11 Expert Tips to Succeed in Bug Bounty
My last, first article, published here after years of silent reading, received such a positive response I decided to create a more in-depth follow-up guide aimed at a wider audience, applicable to all skill levels.
Introduction: Bug bounty hunting has been gaining prominence in recent years as more individuals venture into this realm as a means of income. This surge in popularity is primarily due to the burgeoning demand for cyber-security experts who possess the proficiency to identify and report security breaches in software applications.
In this piece, I’ll walk you through my collection of 11 one-of-a-kind tips aimed at elevating seasoned bug bounty hunters to an expert level. These strategies should assist you in scaling the heights of success in bug bounty hunting and help to establish you as a renowned and respected hunter someday.
Tip #1: Familiarize yourself with the ambit of the target. Before you commence your bug bounty hunt, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the scope of the target. This encompasses comprehending the application, its functionality, and the kind of vulnerabilities you may come across. A thorough understanding of the scope will aid you in directing your efforts and prevent you from wasting time on areas irrelevant to the target.
Tip #2: Keep abreast with the latest security tools and methods. To succeed as a bug bounty hunter, it’s essential to stay current with the latest security tools and methods. This requires continuous monitoring of new exploits and vulnerabilities, as well as novel tools and techniques that may prove useful in detecting them. By staying up-to-date, you will maintain an edge over your peers and increase your chances of success.
Tip #3: Leverage a trustworthy and efficient toolset. The usage of a reliable and efficient tool set is crucial to bug bounty hunting. You need to have the proper tools to aid you in finding and reporting vulnerabilities, as well as automating specific tasks. A plethora of tools exists that can assist you in this regard, including web application scanners, network mapping tools, and vulnerability databases.
Tip #4: Adopt a systematic approach. Adopting a systematic approach is the key to success as a bug bounty hunter. This entails having a clear methodology for identifying and reporting vulnerabilities and maintaining accurate records of your findings. Additionally, you must be prepared to invest ample time in testing and retesting your findings to guarantee that you haven’t overlooked anything.
Tip #5: Focus on a single target at a time. Focusing on a single target at a time is an effective way to optimize your chances of success as a bug bounty hunter. By directing your focus on a single target, you can guarantee that you are dedicating the necessary time and attention and avoiding spreading yourself too thin. Furthermore, focusing on a single target enables you to gain a deeper insight into the target, which can be extremely beneficial in detecting vulnerabilities.
Tip #6: Exercise patience. Bug bounty hunting can be a slow-paced process, and it’s effortless to become disheartened if you don’t see immediate results. Nevertheless, it’s vital to exercise patience and persist in your efforts. It’s not uncommon to go for weeks or even months without finding anything, but it’s crucial to persist and not give up. You never know when you’ll stumble upon the next big vulnerability, so it’s important to remain patient and persist in your search.
Tip #7: Maintain effective communication with the target. Maintaining effective communication with the target is crucial to success as a bug bounty hunter. This involves keeping the target informed of your findings, as well as any modifications or updates you make to your testing process. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain a professional and courteous demeanor in your communications, as this will foster a positive relationship with the target and increase your chances of success.
Tip #8: Embody Ethical Practices. Being a paragon of ethical behavior is crucial for success as a bug bounty hunter. This encompasses avoiding any actions that may cause damage to the target or its users, such as infiltrating delicate systems or breaching confidential information. Additionally, adhering to the rules and regulations of the bug bounty program and solely reporting vulnerabilities that fall within the program’s scope is paramount. By embodying ethical practices, not only will you increase your odds of success, but you will also maintain a favorable reputation within the community and foster trust with the target.
Tip #9: Cultivate Connections with Other Bug Bounty Hunters. Fostering relationships with other bug bounty hunters can be extremely advantageous. You can exchange tips, methods, and tools, as well as gain insight from those with more experience. Furthermore, collaborating on targets can aid in discovering vulnerabilities that may have gone unnoticed alone. Participating in online forums and bug bounty events can provide opportunities to network with other hunters.
Tip #10: Nourish a Learning and Experimenting Attitude. Continual learning and experimentation are crucial for success as a bug bounty hunter. You should always be on the lookout for new tools and techniques to augment your toolset and experiment with innovative approaches for finding vulnerabilities. Embracing opportunities to learn from your mistakes and failures can offer valuable lessons for future hunts. Challenging yourself and pushing your limits will aid in personal growth and improvement as a hunter.
Tip #11: Maintain Organization. Maintaining organization is a crucial aspect of success as a bug bounty hunter. This involves keeping a record of your findings, organizing your notes and reports, and having a streamlined system for managing your workflow. By staying organized, you will work more efficiently and effectively and be better equipped to handle multiple targets at once.
Conclusion: Bug bounty hunting is a demanding yet rewarding profession that demands a combination of technical expertise and determination. By adhering to these 11 essential professional tips, you can advance to the expert level of bug bounty hunting and increase your chances of success. Whether you are just starting or a seasoned hunter, these tips can assist in elevating your skills and achieving your aspirations as a bug bounty hunter.
BONUS: As a reward for reading all the way to the conclusion, I would like to impart my top five most invaluable resources that have aided me in my bug bounty journey:
- HackerOne — The leading platform for bug bounty programs, providing a vast array of resources for hunters, including training materials, forums, and a thriving community of hunters. (https://hackerone.com/bug-bounty-programs)
- OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) — A non-profit organization that provides resources and tools for web application security, including a comprehensive guide for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities. (https://owasp.org/www-community/initiatives/bugbounty/)
- Bugcrowd University — The go-to free online learning platform that offers courses and resources for bug bounty hunters, covering topics such as web application security, mobile security, and more. (https://www.bugcrowd.com/blog/content_audience/university/)
- GitHub — It almost goes without saying, but it is a widely used platform for open-source projects, and many bug bounty hunters utilize it to share tools and resources. There are numerous beneficial repositories available, including tools for reconnaissance, exploitation, and reporting. (https://github.com/)
- YouTube — Don’t underestimate this one; YouTube is a truly invaluable resource for bug bounty hunters, with a wealth of videos available on topics such as web application security, exploit development, and more. Furthermore, many hunters share their tips and techniques, providing valuable knowledge and insights for other hunters to learn from within the comment section threads. (https://www.youtube.com/)
I hope you enjoyed my first crack and sharing some of my limited knowledge, and if you want to see more work from me, let me know by following, clapping, and commenting. Seriously. I might drift away from ever doing this again without proper engagement. As always, happy hunting!
