Bug Bounty vs VDP: Building Effective Security Programs with Hacker Collaboration

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. As threats grow more complex, organizations can no longer afford to operate in isolation. Building a communication bridge between companies and the hacker community offers a practical and effective way to enhance defences — a relationship founded on collaboration, trust, and mutual benefit.

Often misunderstood, hackers can be invaluable allies when invited to contribute constructively. They bring a unique perspective, usually thinking beyond the boundaries of traditional security teams. Organizations can identify critical vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them by engaging with ethical hackers through structured programs like vulnerability disclosure programs (VDPs) or bug bounty platforms.

I experienced this firsthand during a monitoring initiative I described in my article, Secrets in the Wild: Uncovering Hidden Threats. Through this effort, we notified over 80 affected organizations about a critical issue. However, a significant number of companies — some of them large enterprises — could not be informed because they lacked any official channel for reporting vulnerabilities. Moreover, the response rate was disappointingly low even when we tried to contact security engineers, managers, and even CISOs directly. In most cases, our messages were ignored, leaving critical vulnerabilities unaddressed.

Just imagine knowing there’s a broken window or a faulty lock that could be exploited by a thief but having no way to notify the building owner or the authorities. This lack of communication channels and responsiveness is a glaring problem in today’s security landscape.

This article explores the importance of fostering such a communication bridge, offers guidance on building these bridges effectively, examines the platforms and approaches available to ensure success, and reviews the broader role of bug bounty/VDP programs in strengthening other security initiatives. Let’s review the opportunities and challenges of bridging the gap between companies and the hacker community and why it’s a strategic move for any organization serious about cybersecurity.

The need for a communication bridge between companies and the hacker community is more urgent than ever. Cyberattacks are growing in frequency and sophistication, and the stakes have never been higher. A single unaddressed vulnerability can lead to massive data breaches, financial loss, and damage to an organization’s reputation. Yet, many organizations remain inaccessible to those who can help them secure their systems.

Ethical hackers bring a skill set that can improve traditional security efforts. Unlike automated scanners or internal security teams, hackers approach systems with an adversarial mindset, uncovering vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, their efforts are only as effective as the channels they use to communicate their findings.

Consider this: without an official channel for vulnerability reporting, hackers are left navigating a maze of corporate bureaucracy, trying to connect with someone who will take their findings seriously. This creates friction and discourages valuable contributions. Worse, some hackers may choose not to report vulnerabilities, fearing legal repercussions or a lack of recognition for their efforts.

A communication bridge—whether through a Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) or a Bug Bounty platform—provides a structured way for ethical hackers to share their findings. It fosters trust, reduces barriers to collaboration, and promptly addresses vulnerabilities. Organizations that embrace these programs demonstrate a proactive approach to security, signalling to hackers and the public that they take cybersecurity seriously.

Beyond vulnerability management, a robust communication bridge helps build a culture of openness and continuous improvement. It shows that the organization values external input, creating an ecosystem where ethical hackers and security professionals work together to protect systems, data, and users from harm.

Additionally, such programs serve as an effective barometer for evaluating the success of other security initiatives. By analyzing the types of vulnerabilities reported, organizations can identify gaps in their existing defences, assess the performance of internal security tools and processes, and refine their overall strategies. In this way, VDPs and Bug Bounty programs do more than address specific issues — they provide actionable insights to enhance the organization’s broader security posture.

When building a communication bridge with the hacker community, organizations often face two primary options: Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) and Bug Bounty programs. While both serve to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities, their structure, scope, and objectives differ significantly.

What is a VDP?

A Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) provides a structured process for anyone — including ethical hackers, researchers, and even customers — to report security vulnerabilities they discover. These programs are typically open to the public and do not involve monetary rewards. Instead, the focus is on creating a clear and accessible channel for vulnerability reporting, fostering transparency, and ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed on time.

VDPs are particularly useful for organizations just beginning their journey toward external collaboration. They provide a cost-effective way to engage with the broader security community and establish trust. However, the absence of monetary incentives may limit participation to intrinsically motivated individuals who want to contribute.

What is a Bug Bounty Program?

A Bug Bounty program extends the VDP concept by offering monetary rewards for vulnerabilities reported by ethical hackers. The rewards vary based on factors such as the severity of the vulnerability, its impact, and the quality of the report. Bug Bounty programs are often more targeted, with organizations specifying the systems, applications, or services they want to be tested.

However, not all Bug Bounty programs have a narrow focus. Some, like the AT&T Bug Bounty program hosted on HackerOne, have broad scopes that cover multiple assets and services. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor their programs to align with their security needs, whether addressing specific applications or securing a wide range of systems.

This approach attracts a larger pool of skilled hackers, many of whom consider bug bounty hunting a professional endeavour. The financial incentives not only drive participation but also encourage high-quality submissions. However, Bug Bounty programs require a more significant investment in budget and resources to manage the influx of reports.

Key Differences Between VDP and Bug Bounty

Scope: VDPs are usually broad and open to all systems, while Bug Bounty programs can range from broad (e.g., AT&T) to narrow, focusing on specific assets or applications.Incentives: VDPs rely on goodwill and recognition, whereas Bug Bounty programs offer financial rewards.Cost: VDPs are more cost-effective but may attract fewer participants, while Bug Bounty programs require substantial investment but yield higher engagement.Audience: VDPs attract a general audience, including hobbyists and researchers, while Bug Bounty programs draw experienced, professional hackers.

By understanding these differences, organizations can choose the option that best aligns with their goals, budget, and security maturity. Some organizations even adopt a hybrid approach, starting with a VDP to establish their communication framework before transitioning to a Bug Bounty program to scale their efforts.

Developing a successful Vulnerability Disclosure Program or Bug Bounty program requires planning and execution. Here are some best practices to ensure these programs deliver value and strengthen your security posture:

An internal Program or an External Platform

Determine whether to manage the program in-house or partner with an external platform like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Intigriti, or Synack VDP.Internal programs offer greater control but require dedicated resources for triaging submissions, responding to researchers, and managing scope.External platforms provide access to a broader pool of experienced hackers, streamlined tools, and support for program management.

Self-Manage or Partner with an External Vendor

Assess whether your organization has the resources to run the program independently or would benefit from external support.External vendors can assist with strategy development, continuous improvements, secondary triage, and validation of remediation efforts.Using an external vendor ensures consistent oversight and can save internal teams significant time and effort.

Profile Your Organization

Understand your company’s primary focus. For product-based companies, the priority should be ensuring product security. For enterprises, the emphasis might be on safeguarding internal systems and infrastructure.Tailor the program’s design to address your organization’s risks and challenges.

Communicate the Program Across the Organization

Ensure all teams know the program’s scope and activities, especially those managing critical assets.Educate employees on the potential impact of VDP or Bug Bounty activities, such as performance degradation or junk data caused by less-experienced hackers.Create protocols to identify and mitigate any unintended consequences from testing activities quickly.

Define Clear Objectives

Identify your aim with the program: Is it broader vulnerability discovery, compliance, or testing specific assets?Align the program’s goals with your security strategy to ensure it complements existing initiatives.

Establish a Well-Defined Scope

Clearly outline the systems, applications, and assets included in the program.Highlight any areas explicitly out of scope to avoid confusion and minimize risks.

Create Comprehensive Policies and Guidelines

Develop clear rules of engagement for participants, detailing what is expected of them and what they can expect in return.Include legal, safe harbour policies to protect ethical hackers from unintended repercussions.

Prioritize Transparency and Communication

Ensure participants understand how vulnerabilities will be triaged and addressed.Communicate openly about timelines, updates, and resolutions to build trust with researchers.

Build a Strong Triage Process

Triage is one of the most critical components of a successful Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) or Bug Bounty program. To ensure its effectiveness, the triage process must be carefully designed and executed with the following principles:

Context-Driven Evaluation: The triage process should be aligned with the organization’s specific context and the threats relevant to its assets and industry. This ensures that submitted vulnerabilities are assessed for their actual impact.

Rapid Validation of Issues: Triage teams should possess the technical expertise to validate the reported vulnerabilities quickly. Rapid triaging helps maintain the program’s momentum and promptly addresses legitimate issues.

Comprehensive Remediation Support: A skilled triage team should validate vulnerabilities and guide remediation. This includes answering follow-up questions from the teams responsible for addressing the reported issues.

Continuous Training and Skill Development: Triage team members should regularly train to stay updated on emerging threats, tools, and techniques. Their expertise is key to accurately assessing complex vulnerabilities.

Clear Communication with Hackers: Triage teams should communicate clearly with researchers and provide timely feedback on their submissions. This fosters trust and encourages high-quality participation.

Prioritization of Submissions: A standardized framework, such as the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), can prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential impact.

By building a triage process grounded in an organizational context, technical expertise, and strong communication, organizations can create a robust foundation for their VDP or Bug Bounty program. Effective triage ensures that vulnerabilities are identified, validated, and resolved efficiently, minimizing risks and maximizing program value.

Offer Appropriate Incentives

For a Bug Bounty program to succeed, it’s crucial to provide rewards that reflect the effort and impact of reported vulnerabilities. Even for VDPs, non-monetary incentives like public recognition, certifications, or swag can encourage participation.

Timely Rewards: Hackers invest significant time and expertise in identifying vulnerabilities. Bounties should be granted promptly after an issue has been triaged and marked as a valid submission. Delayed rewards can discourage participation and erode trust.

Transparent Reward Criteria: Clearly outline the criteria for reward amounts—base payouts on factors like severity and impact and report quality to ensure fairness and encourage high-quality submissions.

Recognition Beyond Monetary Rewards:

Highlight top contributors in public reports or leaderboards to motivate participation.Offer additional perks like exclusive invitations to private bug bounty programs or certifications for exceptional performance.

By offering timely and meaningful incentives, organizations can build a positive and engaging environment for ethical hackers, ensuring the long-term success of their VDP or Bug Bounty programs.

Leverage External Expertise

Consider partnering with established platforms to manage submissions and expand the pool of skilled participants.Platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd provide tools and support to streamline program management.

Automate as Much as You Can

Automation is crucial for reducing the manual workload associated with VDP or Bug Bounty programs. Automate the ingestion of incoming reports into internal triage systems, distribute valid submissions to responsible teams, and track SLAs with automated notifications for approaching or missed deadlines. This allows teams to focus on critical tasks rather than routine administrative work.

Continuously Improve

VDP or Bug Bounty programs should constantly improve to keep the hacking community engaged and motivated. Consider the following strategies:

Increase Rewards: To attract top talent, periodically increase the size of rewards. While this can be challenging due to budget constraints, it strongly signals that the program values the hackers’ contributions.

Expand Scope: Gradually include more assets in the program’s scope. For larger enterprises, this can involve adding newly acquired companies or services. For smaller organizations, expanding scope may require additional resources but can signal growth and seriousness about security.

Combine Strategies: Implement both strategies simultaneously for maximum impact. Increasing rewards and scope together can generate significant interest, but effectively managing increased participation and submissions requires careful planning.

Propose Bonuses for Specific Findings: To direct focus and reward exceptional contributions, offer bonuses for identifying critical vulnerabilities or specific high-priority issues.

Time-Limited Campaigns: Launch campaigns with temporarily increased bounties to drive interest and participation during specific periods. These campaigns can help uncover vulnerabilities in targeted areas or during significant system updates.

Review Out-of-Scope Policy: Review the out-of-scope policy regularly and consider moving specific issues to the in-scope section. This will encourage researchers to focus on the areas that matter most to your organization while gradually expanding the program’s reach.

Organizations can continuously refine the program to maintain long-term engagement with the hacker community and ensure their security programs evolve alongside emerging threats.

Set a Meeting Schedule for the Triage Team

Establish a regular meeting schedule for the triage team to review and process incoming reports. This ensures:

Timely ingestion and validation of submissions.Prompt assignment of valid issues to remediation teams.Consistent tracking of progress and awarding of bounties.

Regular meetings also provide an opportunity to discuss challenges, share feedback, and make improvements to the triage process as needed.

By following these best practices, organizations can create effective programs that identify vulnerabilities and foster a culture of security collaboration and continuous improvement.

Organizations running Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) or Bug Bounty programs often face the decision of whether to manage the program in-house or partner with external platforms. Here are the key advantages of considering external platforms:

Access to a Broader Pool of Talent

External platforms connect organizations with a global community of experienced hackers. These platforms attract researchers with diverse skills, allowing organizations to tap into a broader talent pool that might be unavailable locally.

Streamlined Program Management

Platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Intigriti offer tools to simplify program management. These platforms handle the logistics, from triaging submissions to communicating with researchers, freeing internal teams to focus on core tasks.

Scalability

External platforms are designed to scale with an organization’s needs. Whether a company wants to start small or handle high volumes of submissions, these platforms can adapt, ensuring a seamless experience.

Pre-Built Tools and Infrastructure

Platforms provide pre-built tools for submission intake, vulnerability tracking, and metrics reporting. Thus, organizations do not need to develop their systems, saving time and resources.

Enhanced Researcher Engagement

External platforms foster a community-driven environment, providing recognition and rewards for researchers. This encourages continued participation and high-quality submissions.

No Need for Marketing

Organizations leveraging external platforms don’t need to perform extensive marketing for their bug bounty program or VDP. Platforms like HackerOne and BugCrowd market their services and attract top talent to participate in these programs.

Simplified Reward Payments

Paying rewards can be a challenging task for organizational finance departments. External platforms handle the financial logistics, ensuring researchers are compensated promptly while reducing the administrative burden on organizations.

Focus on Strategy and Improvement

Organizations can dedicate more time to improving their security strategy by outsourcing program logistics. External platforms handle the operational workload, allowing internal teams to focus on critical vulnerabilities and remediation efforts.

While external platforms offer many advantages, organizations should carefully evaluate their needs, budgets, and goals to determine whether partnering with a platform aligns with their long-term objectives.

Bug Bounty and Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) do more than identify and resolve vulnerabilities; they provide valuable input that enhances other security initiatives. Here’s how these programs contribute:

Strengthening Vulnerability Management

These programs help measure the effectiveness of the vulnerability management process by identifying gaps in vulnerability discovery and asset identification. This insight enables organizations to close loopholes and enhance their detection capabilities.

Attack Surface Monitoring

Bug bounty and VDP findings assist in identifying gaps in attack surface coverage. These insights support the implementation of automation to monitor and address missed cases, ensuring better protection.

Enhancing Threat Intelligence

The data from these programs highlight emerging attack techniques, tools, and trends. These findings can:

Refine detection mechanisms.Inform proactive defences against new threats.Enhance the organization’s threat intelligence efforts.

Informing Application Security

Reports submitted through these programs often uncover vulnerabilities missed by traditional testing methods. They:

Measure the maturity of the application security program.Identify gaps and suggest areas for improvement.Guide developers in improving secure coding practices and refining security frameworks.

Security Operations Center (SOC)

Insights from these programs help measure the visibility and effectiveness of the SOC. Key benefits include:

Identifying patterns of malicious activity.Measuring response times.Improving incident detection and response capabilities.

Supporting Security Awareness Training

Real-world scenarios from bug bounty and VDP reports enhance employee training programs by:

Making training relatable and impactful.Demonstrating the consequences of security lapses.Encouraging vigilance and proactive behaviour.

Building a Culture of Security

The lessons learned, and success stories from these programs foster a stronger security-first mindset by:

Promoting collaboration between teams.Highlighting the importance of external partnerships.Demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Enhancing Risk Management

VDP and Bug Bounty programs provide valuable data for refining organizational risk registers.

Vulnerabilities reported multiple times by different researchers indicate a higher likelihood of exploitation, aligning with risk management principles of assessing probability.Organizations can dynamically update their risk priorities based on evidence from these programs, ensuring that their focus aligns with real-world threats.By integrating VDP and Bug Bounty findings into risk management processes, companies can prioritize mitigation efforts for vulnerabilities that pose the most significant risk.

By integrating insights from bug bounty and VDP programs into broader security efforts, organizations can create a more resilient and adaptive security posture, effectively addressing current and emerging threats.

Selecting the right platform for your Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) or Bug Bounty program is critical to its success. Here is a review of some popular external vendors, highlighting their features, benefits, and considerations:

HackerOne

HackerOne is one of the most established bug bounty and VDP management platforms. Key features include:

Large Talent Pool: Access to a global community of ethical hackers with diverse skill sets.

Integrated Triage Services: Assistance with validating and prioritizing submitted vulnerabilities.

Customizable Programs: Options to tailor programs to specific needs, including private bug bounty programs.

Dashboard and Metrics: Detailed reporting tools to measure program performance and identify trends.

Considerations: HackerOne’s robust platform can be more costly than other vendors, making it better suited for larger organizations with complex needs.

Bugcrowd

Bugcrowd offers scalable solutions for organizations managing VDPs or Bug Bounty programs. Key features include:

Managed Triage: Expert assistance in assessing and validating vulnerabilities.

CrowdMatch Technology: Matches researchers to specific programs based on their expertise.

Flexible Engagement Models: Support for public, private, and hybrid programs.

Automation Tools: Features for streamlining vulnerability management processes.

Considerations: While Bugcrowd provides excellent support, its pricing model may require careful budgeting for smaller organizations.

Intigriti

Intigriti is a rapidly growing European platform known for its innovation. Key features include:

Strong EU Focus: Ideal for organizations operating in or targeting European markets.

Transparent Reward Models: Clear guidelines for bounty payouts.

Researcher Engagement: Active efforts to build relationships with ethical hackers.

Comprehensive Support: Assistance with program design, triage, and reporting.

Considerations: Intigriti’s focus on the European market may limit its appeal to organizations seeking global outreach.

This section reflects experiences from running public bug bounty programs with wildcard scopes, where researchers are invited to explore a wide range of assets within defined boundaries.

Communicate Internally Before Launch

Ensure the organization knows the program’s launch, including potential risks and issues. Effective communication helps prepare teams for incoming reports and minimizes internal confusion.

Prepare for a Surge in Reports

The volume of submissions following a public launch may increase tenfold. Be ready to manage the influx by scaling triage resources and setting clear priorities.

Identify Asset Owners in Advance

Identify all asset owners before launching publicly. This will allow for efficient issue resolution and prevent delays in addressing vulnerabilities.

Develop a Long-Term Strategy

Plan the program’s strategy early to maintain its effectiveness over time. Review and adapt the scope, incentives, and communication channels regularly to keep researchers engaged and submissions relevant.

Monitor Vendor Triage Effectively

While vendor triage teams provide valuable support, they maintain oversight to ensure critical issues aren’t overlooked. Some platforms may have stricter triage criteria, leading to potential misses. Review submissions regularly to catch any oversights.

Automate Wisely

Automate repetitive tasks such as report ingestion, tracking, and notifications. However, ensure automation is applied thoughtfully to avoid missing important context or nuances in submissions.

Build Triage Team Expertise

Ensure all triage team members are equipped to perform effective triage. Provide training and mentorship to less experienced colleagues to help them understand the organization’s context and improve their skills.

By proactively addressing these pitfalls, organizations can enhance the efficiency and success of their public bug bounty programs while minimizing risks and challenges.

Building a communication bridge between companies and the hacker community is not just a strategic choice — it is necessary in today’s cybersecurity environment. Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) and Bug Bounty programs offer a structured and collaborative approach to uncovering and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

These programs go beyond simply mitigating risks. They provide actionable insights into the organization’s security posture, inform and enhance other security initiatives, and promote a culture of openness and continuous improvement. Organizations can strengthen their defences by working with ethical hackers and demonstrating a clear commitment to proactive cybersecurity.

The success of these programs depends on thoughtful planning, the right partnerships, and ongoing refinement. Whether implementing a VDP, a Bug Bounty program, or a combination of both, organizations must define clear goals, establish effective processes, and engage with external researchers to maximize the benefits.

Through collaboration with the hacker community, companies can transform vulnerabilities into opportunities for improvement and resilience, building a safer digital world for all.

Co-author: Pedro Cavalcante