Your ultimate resource for bug bounties: learn the fundamentals, discover platforms, and start your journey as an ethical hacker with expert guides and community insights.
A bug bounty program is a deal offered by companies and organizations that rewards individuals for discovering and reporting software bugs, especially security vulnerabilities.
Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook pay researchers millions of dollars each year for finding security flaws before malicious hackers can exploit them.
Top researchers earn six figures annually. Bounties range from $50 to $1,000,000+
Develop in-demand cybersecurity expertise that opens career opportunities
Hunt bugs on your own schedule from anywhere in the world
Your findings protect millions of users from potential security threats
Bug bounty programs provide a legal framework for security researchers to test systems and get rewarded. Unlike malicious hacking, you're working with companies to improve their security—and getting paid for it.
All you need to get started is curiosity, dedication to learning, and a computer with an internet connection.
Follow this proven path to go from complete beginner to submitting your first bug report
Start with web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, HTTP, and how browsers work. Understanding the basics is essential.
Learn about common vulnerabilities like XSS, SQL Injection, CSRF, and IDOR. Practice on intentionally vulnerable apps.
Install essential tools: Burp Suite for intercepting traffic, browser dev tools, and reconnaissance tools.
Join a platform, pick a program with a wide scope, and start testing. Focus on learning, not just earning.
Join these platforms to access hundreds of programs and start earning rewards
The world's largest hacker-powered security platform with programs from top companies including the US Department of Defense.
Pioneer in crowdsourced security testing with a vast program catalog and excellent researcher resources.
Europe's leading ethical hacking platform with strong researcher support and competitive bounties.
Global bug bounty platform with a growing list of programs and strong focus on researcher education.
Premium platform with vetted researchers. Requires passing assessments but offers high-value enterprise programs.
Free and paid resources to accelerate your bug bounty journey
Hands-on practice environments where you can legally hack and learn without risk. Start with these before testing real programs.
PortSwigger Web Security AcademyThe industry-standard list of the most critical web application security risks. Essential knowledge for any bug hunter.
Read the OWASP Top 10The essential tool for web security testing. The Community Edition is free and has everything beginners need.
Download Burp SuiteRead disclosed bug reports from real programs. Learn from successful researchers and understand what makes a good report.
Browse HacktivityThe most frequently found and rewarded vulnerability categories
Advice from experienced bug bounty hunters to help you succeed
Your first few months should be about building skills, not chasing bounties. The money follows expertise. Invest time in understanding how applications work before trying to break them.
Don't try to learn everything at once. Choose one vulnerability class (like XSS or IDOR) and become an expert. Deep knowledge beats surface-level understanding.
Study real bug reports on HackerOne Hacktivity and disclosed reports. You'll learn what good reports look like, common vulnerability patterns, and creative techniques.
A well-written report with clear reproduction steps, impact assessment, and proof of concept will get resolved faster and often receives higher bounties than a vague submission.
Always follow program rules, stay within scope, and never access data you shouldn't. Your reputation is everything in this field. Ethical behavior builds trust and opens doors.
Join thousands of security researchers learning to find vulnerabilities and earn rewards