Beginner’s Guide to Ethical Hacking: What I Learned from My First Bug Bounty

Ethical hacking, also known as white-hat hacking, has become a lucrative career and a fascinating field for tech enthusiasts. Bug bounty programs, where companies invite security researchers to test their systems for vulnerabilities, are among the best ways to start your journey in cybersecurity. In this guide, I’ll share my experience of landing my first bug bounty, break down what I learned, and provide a roadmap for beginners who want to follow a similar path.

Ethical hacking involves identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or software to prevent malicious attacks. Companies invest in bug bounty programs to protect their assets and ensure customer trust.

In 2025, the global cybersecurity market is projected to grow to $500 billion, creating endless opportunities for ethical hackers to make an impact while earning a substantial income.

When I started, I had no formal degree in cybersecurity — just curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn. Here’s the process I followed:

To understand ethical hacking, you must grasp basic cybersecurity principles:

Resources:

Ethical hackers rely on specialized tools to identify vulnerabilities. Some essential tools include:

Pro Tip: Start practicing with virtual labs on platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box.

The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most critical web application security risks. These include:

Mastering these will give you an edge in identifying common vulnerabilities.

I signed up for several popular bug bounty platforms, including:

Pro Tip: Look for programs tagged as “beginner-friendly” to start with less competitive environments.

For my first target, I chose a small, public program with clearly defined rules and a manageable scope. Reading the program’s policy thoroughly helped me avoid out-of-scope testing, which could lead to disqualification.

Reconnaissance is critical in ethical hacking. I used tools like:

This phase helped me map the target’s attack surface and identify possible entry points.

After several hours of testing, I discovered a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in a contact form. Here’s how I approached it:

Pro Tip: A clear and detailed report increases your chances of a reward and builds your reputation as a professional.

Ethical hacking requires persistence. You might spend days exploring a system without finding vulnerabilities, but the process is invaluable for learning.

Stick to the scope defined in the bug bounty program. Testing out-of-scope areas can lead to account suspension or legal consequences.

Cybersecurity evolves rapidly. I subscribed to newsletters, joined forums, and followed experts like Troy Hunt and Katie Moussouris to stay updated.

Joining communities like Bugcrowd Forum or Discord groups helped me learn from experienced hackers and get feedback on my reports.

Bug bounties range from $50 for minor bugs to $100,000+ for critical vulnerabilities. Payouts depend on:

As you progress, learning scripting languages like Python and JavaScript will allow you to create custom tools and payloads.

Ethical hacking is a rewarding field, but it requires dedication and continuous learning. If you’re just starting out:

Remember, the most important trait of a successful ethical hacker is curiosity. Keep experimenting, learning, and improving. Who knows? Your next bug report could be worth thousands of dollars — and it could save a company from a catastrophic breach.