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Advice for bug bounty beginners
Introduction
Entering the world of bug bounty hunting can be both exciting and challenging, especially for beginners. Notably, some seasoned professionals, such as Ben, advocate for unique strategies that can greatly enhance a novice's likelihood of success. One key piece of advice is to focus on programs that are less popular among elite hackers and bug bounty hunters. While these top-tier individuals often target high-profile programs, they can overshadow newcomers who are just starting. By engaging with less competitive programs, beginners can find unique vulnerabilities that haven’t been identified yet.
A common mistake among newcomers is to rely on the same basic vulnerability types when searching for bugs across different programs. This approach quickly leads to frustration since established hunters often beat them to the punch. In the bug bounty ecosystem, submitting duplicate reports yields no rewards. This makes it vital for beginners to differentiate their hunting tactics.
Another significant point, echoed by experts like Nahomsak, is the importance of finding a niche in bug bounty hunting. Specializing in specific areas can lead to more fruitful discoveries. As you gain experience, consider delving into advanced Recon techniques or focusing on particular vulnerabilities like business logic flaws or access control issues. Practicing and honing in on a niche allows you to understand the subtleties of these vulnerabilities, ultimately increasing your chances of catching something valuable.
While broader exploration in the beginning is essential, it’s equally important not to harbor unrealistic expectations for early success. Different individuals have varied strengths: some may excel in spotting business logic flaws, while others are adept at developing automation tools for reconnaissance or fuzzing. Beginners should strive to determine their unique hunting style and specialize accordingly to avoid getting stuck in a beginner's rut across multiple vulnerability types.
In summary, the path to becoming a successful bug bounty hunter involves strategic decision-making. Focus on less competitive programs, avoid redundancy by identifying and honing in on unique vulnerabilities, and discover a niche that aligns with your skills and interests.
Keywords
- Bug bounty
- Beginners
- Vulnerabilities
- Niche
- Recon
- Business logic flaws
- Automation
- Specialization
FAQ
Q: What should beginners do to improve their chances in bug bounty hunting?
A: Beginners should target less competitive programs and focus on finding unique vulnerabilities instead of seeking out common ones that many others are targeting.
Q: Why is it important to avoid duplicate reports in bug bounties?
A: In the bug bounty world, submitting duplicate reports usually results in no rewards, making it essential to find unique vulnerabilities.
Q: Should beginners specialize in a particular type of vulnerability?
A: Yes, eventually finding and specializing in a niche area can enhance a beginner's understanding of vulnerabilities and increase the chance of success.
Q: How can beginners identify their unique hunting style?
A: Beginners should explore various techniques and areas before determining what they enjoy and excel at, allowing them to specialize accordingly.
Q: What techniques can help beginners improve their bug hunting skills?
A: Focusing on advanced Recon techniques and understanding vulnerabilities like business logic flaws or access control issues can significantly help beginners.