Avoid These Common Mistakes When Running a Bug Bounty Program

Bug bounty programs have emerged as a popular strategy for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity defenses by harnessing the power of ethical hackers worldwide. However, despite their potential benefits, bug bounty programs can falter if not executed properly. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes organizations make when running bug bounty programs and provide insights on how to avoid them.

1. Inadequate Scope Definition

One of the most critical mistakes organizations make is defining an inadequate scope for their bug bounty program. A vague or overly restrictive scope can deter ethical hackers from participating or lead to submissions that fall outside the program’s intended focus. To avoid this, clearly define the scope of the program, specifying which assets, applications, and vulnerabilities are in-scope and out-of-scope.

2. Lack of Communication and Engagement

Effective communication and engagement are essential for the success of a bug bounty program. Failing to engage with the ethical hacker community through regular updates, feedback, and acknowledgments can result in decreased participation and missed opportunities to uncover critical vulnerabilities. Maintain open channels of communication, provide timely responses to submissions, and actively engage with participants to foster a collaborative environment.

3. Ignoring Low Severity Reports

Some organizations make the mistake of dismissing low severity or seemingly insignificant bug reports. However, even minor vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for attackers to exploit and escalate their attacks. Take all bug reports seriously, regardless of their severity, and prioritize their resolution based on their potential impact on the organization’s security posture.

4. Offering Inadequate Rewards

Rewarding ethical hackers appropriately is crucial for incentivizing participation and attracting top talent to your bug bounty program. Offering inadequate rewards or failing to adjust rewards based on the severity and complexity of reported vulnerabilities can discourage participation…