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Bug Bounty Q&A with Jhaddix & Blaklis

Introduction

The atmosphere at DEFCON's Creator Corner was vibrant, fueled by discussions of innovation, success stories, and the ever-evolving landscape of bug bounty hunting. Sponsored by TikTok, this event highlighted not just the potential of bug bounty programs but also the pathways leading to fulfilling careers in cybersecurity. Two notable figures in the community, Jason "Jhaddix" Haddix and Blackliss, shared their insights during a fascinating Q&A session.

Current Journeys in Bug Bounty

Jason Haddix

Jhaddix has transitioned from being an employee to starting his own red teaming and penetration testing company, a venture he attributes heavily to the experiences and techniques he learned from bug bounty hunting. He continues to engage in bug bounty on the side while also providing training for upcoming bug bounty hunters. The current focus of his company is to grow and refine modern offensive security techniques and methodologies.

Moreover, Jhaddix conducts group hunts with individuals who have attended his training courses, where they collaborate and uncover bugs in large-scale programs. So far, they've tackled substantial companies like FIS, T-Mobile, and BMW.

Blackliss

Blackliss recently returned to bug bounty hunting full-time after co-founding a company. He values the freedom bugs bounties offer and remains active in various communities, especially within the French bug bounty sphere. Blackliss also played a significant role in the Ambassador World Cup, where Team France performed exceptionally well. He emphasized the sense of achievement that comes from finding impactful bugs and helping others in the community.

Insights on the Bug Bounty Landscape

Is Bug Bounty Viable as a Full-Time Career?

Both experts agreed that bug bounty hunting is not only viable but is likely to grow as a career option. They highlighted the potential of bug bounty platforms diversifying beyond traditional hacking roles, allowing for involvement in areas like defensive security work and code review. However, Jhaddix noted some current issues regarding how talent is treated within the bug bounty space, with some moving towards guaranteed pay models through pen-testing companies.

Starting Young and Natural Talent vs. Hard Work

An audience question regarding the age at which one should begin hacking revealed that while many successful bug bounty hunters start at a young age, hard work and determination often outweigh natural talent. Jhaddix discussed various successful individuals who broke into the field later in life, proving that anyone willing to apply themselves can find success.

The Dilemma of Sharing Research

A thoughtful discussion arose around the topic of whether researchers should post their findings publicly after they have reported them. Blackliss stated that while he believes in sharing research, he prioritizes getting compensated first. Shared insights can still be of value to many, but care must be taken to not draw too many duplicates on bug bounty platforms.

Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

Best and Worst Moments

Both Jason and Blackliss shared personal anecdotes regarding their highs and lows in bug bounty hunting. Jhaddix celebrated the pride he felt at being number one on the Bugcrowd leaderboard, while Blackliss fondly remembered the satisfaction of finding his first critical bugs. Conversely, they each recounted moments of frustration when impactful bugs were overlooked or misinterpreted during the triage process.

The Future of Bug Bounty

Looking ahead, both experts expressed optimism about the future of bug bounty programs. They reiterated the need for continuous learning in the cybersecurity landscape as vulnerabilities evolve and new technologies emerge. There was consensus that new tools including AI could enhance the capabilities of hunters, although care needs to be taken regarding how data from the bug bounty community is utilized.

Balancing Work and Mental Health

The conversation also touched on the issue of burnout and procrastination within the bug bounty field. The two experts stressed the importance of balancing work with personal health and downtime, sharing their techniques for managing stress and maintaining motivation in the face of challenges such as inconsistent revenue and the pressures of finding bugs.

Closing Thoughts

As the session wrapped up, both Jhaddix and Blackliss indicated that their focus for 2024 includes continuing to grow their respective initiatives while actively participating in the bug bounty community. They emphasized that both success and setbacks are integral to the journey in bug bounty hunting.

Keywords

  • Bug Bounty
  • Jhaddix
  • Blackliss
  • Career Path
  • Group Hunting
  • Training
  • Community Support
  • Personal Insights
  • Future of Bug Bounty
  • Mental Health

FAQ

Q: Is bug bounty hunting a viable career option?
A: Yes, bug bounty hunting is becoming an increasingly viable career option, especially with the growth of platforms and the diversification of roles within the field.

Q: Can I start bug bounty hunting at an older age?
A: Absolutely! Hard work and determination often prove more important than starting at a young age.

Q: Should I share my research publicly after finding bugs?
A: While sharing research can be beneficial, it's advised to ensure you've been compensated first to avoid duplications.

Q: How do I prevent burnout while bug bounty hunting?
A: It's essential to balance work with personal health and take necessary breaks. Maintaining savings can relieve some pressure during lean times.

Q: What is the future of bug bounty hunting?
A: The future looks bright, with the potential for increasing opportunities and the integration of new tools and technologies such as AI.

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