Intro to Bug Bounty Hunting
A beginner-friendly guide to understanding bug bounty hunting, platforms, rewards, and best practices.
What is a Bug?
A bug is an error, flaw, or vulnerability in software that may lead to unintended behavior. Some bugs cause minor issues, while others create security risks, making them valuable targets for bug bounty hunters.
What is Bug Bounty Hunting?
Bug bounty hunting is the practice of finding and reporting security vulnerabilities in exchange for rewards. Organizations offer bug bounty programs to improve security by allowing ethical hackers to test their systems.
How Do Bug Bounties Work?
- Companies define a scope (what can be tested).
- Bug bounty hunters search for security flaws within the allowed scope.
- If a valid vulnerability is found, it's reported to the company.
- The company reviews the report and provides rewards based on severity.
Bug Bounty Rewards (💰 Payouts)
- Cash rewards (based on severity: Low, Medium, High, Critical).
- Hall of Fame recognition (your name on a public leaderboard).
- Swag & goodies (t-shirts, stickers, and premium tool access).
- Job opportunities (many companies recruit skilled bounty hunters!).
Bug Bounty vs. Penetration Testing
| Feature | Bug Bounty | Penetration Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement Type | Continuous, open to anyone | Fixed-time engagement |
| Scope | Defined by the company | Predefined & detailed |
| Objective | Find security vulnerabilities | Identify security risks |
| Payment Model | Paid per bug found | Fixed contract payment |
| Public/Private | Can be public or private | Usually private |
Types of Assets in Bug Bounty
- Web Applications → Websites, APIs, SaaS platforms.
- Mobile Applications → Android & iOS apps.
- Cloud Infrastructure → AWS, Azure, GCP security testing.
- IoT Devices → Smart gadgets, embedded systems.
Bug Bounty Platforms
- HackerOne → One of the largest and most reputable platforms. Used by companies like Uber, Twitter, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Bugcrowd → Crowdsourced cybersecurity platform offering bug bounties, VDPs, and penetration testing as a service.
- Intigriti → Europe-based, GDPR-compliant platform known for fast payouts and researcher-friendly policies.
- YesWeHack → A privacy-focused European bug bounty platform working with both public and private organizations.
- Synack Red Team → Invite-only platform with vetted researchers. Focuses on large enterprises and government contracts.
- Cobalt → Combines traditional bug bounty programs with PenTest-as-a-Service (PtaaS).
- Open Bug Bounty → Non-profit, open platform that allows security researchers to disclose vulnerabilities without prior authorization.
- HackenProof → Blockchain and Web3-focused bug bounty platform. Popular in the crypto space.
- Immunefi → Offers some of the largest bounties in the world for DeFi and smart contract vulnerabilities.
- Zerocopter → Private and invite-only programs, often used by corporations for managed bug bounty initiatives.
- BountyFactory → Public and private bounty programs from a wide range of industries.
- BugBountyHQ → Community-driven platform offering various programs across industries.
- Huntr → Focused on securing open-source projects. Ideal for researchers passionate about OSS.
- HACKRATE & Integrity → Two more growing platforms supporting both public and private programs across different sectors.
Types of Bug Bounty Programs
- Public Programs → Open to everyone (e.g., Yahoo, PayPal, Tesla).
- Private Programs → Invitation-only for selected hunters.
- Time-limited Events → Special bug bounty challenges with high rewards.
Scope & Rules
- ✅ In-Scope → What assets you can test (e.g.,
*.example.com). - ❌ Out-of-Scope → What you cannot test (e.g., internal systems, third-party services).
- 🚨 Rules → Every program has a responsible disclosure policy—always follow it!
Payouts & Response Times
- Payouts vary based on bug severity. Critical bugs can pay $50,000+ 💰.
- Some programs have fast response times, while others may take weeks.
Private Programs & How to Get Invited
- Start with public programs and build a solid reputation.
- Submit quality reports (avoid duplicates or low-quality findings).
- Higher ranking on platforms = more private invitations.
Explore More → Bug Bounty Resources