The concept of the bounty hunter is still in force. In the field of software development and information security / cybersecurity, Bug Bounty programs are increasingly challenging, and they are also increasingly attractive in terms of the reward they propose. Even the most important companies in the world of technology have at least one Bug Bounty program for anyone interested in participating.
What is a Bug Bounty?
It is a program within the companies that aims to reward those who manage to find bugs and vulnerabilities in the different software solutions, hardware, website etc. Logically we must meet a series of requirements, such as demonstrating vulnerability, exploiting it, documenting it, and not spreading it until it is completely resolved. Fulfilling all the requirements we will be entitled to a reward.
In most cases, the rewards are monetary. They tend to exceed thousands (up to millions) of dollars. These amounts of money motivate developers, ethical hackers or anyone with the necessary skills. However, these programs are regulated under a series of rules and considerations in order to apply.
There are Bug Bounty platforms that contain in them, in turn, more than one program. This varies according to the amount of solutions offered by each company or, according to the kind of failures and vulnerabilities that you want to find.
What do I have to take into account to participate?
The most important thing is to adapt to the rules and considerations for each program. We must not do anything that is outside the law because we could have problems both nationally and internationally.
It is not necessary to emphasize that you need a desktop or mobile computer, a good Internet connection and the time needed to check in detail the vulnerabilities in the different scenarios (programs, web pages, router firmware etc.) Two important attributes are curiosity and patience, since they are necessary when it comes to success in each of the programs.
Not only should you use your current knowledge, use these circumstances as an excuse to learn more and thus, aim at more and more attractive programs in terms of problems and rewards. Getting trained is completely free and you just need to do a couple of searches on Google.
On the other hand, we must know how to manage our expectations about the rewards we could receive. Remember that not all Bug Bounties have rewards of thousands of dollars, but there are also small rewards for finding small problems. Ideally, start with these to gain experience to aim for greater rewards.
Let’s not forget that the most juicy rewards are due to the complexity of the vulnerability. That person who has managed to find it and put it in evidence, is quite prepared and has the right knowledge for it. It is not something that happens as if by magic.
Recommendations of popular Bug Bounty platforms
Hackerone
Not only is it presented as a platform dedicated to offering rewards programs. Rather, it is presented as a complete business model aimed at any company that wishes to test the vulnerabilities and failures of its systems in general. In addition to the rewards programs, it offers solutions for pentesting, vulnerability management and much more.
Emphasizing Bug Bounties, they have a very well structured procedure that can be reduced to four steps:
- Search for vulnerability ( Hacker ).
- Delivery of evidence to the organization ( Hacker ).
- Communication and validation of what is delivered with the hacker ( HackerOne ).
- The organization receives high quality documentation and details about what was found ( HackerOne and Hacker responsible ).
Or, you can opt for a work model where an organization can take full control of the rewards program and it works like this:
- Search for vulnerability ( Hacker ).
- Delivery of evidence to the organization ( Hacker ).
- Working together to gather as much information as possible ( Company and Hacker ).
- Validation of all documentation on the vulnerabilities found ( computer security of the Company ).
- Implementation of solutions to vulnerabilities ( company IT security ).
Whatever the mode in which you get involved, in HackerOne you can find all the necessary resources to start hacking. Not only will you be able to prepare for the activity, but you will also be able to access several related live events and access a table of positions that is constantly updated. You can access with this link: HackerOne
BugCrowd
As well as the previous platform, this is a broad business model where rewards programs are included. Without being registered on the portal, you can access the list of current programs and the rewards they offer, ranging from points to money. When we talk about points, they will give you a certain amount of points considering the vulnerabilities found and the complexity of each one.
You can run into programs that include bugs and vulnerabilities from large companies such as MasterCard, Digital Ocean and Pinterest. Unlike HackerOne, this platform has a much more centralized orientation to the organization itself than the reward programs themselves. Since they offer other services related to computer security such as Pentesting. You can access with this link: BugCrowd
AntiHACK.me
It is a cybersecurity company that offers detailed assistance so you can build your own Bug Bounty according to the need that you or your company has. From the step of telling the hackers about your needs until the moment to verify if the program was successful. This is a differential point in relation to other portals, as it promotes the creation of more and more Bug Bounties by not-so-large organizations and even individuals, motivating developers and hackers especially to be able to improve products and services more and more. available in the market.
Of course, they have the guide on how to start hacking for the company. And the table of positions is available to constantly monitor who the leaders are and motivate you more and more. You can access with this link: AntiHACK.me
If you are a hacking enthusiast and want to reward your skills, we recommend you start applying to these programs. These not only have value for the money they can offer, but also contribute to your growth and reputation as a professional. Cheer up! You have everything you need to start with confidence.