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How to start bug bounty today

How to Start Bug Bounty Today?

If you have a substantial understanding of various vulnerability types but have never ventured into bug bounty hunting, you might find the transition a bit challenging. Here’s a simple guide to start your bug bounty journey.

One of the best places to begin is by familiarizing yourself with resources centered around bug bounties. There are dedicated platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and others that provide context around what bug bounties are, what kinds of vulnerabilities are commonly found, and tips from experienced hunters.

The key piece of advice to kickstart your bug bounty journey is to dive straight into hacking. There are wide scope programs that allow you to test a variety of assets owned by a company, and there are smaller applications where you can go in-depth. Understanding what you enjoy hacking the most is crucial, as this is often where you’ll excel.

Understanding the bug bounty landscape, and how it slightly differs from traditional pen testing is crucial. It's important to comprehend that persistence is key in bug bounties. As you might not find any vulnerabilities in the first three to four months, or sometimes even longer. However, sticking to it consistently increases your chances of finding valuable bugs compared to constantly switching targets.

Remember, your background in pen testing will be immensely valuable, but adapting to the bug bounty space involves persistence, continual learning, and finding joy in the process.


Keywords

  • Bug Bounty
  • Vulnerability Types
  • Hacking
  • Bug Bounty Platforms
  • Wide Scope Programs
  • Pen Testing
  • Persistence
  • Hacking Enjoyment

FAQ

Q: What is the first step to start bug bounty hunting? A: Begin by familiarizing yourself with resources around bug bounties, and explore platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd to understand what bug bounties involve.

Q: How do bug bounties differ from traditional pen testing? A: Bug bounties involve a slightly different landscape where you often persistently search for vulnerabilities across wide or specific scopes, and it demands a continuous effort over time.

Q: What should I focus on to excel in bug bounty hunting? A: Focus on understanding what you enjoy hacking, as you are likely to excel in areas you find interesting. Persistence is also crucial in finding valuable bugs.

Q: Is it normal not to find any vulnerabilities early in bug bounty hunting? A: Yes, it is common not to find anything in the first three to four months or even longer. Consistent effort and persistence significantly increase your chances of success.

Q: Can my pen testing background help in bug bounty hunting? A: Absolutely. Your pen testing background will be immensely valuable but adapting to the bug bounty space requires understanding its unique aspects and maintaining persistence.