, Sec+, ITIL Foundations and I can't find another job in IT, I only got the one I have now because my friend was the hiring manager. And working as an EMT for 16 years is what really helped me land this job because it's IT, but in healthcare. Currently enrolled at WGU for Cybersecurity & Information Assurance, hope I can finish this degree, the later certs seem impossible to me right now. I just want to make big boy money :( People need to be realistic when they watch videos like this, you aren't going to go from working as an EMT straight into making 6 figures in cybersecurity
twitter.com/joshmadakor
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What kind of job should you start out with? Every cybersecurity job I see already wants experience
How I Would Make 500k in Cyber if my Life Depended on it (for fun)
So much spam comments applauding nothing. This takes 8 years right?
More User Perspectives
I just enrolled for my bachelor's in cybersecurity want to focus on tpentesting but this is very eye opening
@KamiCanFamMy son graduated highschool next year and is looking for a major for college. He's an honor roll, beta club student. I've been trying to show him the benefits of pursuing a tech career but I'm still a novice myself. Does anyone have advice on which direction he should go to continue his education, like degree or certificates? Any jobs that are projected to be promising for entry level in 4 years? Thanks in advance!
@RangernessHow do you break into cybersecurity and is it still worth it?
@acaiv1797The way that this market has been structured, it's very hard for individuals to get contracting positions. consulting companies dominating the game - and they sell very well to clients and charge them a fortune.... and if you did not went with a consulting company your assessment lets say its not well trusted because if it not made by the big corps its not 100% trusted. It's very hard for companies, regardless of size, to trust you (but if you work for a consulting firm, then you are trusted... which it does not make sense) - one thing that you said - and i agree 1000% is that you need specialization in 1 to 2 domains max and do it well.. in this day and age with tech to have so many domains, you can not be an expert in everything.. good video!!
@dhimiterbello2937The more you make the less time you have for the nonsense because that stuff is a time sink. You can dream about that all day long when you have the time for it. Never underestimate the importance of perception
@Olive-oilienI’m ngl I was totally expecting this to be some BS video but this was extremely insightful. Cheers man and congrats on your success
@sambizot2881Josh, I have a question about this video, so let me understand this its not actually $0 to $500K, its actually you need to pay for those certificates, and they cost more $2000 minimum. I have a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity and still no job in Cyber becuase of AI or ATS that discovers your resume. I mean the you put it as the job market now a days its not pink as it looks. My question here today: How can I hack? Even I don't have a degree .. thanks for sharing your experience with us
@RafedAlDoohanWhat type of entrepreneur business are you in?
@mario620Still struggling just to get a Soc position... not sure what am doing wrong
@BWH571I already don't have friends. I picked the right field! 💪
@Spartan0311Idk about the career aspect of this vid, but there is a lot of profound general advice for life, imo.
@--...--...--...I don't have the brains for Cyber Security.
@washredskin887I wanna do the grind, but it feels so hard to find a starting point. Thanks for giving a clear strategy. I am 28 and only got a Bachelor's Degree in computer science. I really slacked off the last years and I hope it's not too late. From now on I will give my best
@WTfire108:26 not only that people will treat you better as well. Being 350 lbs now vs 210 lbs at 6ft 3 is different in how people want to work with you talk to you etc. As sad as it is it’s true.
@beatbyknobodye1581It would seem you need to have 1 million dollars and spend 500K on certs and a PHD.
@ryansommerfeld2098Thank you so much! This video was a big boost for my journey into cyber!
@sethg311Could there be a roadmap like this for Network Engineering?
@naseemdenton9100I am in IAM. Do categorize it as good or Bad?
@sagarskumar8679Man I’m not even making any money near that and I’ve been losing friends because I’m trying to focus on making more money.
@mavrk.dAlso, how about stacking IAM jobs, there is that Youtube Klaw, he claims doing 5 remote IAM jobs at the same time making 400-500k yearly. How likely is that?
@mosh-cyberIs contract jobs normally government or corporate? Looking for corporate only
@mosh-cyberGotta be the FIRST and probably the BEST Cybersecurity video mixed with Life/Career coaching. Cyber people tend to ONLY nerd out on Cyber. End of the day, we're all human. Keep it going!
@heavymetalrox268Insightful video, Josh! I am transitioning into cybersecurity from a marketing background and earned my bachelors and master’s degree. I am most interested in becoming a threat intelligence analyst and currently reading Cybersecurity Master Plan by Gerald Auger for advice on advancing in Cybersecurity. Keep up the excellent work!
@qfit80Is there a difference in a BA and BS computer science degree?
@MiguelOvalles-e6mI just came across your channel by accident, just say I am glad I did. Very informative. Currently I am school right now at Colorado Technical University persuing my Bachelor's in computer science in Cyber Security engineering. My goals is to be an analyst and have my own government contracts. Need help any suggestions??
@c-monk6243Trying to decide which is the better path to transition from a well paid network/network security engineer
@damonanitonMan, this is good. Wow, this was really helpful for me. Thank you for the time and effort you gave for this video, wish you all the best. M
@mustafaaa9888How do you get contract work if you are new? You are still applying for work arent you?
@rickspalding3047Want to get into cybersecurity, thoughts?
@theamithsinghhThe best one I've seen. on how you broke it down.
@chrismarrero7072Awesome video! I just passed my CCNA and I have a goal to make 120k in 3 years. It’s way under this but I will start doing this list and see where I can go. Is there a networking podcast you suggest or should I just listen to the cyber security ones? I already listen to darknet diaries.
@TheDouglee87Another skill benefit are agentic workflows. Those will help you be more efficient with your day-to-day tasks.
@GhostBear.X