What would you do if you found out that your website had a bug? You might be thinking about how to fix the issue or protect against future attacks. But what if I told you that an entire profession is dedicated to finding and exploiting these vulnerabilities for profit? Bug bounty hunters are hackers who find security flaws in websites and companies’ computer networks. If they report their findings responsibly, the company will reward them with cash. This article will teach you how to become a bug bounty hunter by outlining the steps required so that anybody can learn how to perform this lucrative job!

 

How To Become A Bug Bounty Hunter In 5 Steps

 

 

 

 

To get started in the bug bounty field and on your bug bounty journey, the first step is to get some experience under your belt. The best way to start learning is to join online hacking communities where people share information on new bugs and exploits. There are also plenty of free resources, such as books, videos, blogs, forums, etc., covering different aspects of penetration testing. Once you have learned enough from reading other peoples’ work, try writing your exploit code.

 

 

Writing exploits requires a lot of practice because each vulnerability has a unique set of requirements. For example, SQL injection targets specific fields within a database table, whereas buffer overflows need to overflow memory buffers. Understanding all the nuances involved is essential before attempting to write any exploit. Here are five steps a beginner bug bounty hunter will want to take to break into the bug bounty industry:

 

 

Step 1: Bug Hunting For Beginners Learn How To Code

 

 

For the bug bounty beginner, the first step towards hunting bugs is learning how to code. Most bug bounty programs require applicants to submit source code and other information requested, such as proof of identity and contact details. To complete a program, you must know precisely how the system works and exploits it. Writing exploits takes time and practice, but writing exploits should come easily once you’ve mastered basic programming skills.

 

 

To learn how to code, you can read coding and bug bounty books if you want. I think the best way to learn is through hands-on experience. Start small by taking free coding classes at local community colleges or universities. Once you understand and feel comfortable with the basics, try building simple web applications using popular frameworks like Ruby On Rails or Python Django. These languages allow developers to build robust apps quickly while also making it easy to deploy new versions without worrying too much about compatibility problems.

 

 

Step 2: Find A Program That Interests You

 

 

 

 

Once you’ve learned how to code, you’ll probably want to try hunting bugs yourself. However, don’t expect to land a position immediately. Many bug bounty programs only accept applications every few months, meaning fierce competition. Finding a suitable program to apply to isn’t easy either.

 

 

Programs vary widely depending on the type of software they target. Some focus solely on web apps, while others look for mobile app developers too. Other popular categories include operating systems, databases, cloud services, IoT devices, etc. Each category has requirements, including minimum payout amounts, the number of reports accepted each month, and whether or not they offer paid training courses.

 

 

When searching for a bug bounty program, consider that larger organizations tend to attract better-paying jobs than smaller businesses. Also, consider the organization’s reputation; reputable firms usually have higher standards for hiring new employees. Finally, check out the online forums to see what previous feedback candidates left behind. These posts often contain valuable tips and tricks that could help you succeed.

 

 

Step 3: Prepare Your Application & Submit It

 

 

Once you’ve decided on a program, it’s time to prepare your application. First, you must provide all relevant documentation and proof that you meet their eligibility criteria. This includes providing proof of identity, proof of employment, and proof of residence. Next, you will need to create an account on the website associated with the program you wish to join. After creating an account, log in and fill out the necessary forms.

 

 

If you haven’t already done so, upload your resume and cover letter. Make sure to mention anything special you’d like to do during your tenure there and explain why you think you would fit well within the company culture. Lastly, attach links to two projects you’ve written about previously. One project needs to demonstrate your ability to find vulnerabilities in existing websites and the second project demonstrates your knowledge of security best practices.

 

 

Step 4: Wait For Feedback

 

 

 

 

After submitting your application, wait patiently for feedback. Depending on the firm’s size, this can take anywhere from several weeks to many months. During this period, stay active by checking back regularly to ensure no further questions are raised about your application. Don’t be discouraged if you receive nothing after waiting for some time, though. Sometimes companies forget to respond to applications. Alternatively, they may ask for additional documents before making a decision. Either way, remember that patience pays off!

 

 

Step 5: Get Paid

 

 

 

 

Finally, once a bug bounty platform approves you, you should receive payments via PayPal or Venmo. The amount varies based on the types of vulnerabilities found, but a full-time bug hunter can make a great living. In addition, the more severe the issue discovered, the lower the reward. As such, it’s important to prioritize which problems you choose to work on. You might even skip certain ones since they won’t yield much money. Remember that nothing is guaranteed; your payment will be based on your skills.

 

What Does A Bug Bounty Hunter Do?

 

 

 

 

A bug bounty hunter has two jobs: 1) Find bugs and security vulnerabilities and 2) Report those bugs and security vulnerabilities responsibly. When a hacker discovers a flaw in a system, he reports his discovery via email. A bug bounty program manager reviews all reported findings and decides whether or not to reward the person responsible.

 

 

Once the decision is made, the bug bounty program manager sends a check to the researcher and instructions on claiming the reward. Successful bug bounty hunters also have to follow strict guidelines when reporting flaws. These include keeping personal information private, using only one computer at any time, and never disclosing sensitive data without permission.

 

 

There are many reasons people choose this career path, but one of the most common is that they want to make some extra money. It’s not uncommon for bug bounty hunters to earn a bounty payout from $500 – $10,000 or much more per vulnerability. Another reason people start hunting bugs is that they enjoy breaking into systems and seeing how far they can go before getting caught.

 

 

Some bug bounty hunters have been doing this since high school when they were hacking computers for fun. Others may be cybersecurity professionals or have gotten involved in a hackathon where teams compete to see whose team finds more issues. Whatever the case may be, becoming a bug bounty hunter requires dedication and hard work.

 

 

Bug Bounty Hunting Tips & Tricks

 

 

 

 

Here are some things you should consider when starting as a bug bounty hunter:

 

 

1. Be patient. This isn’t something you can rush. If you don’t like sitting around all day, bug bounty hunting probably isn’t for you. However, if you enjoy spending hours upon hours trying to find vulnerabilities in various websites, then bug bounty hunting will suit you well.
2. Find the right bug bounty training tools early on. Many bug bounty training resources available online teach you everything about hacking software applications. Some tutorials focus solely on web apps, while others cover mobile app development. Regardless of where you begin learning, take advantage of every resource possible to know what to do next.
3. Learn everything there is to learn about security. Countless online books teach you everything from basic hacking techniques to advanced penetration testing methods. You’ll increase your chances of finding exciting bugs by learning as much as possible.
4. Stay safe. Hackers need to remain anonymous while performing their duties. To do this, they usually utilize VPNs. These allow users to access networks anonymously through different servers located worldwide. Also, avoid downloading suspicious files and check file extensions before opening them. Finally, never share personal details over social media platforms. Doing so could put your identity at risk.
5. Don’t forget to document everything! Once you’ve identified a flaw, take screenshots of the affected website and its URL. You may also want to record video footage or audio recordings of the attack itself. The more evidence you collect, the better your chance of getting paid.
6. Keep track of your progress. As mentioned earlier, many companies offer bounties on certain types of bugs. So make sure you log any exploits you discover. This way, you won’t miss out on anything important.
7. Always report responsibly. Never trick anyone into thinking you found a serious issue just because you’re looking for money. Instead, inform the site owner first and let him decide whether he wants to pay you for his mistake.
8. Practice makes perfect. Even though you should know how to code already, practicing coding challenges helps improve your bug bounty knowledge. Plus, it gives you practice identifying flaws within applications.
9. Get creative. If none of the above tips appeal to you, then consider becoming an ethical hacker. Ethical hackers don’t use illegal means to identify website vulnerabilities; they find them using legitimate software like Metasploit. However, keep in mind that not all jobs are created equal. Some positions can pay significantly less than others.
10. Hone your bug bounty hunting skills and hack responsibly. While some hacks require little effort, others involve breaking into systems or stealing data. Before attempting such tasks, make sure you understand the risks involved.

 

Is Bug Bounty Hunting Legal?

 

 

 

 

Bug bounty hunting is legal, provided you follow the terms laid down by the organization offering the bounty. Most importantly, you must disclose any information regarding the vulnerability before reporting it. Additionally, you cannot use the findings against the organization unless they agree to compensate you for them—bug bounty hunters who fail to comply risk being blocked by future employers. Lastly, hacking isn’t illegal unless you use malicious intent (e.g ., stealing data). Instead, it’s considered “ethical hacking” because you’re trying to identify flaws so those who rely on the internet can protect themselves against attacks.

 

 

Bug Bounty Programs – What Are They Good For?

 

 

 

 

There are numerous benefits to running a bug bounty program, including improving user experience, increasing trustworthiness among customers and employees, reducing costs, and boosting employee morale. However, the most significant benefit comes from raising awareness of cybersecurity threats. Firms encourage people to look for potential problems rather than ignore them by rewarding bug bounty experts who discover application vulnerabilities. Furthermore, bug bounty programs help organizations identify weaknesses in their systems and fix them before hackers exploit them. Finally, they allow businesses to learn valuable lessons regarding what works and doesn’t work when dealing with cybercriminals.

 

 

Wrapping Up

 

 

We hope this article has shown you how to become a bug bounty hunter and the necessary skills, tools, and resources to find zero-day exploits. Who knows, maybe one day you will have the skills to become a Google bug, Hunter. Please comment below or message us if you’d like more information or need assistance.