Press Release: Cybersnap and BriteStart Launch SoloSecure Certification

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The first-ever SoloSecure certification addresses the growing need for cybersecurity awareness training, focusing on the rising cyber threats that target freelancers and the clients who hire them.

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 designed specifically for solopreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals. This new certification, which focuses on practical, human-centric learning, will be available just in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It aims to equip individuals with essential knowledge to combat the growing threats posed by cybercriminals leveraging advancements in AI and other technologies, making it a vital component of freelancer cybersecurity.

The program addresses a critical gap in the market: freelancers now constitute over 46.7% of the global workforce and 36% of the U.S. workforce, contributing more than $1.4 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. However, these freelancers are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in the context of supply chain cyberattacks. In fact, 41% of U.S. small businesses reported experiencing at least one cyberattack in the past year, highlighting the need for effective freelancer cybersecurity measures. The average cost of a cyber event for small businesses hovers around $25,000, but recovery expenses can soar to over $650,000, depending on the incident's severity. To mitigate these risks, implementing cybersecurity awareness training and obtaining the SoloSecure certification can be vital for both freelancers and small businesses.

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 addresses the critical market need for freelancer cybersecurity by equipping freelancers with essential practical cyber defenses and providing cybersecurity awareness training crucial for today’s elevated threat landscape. Additionally, the SoloSecure certification ensures that independent workers are well-prepared to tackle these challenges.

“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 offers essential cybersecurity awareness training along with a prestigious SoloSecure certification, empowering freelancers to protect themselves and the clients who depend on them.”

Jamie Read, founder and CEO of BriteStart, added, “Cybersecurity awareness training is no longer optional for independents; it’s fundamental to their survival and credibility. By delivering SoloSecure certification through BriteStart’s network and community, we’re helping freelancers enhance their cybersecurity and build resilience to meet the rising expectations of companies relying on their expertise.”

Freelancers are increasingly becoming targeted nodes in supply chain cyberattacks, which poses significant risks not just to their own businesses but also to the operational integrity and reputation of their clients. To combat this, implementing cybersecurity awareness training is crucial. Studies reveal that 60% of freelancers affected by data breaches, often due to a lack of freelancer cybersecurity measures, go out of business within six months. Furthermore, corporate losses from related supply chain attacks can reach millions of dollars, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the SoloSecure certification for freelancers.

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, investing in cybersecurity awareness training, such as the SoloSecure certification, can be a low-cost strategy that protects both independent freelancers and larger businesses from evolving threats.

Experience live, expert-led training sessions designed specifically for freelance workflows and the unique challenges that independent workers face. Our program emphasizes cybersecurity awareness training, providing cutting-edge defense strategies against phishing, social engineering, and emerging AI-related threats. Learn how to identify signatures of AI-generated phishing emails and messages effectively. You'll receive 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. Upon completion, you'll earn a verifiable SoloSecure certification and badge to showcase your cybersecurity readiness and elevate your professional standing.

SoloSecure is hosting its first cybersecurity awareness training session on September 25, just ahead of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This provides freelancers a timely opportunity to enhance their defenses and credibility through SoloSecure certification. For more information or to enroll, visit https://britestart-community.circle.so/solosecure or contact us at media@cybersnap.ca.

Freelancers make up 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). However, cybercriminals target freelancers 350% more frequently than regular employees (Verizon 2024). Alarmingly, nearly 43% of cyberattacks affect small businesses and independents, highlighting the need for increased freelancer cybersecurity awareness (Cybersecurity Ventures 2025). The average cost of a cyber incident is $25,000, with ransomware losses potentially exceeding $650,000 (IBM Security 2024). Weak or reused credentials are involved in over 80% of breaches (Verizon 2025). Furthermore, 60% of freelancers close their businesses within six months of experiencing a breach, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity awareness training and obtaining a SoloSecure certification for better protection (Rynfile, Jan 2025).

Imogen Fannon

Chief Engagement Officer, Cybersnap

Email: imogen@cybersnap.ca

Jamie Read

Founder of BriteStart

Email: jamie.read@britebirch.com

For those interested in enhancing their knowledge on cybersecurity awareness training, interviews, spokesperson quotes, and high-resolution images are available upon request. Additionally, we can provide insights into freelancer cybersecurity and the benefits of the SoloSecure certification.