As consumers spend more of their lives online, there’s never been a better time to start promoting cyber security affiliate programs.
Inevitably, the more time we spend in the digital realm, the more websites, platforms, and apps get access to our data, increasing our exposure to cyber crime. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cyber crime will reach an eye-watering $10.5 trillion by 2025, with the average data breach cost in the US amounting to almost $9.5 million.
While cyber attacks on businesses are most likely to hit the headlines, consumer attacks are far more common. In the first half of 2022 alone, over 53 million Americans were affected by data compromises, including data exposure, leakage, and breaches.
Of course, the growing threat (and cost) of cyber crime is fantastic news for the cyber security industry, which is projected to generate revenues of over $262 billion by 2027.
Want to grab a slice of that tasty, tasty pie? Read on for our roundup of the 12 best cyber security affiliate programs…
Cyber Security Affiliate Programs
- ExpressVPN
- Trend Micro
- LifeLock
- LastPass
- Avast
- ESET
- Astra Web Security
- IT Governance
- Heimdal Security
- NordLayer
- Perimeter 81
- NordVPN
1 ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009, ExpressVPN is one of the world’s largest VPN providers, with over 3,000 servers in 160 VPN locations across 94 countries. It offers 24/7 live chat-based customer support and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN apps are available across all devices and platforms, from Mac and Windows to iOS and Linux. The company is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns the CyberGhost and PIA VPN services.
The Express VPN affiliate program works through four networks — CJ Affiliate, FlexOffers, Rakuten, and Skimlinks — but the best way to sign up is through its in-house program. Unsurprisingly, ExpressVPN pays higher commissions for longer-term deals, starting at $13 for one-month contracts and climbing to $50 per sale on 12-month packages. According to CJ Affiliate, the program currently has a three-month EPC of $163.88.
Commissions are paid via PayPal before the 15th of the month, with a minimum threshold of $100. Alternatively, payments can be sent via wire transfer for commissions of $1,000+.
ExpressVPN affiliates get access to customized landing pages and other marketing materials. The company’s dedicated affiliate managers offer content, design, SEO, and UX support.
To be accepted to the ExpressVPN affiliate program, you must have a live website and publish VPN-related content. Affiliate applications are typically reviewed in up to two business days.
| Network | Commission | Cookie | Market | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-house | $13 – $36 per sale | Unlisted | Global | Sign Up |
| CJ Affiliate | $13 – $36 per sale | 90 days | Global | Sign Up |
| FlexOffers | Unlisted | 90 days | Global | Sign Up |
| Rakuten Linkshare | $18.20 – $50 per sale | 90 days | Global | Sign Up |
| Skimlinks | Unlisted | Unlisted | Global | Sign Up |
- Products/Services sold: VPN services
2 Trend Micro
Trend Micro offers various internet and network security products to protect small and medium-sized businesses against spam, spyware, phishing attacks, viruses, and inappropriate content. A popular choice among business leaders, Trend Micro’s services are used by 500,000+ companies globally.
Sign up for the Trend Micro cyber security affiliate program through CJ Affiliate. The program has a 45-day cookie window and pays 20% per sale, with CJ Affiliate reporting a three-month EPC of $16.39. Commissions are paid monthly, provided you reach the $50 payment threshold.
Trend Micro offers various assets to aid your promotional efforts, including regular deals to boost conversions.
- URL: Trend Micro affiliate program
- Commission rate: 20% per sale
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Products/Services sold: Business cyber security products
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Market(s): US, Canada
3 LifeLock
LifeLock is a big name in the cyber security industry, with research from MSI International naming it the most recognized brand in identity theft protection. Its product includes multiple layers of defense to protect against malware, ransomware, spyware, and viruses. All plans include $1 million of legal coverage to fix identity theft-related issues.
Formerly known as NortonLifeLock, the brand is owned by Gen Digital, a massive internet security company that also owns Norton, Avast, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender, and CCleaner.
LifeLock’s cyber security affiliate program pays a wide range of commissions, as follows:
- LifeLock Junior: $8 on monthly plans, $20 on annual plans
- LifeLock Standard: $40 on monthly plans, $60 on annual plans
- LifeLock Advantage: $50 on monthly plans, $80 on annual plans
- LifeLock Ultimate Plus: $60 on monthly plans, $110 on annual plans
The program has a 30-day cookie window and a three-month EPC of $424.11, so other affiliates are clearly earning good money here.
LifeLock affiliates get access to a dedicated affiliate manager and customized creatives to suit your website. The company offers various other assets and resources, including exclusive customer promotions.
- URL: LifeLock affiliate program
- Commission rate: $8 – $111 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Products/Services sold: Identity theft protection
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Market(s): US only
4 LastPass
According to a survey from Lab42, LastPass is the world’s most preferred password manager among consumers and IT admins. Its product features a built-in password generator and allows customers to safely share passwords and notes with other users.
LastPass has over 33 million users and 100,000+ business customers, including big brands like Patagonia and Yelp.
Sign up for the LastPass cyber security affiliate program via Impact Radius. The program pays a flat 25% per sale and has a 45-day cookie window, with Impact reporting a 30-day EPC of $0.23.
LastPass supports deep linking, allowing affiliates to link directly to specific landing pages and products.
- URL: LastPass affiliate program
- Commission rate: 25% per sale
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Products/Services sold: Password management solutions
- Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
- Market(s): Canada, Singapore, Australia, UK, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, US, India
5 Avast
Avast offers antivirus software for consumers and businesses, with a suite of security products that includes clean-up tools, internet security, and VPN services. Its antivirus portfolio covers Android, Mac, and PC.
Avast’s next-generation security engine uses machine learning, signature-based detection, and behavioral cues to identify and protect against threats. The company is part of Gen Digital, along with LifeLock, Norton, and various other brands.
The Avast affiliate program, managed through CJ Affiliate, offers a 60-day cookie window and pays a flat commission of 35% per sale. According to CJ Affiliate, the program currently has a three-month EPC of $7.50.
Affiliates get access to an extensive marketing kit, including text links, high-quality banner ads, and a comprehensive data feed. Avast also runs regular exclusive affiliate promotions. It has a dedicated affiliate marketing team and offers tailored support to high-performing affiliate marketers.
- URL: Avast affiliate program
- Commission rate: 35% per sale
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Products/Services sold: VPN, internet security, business cyber security products
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Market(s): Global
6 ESET
ESET is an award-winning antivirus and internet security service that protects customers through 16 layers of safeguards. The company offers various business security products, including XOPERO, a business continuity solution. Its products are used by 110+ million users in over 200 countries, including more than 400,000 businesses.
Sign up for ESET’s affiliate program via CJ Affiliate. It has a 60-day cookie window and pays a flat 20% commission on most sales, allowing affiliates to earn recurring revenues from new purchases and renewals. Sales of XOPERO pay a bounty commission of $4.
ESET offers regular special promotions and long-term offers, including holiday-themed discount codes to help drive conversions.
All applications to the ESET affiliate program are manually reviewed by the company’s affiliate management team. ESET is happy to work with affiliates based anywhere in the world, but your traffic must predominantly come from Canada and the US.
- URL: ESET affiliate program
- Commission rate: 20% on most product sales; $4 per sale of XOPERO
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Products/Services sold: Internet security and antivirus software
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Market(s): US, Canada
7 Astra Web Security
Astra Web Security provides all-in-one website security, incorporating community security, malware scanning, and firewall protection. It also offers a hacker-style pentest that checks websites for 3,000+ vulnerabilities. Thousands of companies use the company’s services, including big names like Gillette, Ford, and TEDx.
The Astra affiliate program is managed through Tapfiliate and pays 25% recurring commissions, meaning you keep earning the entire time your referrals use Astra. That could equate to years of passive income thanks to the company’s low churn rate of less than 3%. By referring 10 new users a month, you could earn $1,389 in ongoing monthly commission payments. The program has a 60-day cookie window.
Affiliates receive monthly commission payments straight to their PayPal account in the final week of the month, provided they reach the $50 minimum threshold.
Astra has a host of marketing tools and resources, including the ability to offer a 5% lifetime discount via your affiliate link. The company also gives you access to banners, infographics, and a dedicated affiliate management team.
- URL: AstraWeb Security affiliate program
- Commission rate: 25% lifetime commission
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Products/Services sold:
- Payment methods: PayPal
- Market(s): Global
8 IT Governance
IT Governance USA sells books, tools, training, and consultancy services related to compliance, risk management, IT governance, and cyber security. Its customer base includes tech-savvy individuals, small business leaders, enterprises, and government departments. The company has helped over 600 organizations earn ISO 27001 certifications.
Unlike some affiliate advertisers, IT Governance promises you’ll never miss out on sales due to a lack of stock. Many of its products are available for instant download.
IT Governance offers two cyber security affiliate programs through Awin — one aimed at the US market and the other targeting UK users. Commission rates vary between the two programs, but both offer 30-day cookie windows. According to IT Governance, its website has a typical affiliate conversion rate of over 6% and typical order values of around $250, meaning you could earn $25+ from a single transaction.
| Network | Commission | Cookie | Market | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awin (US) | 14% per sale | 30 days | US only | Sign Up |
| Awin (UK) | Up to 10% per sale | 30 days | UK only | Sign Up |
- Products/Services sold: Cyber security training and consultancy
9 Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects home and business users against insider threats, ransomware, business email compromise, and other cyber attacks. Its product detects and blocks advanced malware attacks, identifies automatic and silent patching, and scans traffic in real-time to guard against zero-hour threats.
Heimdal also offers a vast catalog of educational resources, including free courses and blogs on cyber security best practices.
You need a CJ Affiliate or ShareASale affiliate account to join Heimdal’s cyber security affiliate program. Each network offers identical affiliate terms, with a generous 90-day cookie window and a sliding, volume-based commission scale:
- Fewer than 10 monthly Heimdal PRO sales: 50% commission
- 10 – 19 monthly Heimdal PRO sales: 55% commission
- 20 – 29 monthly Heimdal PRO sales: 60% commission
- 30 – 99 monthly Heimdal PRO sales: 65% commission
- 100+ monthly Heimdal PRO sales: 75% commission
Heimdal also pays regular performance-based bonuses. According to CJ Affiliate, the program currently has a three-month EPC of €6.84.
To help you reach those top commission tiers, Heimdal offers various marketing materials and special offers, while affiliates get a lifetime 50% discount on its product. It also promises high-quality in-house affiliate support.
Before signing up, be aware that Heimdal is pretty strict about who can join its affiliate program. To be approved, you must:
- Own your domain
- Create content related to computers, software, or internet security
- Have a malware and spam-free website
You’re also expected to provide a brief marketing plan outlining how you plan to generate traffic and sales.
| Network | Commission | Cookie | Market | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJ Affiliate | 50% – 75% per sale | 90 days | Global | Sign Up |
| ShareASale | 50% – 75% per sale | 90 days | Global | Sign Up |
- Products/Services sold: Cyber security protection
10 NordLayer
NordLayer protects businesses through secure network access. Global companies like Calendly, Hostinger, and Soundcloud use its adaptive security and network access solutions. The company is owned by Nord Security, the folks behind NordVPN.
NordLayer operates an in-house affiliate program that pays a range of commissions depending on customer status and subscription length:
- Monthly packages: 50% on new signups, 40% on renewals
- Annual plans: 40% on new signups, 30% on renewals
The company offers exclusive affiliate links and access to high-quality marketing materials to support your promotional efforts.
- URL: NordLayer affiliate program
- Commission rate: 30% – 50% per sale
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Products/Services sold: Adaptive network access and security solutions
- Payment methods: Unlisted
- Market(s): Global
11 Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 describes itself as a next-generation network security provider, offering secure remote access solutions to business users. Its services simplify secure network, cloud, and application access for a modern and distributed workforce.
The company secures 2,800 customers, with most able to begin network deployment in less than 20 minutes. In comparison, non-customers often have to wait a week or longer to deploy their networks.
Sign up for Perimeter 81’s affiliate program through PostAffiliatePro. It boasts some of the highest commission rates in the industry, paying $400 – $1,000 per transaction, as well as providing special offers for top-performing affiliates. Commissions are paid by the 10th of every month.
To help drive traffic and sales, Perimeter 81 offers various tools and resources, with new marketing materials added weekly. Expect everything from banner ads and screenshots to infographics and logos. Perimeter 81 is also happy to create custom assets on request.
Before applying, bear in mind that Perimeter 81 prefers to work with affiliates who publish business VPN-related content, including software comparisons, IT news, and privacy protection.
- URL: Perimeter 81 affiliate program
- Commission rate: $400 – $1,000 per sale
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Products/Services sold: Secure remote access solutions
- Payment methods: PayPal, wire transfer, Bitcoin
- Market(s): Global
12 NordVPN
VPN service NordVPN is the flagship product of Nord Security, a major cybersecurity company. Its virtual private network hides your IP address and creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, helping you stay safe online.
While NordVPN doesn’t publish details about its customer base, estimates indicate the company has over 14 million users. Its deals include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN operates an in-house affiliate program and also has a program on the Skimlinks network. Both cyber security affiliate programs offer 30-day cookie windows, but their commission rates vary. The in-house version pays a lifetime revenue share, with a 30% commission on existing customer sales and varying rates on new customer orders:
- One-month offers pay a 100% commission
- Six-month, one-year, and two-year offers pay a 40% commission
Alternatively, the Skimlinks program focuses on persuading more customers to sign up for new accounts, paying a flat 60% on all new subscriptions, regardless of length. According to Skimlinks, NordVPN has a 1.52% conversion rate and an average order value of €43.32.
Whichever affiliate program you choose, you can negotiate even higher commissions based on sales value.
NordVPN affiliates work with a dedicated affiliate manager who can help with account setup, provide all the marketing materials you need, and assist you in driving conversions.
- Products/Services sold: VPN services
Conclusion
As you can see, the cyber security industry is full of attractive affiliate programs. But we want you to get the most bang for your promotional efforts, so we scoured the world’s top-ranked cyber security affiliate websites, then found out which programs they recommend. In total, we analyzed 25 niche sites, including PrivacySavvy, RestorePrivacy, VPNOverview, and Cybernews.
Want to earn money from these high-quality cyber security affiliate programs? Your best bet is to start by launching your own affiliate website. That way, you can build a consistent traffic (and revenue) stream that’s not reliant on the whims of social media platforms.
Admittedly, building your own site takes time.
But Authority Hacker is here to help.
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