Startup cost: $500 - $5k

Setup costs range from $500 to $5,000 for starting a Cybersecurity Penetration Testing side hustle. At the minimum end, expenses might cover essential tools like network scanning software, virtual machines for testing, and online training courses. Opting for the maximum budget would allow for investing in more advanced tools, specialized certifications, professional website development, and marketing services. Recurring costs may include software subscriptions, ongoing training, and certification renewals. Feedback from online communities suggests that while it's possible to start with a lower budget, investing more upfront can lead to better results and faster growth. To take this side hustle seriously, a friend should budget at least $500 initially, with room to scale up investments based on business growth and client acquisition.