Bug bounty felt impossible when I first heard about it. But once I took the first steps, it turned into one of the most exciting journeys of my life.
Table of Contents
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🧠 Intro
Let me be honest: I didn’t know much about cybersecurity when I first discovered bug bounty. But I was curious, and that was enough.
If you’re reading this, you’re already one step ahead. You’re searching, learning, and that’s the beginning of every hacker’s journey.
🐞 What is Bug Bounty?
Bug bounty is a program run by companies where they pay hackers (like you and me) to find and report vulnerabilities in their websites, apps, or systems.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability | A bug or flaw in software that can be misused |
| Bounty | The reward (money or swag) given for reporting a valid bug |
| Responsible Disclosure | Reporting the bug to the company instead of exploiting it |
🧰 Skills You Need (But Don’t Panic)
You don’t need to be a genius or a pro coder to start. These are the key areas to focus on:
| Skill Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Web Knowledge | HTML, JS, HTTP methods, cookies |
| Linux Basics | Navigating the terminal, using tools |
| Burp Suite | Your main toolkit for web hacking |
| Reconnaissance | Finding hidden pages, parameters, subdomains |
| Report Writing | Explain your bugs clearly and professionally |
Start one step at a time. You don’t need to learn everything at once.
🔧 Toolbox for Starters
Here are some tools I personally used when I began:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Burp Suite | Intercept and modify web traffic |
| Nmap | Scan for open ports/services |
| Sublist3r | Subdomain Enumeration |
| Dirsearch | Directory brute-forcing |
| HackerOne CLI | For writing and managing reports |
💡 Tip: Don’t overload yourself with tools. Pick 2–3 and get comfortable with them.
🌐 Platforms to Join
Here are some real bug bounty platforms where you can create a profile and start hunting:
| Platform | Notes |
|---|---|
| HackerOne | Beginner-friendly programs |
| Bugcrowd | Lots of web app targets |
| Synack | Invite-based, but worth applying |
| OpenBugBounty | Easy to get started |
| YesWeHack | Europe-based platform |
🧪 How to Practice
Before hunting on real websites, you need to practice in safe environments.
| Platform | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Hack The Box | Practice labs and challenges |
| PortSwigger Labs | Free OWASP top 10 labs (Burp’s creators) |
| TryHackMe | Beginner-friendly virtual rooms |
| DVWA / Juice Shop | Practice vulnerable apps on localhost |
💡 Tips from My Early Days
These are things I wish someone told me earlier:
- Start small. Don’t go after critical bugs on Day 1.
- Learn how web apps work before trying to break them.
- Read public reports on HackerOne to see real bugs.
- Take notes in Notion, Obsidian, or a markdown file.
- Celebrate small wins (even if it’s just learning how cookies work).
🚫 Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Blindly scanning websites | May get you banned or ignored |
| Using too many tools | Confuses more than it helps |
| Not reading program rules | Every target has different scope and rules |
| Giving up too soon | Most people fail early. Keep going! |
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I start without coding skills?
Yes! Learn the basics as you go. Bug bounty is about creativity and problem-solving more than deep coding.
Q: How much can I earn?
Some people make thousands, some nothing. Focus on learning first, money comes later.
Q: Is it legal?
If you stay within the program’s scope and follow responsible disclosure, yes, it’s 100% legal.
❤️ Outro
I still remember the day I found my first XSS. I jumped around my room like a kid who just beat the final boss in a game.
If you’re struggling, trust me—you’re not alone. We all start confused. We all feel like imposters. But with patience, passion, and practice, you’ll get there.
Start now. Don’t wait until you “know everything.” Just begin.
🧭 Useful Links
This article is from my personal journey. I hope it helps you take your first step into the world of ethical hacking.