First-ever certification tackles escalating cyber threats targeting freelancers and the clients who hire them.
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2025 — Cybersnap, an award-winning leader in cybersecurity education, and BriteStart, a leading platform empowering independent professionals, have announced the launch of SoloSecure — the first-ever cybersecurity awareness certification tailored for solopreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals. Launching ahead of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the certification aims to provide practical human-centric learning while addressing the increasing advancements of AI and other technologies being used by cybercriminals.
The program responds to an urgent gap in the market: freelancers now make up more than 46.7% of the global workforce and 36% of the U.S. workforce, contributing over $1.4 trillion annually to the US economy. Yet they are increasingly being exploited as weak links in supply chain cyberattacks, with 41% of U.S. small businesses experiencing at least one cyberattack in the past year. The average cost of a cyber event for small businesses is around $25,000, though recovery costs can escalate to more than $650,000 depending on the severity.
Developed by Cybersnap in close partnership with BriteStart, SoloSecure combines Cybersnap’s deep cybersecurity expertise with BriteStart’s community reach and trusted platform for independent workers. This collaboration answers the critical market need of equipping freelancers with the practical cyber defenses essential for today’s elevated threat landscape.
“Freelancers and solopreneurs have become indispensable to every business ecosystem, yet they remain dangerously exposed as vulnerable entry points for cyberattacks,” said Gregory Dharma LePard, co-founder of Cybersnap and a globally recognized cybersecurity thought leader and bestselling author on AI, cybersecurity, and remote work safety. “SoloSecure delivers proven, practical training combined with a prestigious certification, empowering freelancers to protect themselves and the clients who depend on them.”
Jamie Read, founder and CEO of BriteStart, added, “Cybersecurity is no longer optional for independents, it’s fundamental to their survival and credibility. By delivering SoloSecure through BriteStart’s network and community, we’re helping freelancers build resilience and meet the rising expectations of companies relying on their expertise.”
Freelancers are increasingly becoming targeted nodes in supply chain cyberattacks, threatening not only their own businesses but also the operational integrity and reputation of their clients. Studies reveal that 60% of freelancers impacted by data breaches go out of business within six months, while corporate losses from related supply chain attacks can reach millions of dollars.
According to freelancing platform Upwork, 48% of CEOs plan to increase freelance hiring in the coming year, yet 72% of business owners are concerned about future cybersecurity risks arising from hybrid or remote work. As cybersecurity budgets continue to grow by about 8% per year, certification training can be a low-cost investment that protects both the independent freelancer and the larger business.
SoloSecure delivers:
- Live, expert-led training sessions tailored to freelance workflows and the unique challenges facing independent workers.
- Cutting-edge defense strategies against phishing, social engineering, and emerging AI-related threats. This includes foundational training on how to identify the signatures of AI-generated phishing emails, and messages.
- Comprehensive instruction on safeguarding home networks — addressing overlooked risks like weak, reused passwords, which contribute to over 80% of breaches according to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report.
- A verifiable digital certification and badge to showcase cybersecurity readiness and elevate professional standing.
SoloSecure is hosting its first training session on September 25, just ahead of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, giving freelancers a timely opportunity to strengthen their defenses and credibility. For more information or to enroll, visit https://britestart-community.circle.so/solosecure or contact us at media@cybersnap.ca.
Some Facts and Figures:
- Freelancers constitute over 36% of the U.S. labor market (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
- The freelancer economy contributes $1.4 trillion annually (Freelancing in America 2024).
- Cybercriminals target freelancers 350% more frequently than regular employees (Verizon 2024).
- Nearly 43% of cyberattacks affect small businesses and independents (Cybersecurity Ventures 2025).
- Average cyber incident cost $25,000; ransomware losses can exceed $650,000 (IBM Security 2024).
- Weak/reused credentials involved in 80%+ breaches (Verizon 2025).
- 60% of freelancers shutter within six months of a breach (Rynfile, Jan 2025).
Media Contacts
Imogen Fannon
Chief Engagement Officer, Cybersnap
Email: imogen@cybersnap.ca
Jamie Read
Founder of BriteStart
Email: jamie.read@britebirch.com
Interviews, spokesperson quotes, or high-resolution images available upon request.
Get SoloSecure: The First Cybersecurity Certification for Freelancers
