How to Become a Bug Bounty Hunter in 2024 – A Complete Guide for Bug Bounty Hunting
Bug Bounty Hunter: By 2024, cybersecurity has grown to be a field of unlimited opportunities for those who can perceive potential attacks and threats. With the increasing number of cyber threats, the requirement for more bug bounty hunters is gaining the topmost priority. Their special task is to find security vulnerabilities and report them before cybercriminals get a chance to exploit them.
Just last year, Google spent $10 million on bug bounties distributed to more than 600 security researchers from 68 countries. Analysis by these specialists indicated the irreplaceable loopholes in Google’s software, clarifying that the bugs detected by bug bounty hunters are critical in protecting our digital world. Do you wish to be one of them? This guide explains everything you must do to be a successful bug bounty hunter in 2024.
What is Bug Bounty Hunter?
A bug bounty hunter is an expert in cybersecurity who can locate and report vulnerabilities or faults in software, applications, and systems. These people can be either company employees or active members of various bug bounty programs. In this respect, they are rewarded with a cash payment or other incentives for the ethical disclosure of vulnerabilities.
Here’s a quick overview of what Bug Bounty Hunter jobs are:
- Find Vulnerabilities: This includes testing software for bugs, security flaws, or other vulnerabilities and applying methods and tools to detect them.
- Report Findings: After finding a vulnerability, the bug bounty hunter captures it, writes about it, and notifies the issuer or platform administering the bug bounty. It usually describes the issue along with suggestions on what should be done to fix it and how to replicate it.
- Enhance Security: Bounty hunters’ activities help companies become safer by managing vulnerabilities at the development stage so that criminals cannot exploit them.
Bug bounties are the newest members of the cybersecurity workforce. They represent efforts to improve the security of digital assets and ensure their strength against possible dangers.
Essential Skills for Became a Pro Bug Bounty Hunter in 2024
Becoming a successful bug bounty hunter in 2024 will require IT skills, such as discovering software vulnerabilities, logical thinking, and learning by doing (on-the-job experience). Here are the essential skills you’ll need to excel in this field:
- Advanced Knowledge of Networking: Gaining knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP protocols by knowing how the network operates enables you to spot unsecured routes or exposed paths to the network.
- Proficiency in Programming Languages: A good command of programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby for automated testing, analyzing source code, and knowing how applications are built and worked will make you capable of all these tasks.
- Expertise in Web Security: The next step is mastering web vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). Enabling tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and others can be used to test and expose vulnerabilities.
- Understanding of Mobile Security: In terms of mobile bug bounty programs, knowledge of mobile application security, containing common issues that might involve insecure data storage pseudo-random number generators and improper implementation of cryptographic functions, is required.
- Familiarity with Security Tools and Techniques: You should know how to use Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark tools to scan, exploit, and analyze security vulnerabilities at a high level.
- Ethical Hacking Skills: The use of ethical hacking techniques, like penetration testing and social engineering, is the only way to perform a comprehensive security assessment.
How to Become Bug Bounty Hunter?
Becoming a professional bug bounty hunter in 2024 needs to be strategic. To meet the goals of the profession, several steps need to be taken. In this section, you will find the Bug Bounty Hunter roadmap to find your way:
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Cybersecurity
One should have a strong basis in cybersecurity because it’s the most essential part. This implies the knowledge of networking protocols, operating systems, and common vulnerabilities. Enroll in Cybersecurity courses such as the IFACET’s Ethical Hacking course or Cyber Security (On-Premises Hacking) to build a solid base in cybersecurity.
Familiarise yourself with the necessary tools, including Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Nmap. Practicing these tools every day would result in a stronger version of you by finding and exploiting the vulnerabilities.
2. Specialize in Bug Bounty Platforms
Bug bounty platforms such as HackerOne, Bugcrowd and Synack offer various programs and challenges. Each platform has specific rules and scopes for vulnerability reporting. Gain experience and knowledge through joining in their programs and getting to the bottom of the peculiarities.
Engage with platform-specific resources, including, but not limited to, Hacker101 and Bugcrowd. These materials enable the user to gain insights into platform-specific techniques and best practices.
3. Enroll in Advanced Training and Certifications
If you want to improve your skills, get trained in special Bug Bounty Hunter courses and certificates. Such training arrangements also include hands-on practice and systematic learning. Consider enrolling in IFACET’s future skills cybersecurity program in Bug Bounty. This course teaches you how to find and report software bugs. You’ll learn ethical hacking and use real-world examples. Hands-on experience with tools and methods helps you develop skills needed for bug bounty hunting.
4. Engage in Hands-On Practice
Take part in Capture The Flag (CTF) contests and practical exercises to develop your knowledge and skills and apply them in real-life situations. The main platforms are:
- Hack The Box: Has a variety of virtual labs and challenges that are like real-life situations.
- TryHackMe: This platform contains various learning paths and interactive exercises that teach the different aspects of cybersecurity and bug bounty hunting.
- OverTheWire: This is a collection of challenges that help you to learn and practice various security concepts. It’s another platform.
Furthermore, these are the best platforms for further developing your skills and integrating new prospectus in a guaranteed environment.
5. Build a Professional Portfolio and Network
Get your bug bounty findings professionally shown in the portfolio. This is the best way of proving that you have skills and also to set up a position of credibility also:
- Create a personal website or blog: Show your experiences, write-ups of bugs you have found, and the things you have learned.
- Engage with the Community: Get involved with the security community, take part in online forums like Reddit’s /r/bugbounty, and take part on social media with bug bounty-related groups.
Networking with other professionals and staying updated on industry trends is crucial for continuous learning and career advancement.
What is the Bug Bounty Hunter Salary in India Per Month?
According to the AmbitionBox, a Bug Bounty Hunter earning in India is around ₹ 2.4 lakhs per annum. The monthly Bug Bounty Hunter salary is equivalent to ₹ 20,000 per month.
Conclusion
In order to become a successful bug bounty hunter in 2024, one needs to know about cybersecurity, practical experience, and the willingness to learn continuously. You can easily learn how to identify and report vulnerabilities using core skills, specialization in bug bounty platforms, and hands-on practice. Having a solid foundation, completing advanced training, and having a professional portfolio will allow you to make a notable contribution to the cybersecurity field while receiving attractive compensation. Take the challenge at your own pace, stay informed and help make the digital environment safer.
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