Cybersecurity: The Snake Oil Phase of a For-Profit Industry

Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever, but have we reached the point where profit motives are overshadowing actual security concerns? The rise of influencer-driven content, aggressive marketing tactics, and paywalled education suggests that cybersecurity has at least entered the snake oil phase. We now see the focus shifting from technical content to selling solutions.

The Business of Fear-Based Marketing

Cybersecurity companies have perfected the art of fear-based marketing. They warn of devastating data breaches, ransomware attacks, and identity theft—only to offer their own product as the ultimate safeguard. This tactic isn’t entirely dishonest (threats do exist), but it often exaggerates risks to push unnecessary or overpriced security solutions.

The Sponsorship-Driven Cybersecurity Advice

Scroll through cybersecurity content on YouTube or social media, and you’ll notice a pattern—many creators consistently promote VPN services, password managers, or paid security courses. While some of these tools have value, the aggressive sponsorship model raises concerns about bias. Can cybersecurity influencers truly provide unbiased advice when their content is funded by the same companies whose products they review?

This is particularly problematic when creators recommend tools without properly assessing their effectiveness. The line between genuine security education and sales-driven endorsement is growing increasingly blurry.

The Paywall Problem in Cybersecurity Education

Cybersecurity education is essential, yet many platforms charge exorbitant fees for courses that may not justify their cost. Some influencers push their personal training programs while dismissing free or more affordable alternatives, creating a system where knowledge is gatekept behind expensive paywalls.

This trend forces aspiring professionals to either spend thousands of dollars on questionable courses or navigate cybersecurity on their own, often relying on fragmented free resources. While quality education certainly requires investment, the industry’s prioritization of profit over accessibility makes entry harder for those without financial means.

How to Navigate the Snake Oil Era

Despite the commercialization of cybersecurity, there are still ways to find valuable and trustworthy advice:

• Prioritize transparency: Look for creators who clearly disclose sponsorships and affiliations.
• Verify security claims: Research products independently and check expert reviews rather than relying on promotional videos.
• Seek community-driven knowledge: Open-source cybersecurity communities and government-backed initiatives often provide credible information without commercial bias.

Cybersecurity is a real and necessary industry, but it has undeniably entered a phase where marketing and profit motives sometimes overshadow genuine security concerns. Consumers and professionals alike must approach cybersecurity products, advice, and education with a healthy dose of skepticism.