Digital Bug Bounty Hunters in the Wild West of Cybersecurity

In the Wild West of software and cybersecurity, there are digital bug bounty hunters searching for bugs and flaws in code. These InfoSec cowboys work for cybersecurity firms, IT departments, and even individual companies. They are responsible for finding and patching software vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals other outlaws. In this article, we will explore the world of bug bounty hunting and find out what it takes to be a digital bounty hunter.

InfoSec, short for information security, is the practice of protecting electronic information by mitigating risks and vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity is a branch of InfoSec that deals with the security of computer networks and systems. IT, or Information Technology, is the use of computers and software to store, retrieve, and process data.

What is bug bounty hunting?

Bug bounty hunting is the act of finding and reporting software vulnerabilities for rewards. These rewards can be in the form of cash, swag, or public recognition. Bug bounty programs are usually run by companies or organizations in order to crowdsource the security testing of their products and services.

To become a digital bounty hunter, you will need to have a strong understanding of InfoSec and Cybersecurity. You will also need to be proficient in at least one programming language. Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will come in handy as well.

What do bug bounty hunters do?

Bug bounty hunters are responsible for finding and reporting software vulnerabilities. They typically do this by fuzzing, or testing, applications and systems for potential security flaws. Fuzzing is a type of security testing that involves providing invalid or unexpected input to a program in order to crash it. By crashing the program, the bug bounty hunter can then examine the state of the program to look for potential vulnerabilities.

How do bug bounty hunters get paid?

Bug bounty hunters can get paid in a variety of ways. Some companies will offer cash rewards, while others may offer swag or public recognition. Many bug bounty programs use a points system, where the hunter is awarded points based on the severity of the bug they find. These points can then be redeemed for cash or other rewards.

What are the risks of bug bounty hunting?

There are a few risks associated with bug bounty hunting. First, you may come across sensitive information while fuzzing applications and systems. This information could include passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data. It is important to handle this information with care and not to disclose it to anyone. Additionally, you may also be at risk of legal action if you inadvertently damage a system while fuzzing it.

Overall, bug bounty hunting is a great way to get started in the InfoSec field. It can also be a fun and rewarding hobby. If you are interested in becoming a digital bounty hunter, be sure to do your research and understand the risks involved.

Beware of scammers

Sometimes scammers send emails to companies telling them they found a security issue or a sort of technical bug. They will ask for money in order to reveal what they have found. Unless you are familiar with this person or they can show some sort of evidence, this is likely a scam. Don’t pay any strangers for approaching you like this because they don’t have any info for you and they’ll bail as soon as they got the money.

What companies work in the field of bug bounty hunting?

There are a few companies that work in the field of bug bounty hunting, such as BugCrowd and HackerOne. These companies crowdsource the security testing of products and services. They also run bug bounty programs and offer rewards for findings bugs. Additionally, there are many independent contractors who work as freelance bug bounty hunters.

If you’re interested in becoming a bug bounty hunter, be sure to check out these companies. You can also learn more about InfoSec and Cybersecurity by reading our other blog posts.

YouTube: How to Get Started in Bug Bounty Hunting (9 Pro Tips from Stök)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU9Iafc-Igs

Photo credit: The feature image has been done by Digital Storm. The photo in the body of the article has been taken by Vignesh Kumar.

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