Learn Basic Cyber Security

Begin your journey by understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Start with networking concepts like TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP/HTTPS protocols to know how the internet functions. Learn how servers and clients communicate, and how websites are structured. Pair this knowledge with Linux basics — since most hacking tools are built for Linux environments — and master command-line operations. Then, dive into the OWASP Top 10 list to familiarize yourself with the most common and critical web vulnerabilities, such as XSS, SQL Injection, and Broken Authentication. This foundation will help you identify and exploit real-world security flaws during your bug bounty journey.

Practice on Platforms

Before jumping into live programs, refine your skills using legal and beginner-friendly practice labs. Platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box offer guided paths for cybersecurity learners, including beginner to advanced rooms on penetration testing and web hacking. PortSwigger Web Security Academy is another free and powerful resource where you can practice real-world scenarios in-browser, including OWASP vulnerabilities, authentication bypasses, and business logic flaws. These environments help you build both confidence and skill in a risk-free, structured way. Next Step involves, understanding what is bug bounty platform.

Pick a Bug Bounty Platform

First Understand what is Bug Bounty. When you have understood what is Bug Bounty, you can go ahead with the Next steps. When you’re ready to go live, join reputable bug bounty platforms that host programs from companies across the globe. The most popular platforms include:

• HackerOne – Known for large community support and beginner-friendly programs.

• Bugcrowd – Offers public and private programs for all skill levels.

• Intigriti – A fast-growing European platform that offers competitive rewards.

These platforms connect you with real-world programs from startups to Fortune 500 companies that pay you for discovering valid security issues.

Study Program Scope

Every bug bounty program has a defined scope and set of rules. This includes which domains, applications, and types of vulnerabilities are eligible for rewards. Always read and understand the program’s:

• Scope (in-scope and out-of-scope assets)

• Testing rules (rate-limiting, user data restrictions)

• Reward criteria (how payouts are calculated)

This ensures you don’t waste time testing unqualified assets and keeps you compliant with the platform’s legal boundaries.

Hunt Ethically

Ethical hacking is the core of bug bounty. Never test applications or systems that are not part of the authorized scope. Doing so can result in disqualification, legal actions, or even permanent bans from platforms. Respect the rules, don’t exploit bugs beyond demonstration, avoid accessing sensitive data, and always use non-destructive payloads. Being ethical builds trust with companies and platforms and helps maintain the integrity of the bug bounty ecosystem.

Write Quality Reports

Finding a vulnerability is only half the job — reporting it clearly is equally important. A good bug report should:

• Include step-by-step reproduction steps

• List payloads or tools used

• Explain the vulnerability’s impact

• Include screenshots or proof-of-concept (PoC)

• Suggest possible fixes (optional, but appreciated)

Quality reports not only increase your chances of getting rewarded but also help you stand out as a professional in the bug bounty community.