How Google Dorking Helps me to Earn more than $2,000 in Bug Bounty.

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In the digital age, information is power. And while most people use search engines like Google for finding restaurants, checking weather updates, or learning new skills, there exists an advanced method of extracting hidden treasures from the internet — Google Dorking. This technique helps both ordinary users and cybersecurity professionals uncover valuable data and even earn money through platforms like bug bounty programs.

In this article, we will explore the concept of Google Dorking, how it can be used by both common users and bug bounty hunters, and provide you with some powerful Google dorks to help you get started.

Google Dorking (or Google Hacking) involves using advanced search techniques to uncover information that isn’t easily accessible through normal search queries. It leverages Google’s indexing power to find misconfigured websites, unsecured files, login portals, hidden directories, and even sensitive data like passwords or personal information.

Why is it Powerful?

For a common user, Google Dorking can reveal forgotten or hidden information, like finding personal images or documents unintentionally exposed online.For a bug bounty hunter, this technique can uncover security vulnerabilities that companies aren’t aware of, helping them fix the issues and potentially offering monetary rewards.

For the Common Man:

Finding Unindexed Personal Data: Sometimes, personal data such as resumes, photographs, or other documents may be unknowingly exposed online. Using specific dorks, individuals can search for these files and request their removal.Example Dork:intitle:"index of" "my photos"Result: This dork lists directories containing files named “my photos,” potentially exposing personal images.Checking if Personal Information is Leaked: If you want to check if your email or sensitive details have been leaked, certain dorks can help you find those without relying on paid services.Example Dork:intext:"@gmail.com" filetype:xlsResult: This query searches for Excel files with “@gmail.com” mentioned inside, possibly exposing email lists.

For Bug Bounty Hunters:

Uncovering Unprotected Admin Panels: Many websites have poorly configured admin panels exposed on the internet. These can be potential goldmines for bug bounty hunters, as they often lead to significant vulnerabilities.Example Dork:inurl:admin intitle:"admin panel"Result: This dork reveals admin login panels that can be further tested for vulnerabilities.Finding Exposed Databases: Some websites accidentally expose their databases, giving hackers easy access to user information and credentials. Google Dorking can locate such databases for ethical reporting.Example Dork:inurl:wp-content/uploads filetype:sqlResult: SQL database files that could contain sensitive information.Discovering Unsecured FTP Servers: Many companies leave FTP servers unsecured, allowing unauthorized users to access sensitive files.Example Dork:intitle:"index of" inurl:ftpResult: This dork shows unsecured FTP servers listing files and directories.

Bug bounty hunters can turn Google Dorking skills into a profitable side gig or even a full-time career. Many major companies offer bug bounty programs where they pay hackers to find and report security vulnerabilities.

Steps to Monetize Your Google Dorking Skills:

Join Bug Bounty Platforms: Sign up for platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Synack, or Open Bug Bounty. These platforms list companies willing to pay for discovered vulnerabilities.Search for Vulnerabilities: Use Google Dorks to identify exposed admin panels, databases, or login portals. Ensure that you report any vulnerabilities ethically to the respective companies.Report the Bugs: If you find security issues, report them through the bug bounty platform. Your findings could earn you anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the bug.Keep Learning: Google Dorking is a tool, but it’s just the beginning. As you learn more about web application vulnerabilities, combine Google Dorks with other hacking techniques to increase your chances of finding high-impact bugs.

Here are some more powerful Google Dorks you can use:

Searching for Sensitive Documents:filetype:pdf "confidential"Result: Finds PDF files that contain the word “confidential,” often used by companies to denote internal documents.Finding Login Pages:inurl:loginResult: This dork reveals a list of login pages from various websites, potentially useful for finding misconfigured authentication mechanisms.Discovering Exposed Cameras:inurl:/view.shtmlResult: Shows live feed links from unsecured online cameras that are publicly accessible.Identifying Unprotected User Data:site:.gov filetype:xls inurl:"contacts"Result: Displays publicly available Excel sheets from government websites that could contain sensitive contact information.

It is essential to stress that while Google Dorking is legal when used responsibly, exploiting sensitive data or breaking into systems without permission is illegal and unethical. Always follow these golden rules:

Never exploit the data you find for malicious purposes.Always report vulnerabilities through responsible disclosure programs or bug bounty platforms.Stay ethical, as this will protect you from legal consequences and build your reputation as a trusted cybersecurity professional.

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