Member-only story
Bug Bounty 101: How to Get Started and Earn Your First Reward 🐞💰
Introduction: Welcome to the World of Bug Bounties!
Imagine getting paid to hack into systems — legally! That’s exactly what bug bounty hunting is all about. Ethical hackers around the world are earning thousands of dollars by discovering vulnerabilities and responsibly reporting them to companies. If you’re eager to break into cybersecurity, sharpen your hacking skills, and make money, bug bounty hunting is a fantastic place to start.
The best part? You don’t need a degree or years of experience. You just need curiosity, persistence, and the right approach. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get started and earn your first reward. Let’s dive in! 🚀
Step 1: Understand What Bug Bounty Hunting Is
Bug bounty programs are initiatives where companies pay ethical hackers to find security vulnerabilities in their applications, websites, or infrastructure. Major organizations like Google, Facebook, and Tesla run bug bounty programs, offering rewards ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. 💸
Bug bounty platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Intigriti connect ethical hackers with companies looking to secure their digital assets. Your job? Find bugs, report them, and get paid. Simple, right? Well, let’s see how you can actually start! 👇
