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ARTICLE ADYou don’t need to be an expert before you start bug bounty hunting. In fact, starting to look for bugs and learning through doing is the best way to stay engaged.
Key Areas to Focus On:
HTML, JavaScript, and CSS: Since you’re working with web applications, these are the core building blocks. You don’t need to be a front-end expert, but understanding how the front-end (client-side) works is crucial for bug hunting.Tools you can use: Browsers like Chrome or Firefox (with dev tools like the Inspector), and simple scripting can help you learn how apps behave.Basic Web Security: Learn about common vulnerabilities that are often targeted in bug bounty programs: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection (SQLi), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR), Open Redirects….OWASP Top 10: Start with the OWASP Top 10 as it’s a list of the most critical security risks for web applications, and it’s the foundation for most bug bounty platforms.OWASP Top 10: This gives you a clear idea of what vulnerabilities to look for, what they are, and how they can be exploited.Practical Action:
Hack the Box (HTB): It’s a platform for hacking and learning cybersecurity in a hands-on way. You can start with “Beginner” or “Easy” boxes that allow you to practice web vulnerabilities.Try Bug Bounty Platforms: Many platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack have beginner-friendly challenges and public programs that you can test your skills on.Look for “easy” or “beginner” programs to get started.Many platforms offer “bug bounty sandbox” environments for you to practice (e.g., Hacker101 by HackerOne).Since boredom comes from not seeing immediate progress, your approach should be practical from the beginning. The idea is to learn as you go — by finding vulnerabilities in real applications — and building motivation from those small wins. Here’s how to do that:
Set Realistic Milestones:
First Bug: Set a goal to find your first bug (even if it’s a small or easy one) on a platform like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, or Cobalt. The feeling of finding and reporting a bug is a great motivator.Bug Bounty Targets: Pick an easy-to-understand bug (like a simple XSS vulnerability), find an app that has it, and exploit it. You don’t need to hack the most complex systems at first.Start with CTFs and Bug Bounty Platforms:
Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges: Websites like Hack The Box or TryHackMe offer web application-related CTFs where you can practice finding real-world vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.These platforms are designed to simulate realistic attacks, so you can practice hacking in a safe environment.Real Progress Tracking:
Track your bug bounty submissions: Even if your first submission doesn’t get accepted, it’s still valuable for the learning process. Keep a log of each submission, feedback, and how you can improve.For example, you can use platforms like Bugcrowd or HackerOne to follow your submissions and progress.Once you’ve gotten that initial rush from finding a bug, your motivation to deepen your knowledge will naturally grow. Now, the goal is to layer your knowledge while continuously practicing.
Things to Learn Along the Way:
Burp Suite: One of the most powerful tools for web application security testing. It helps you intercept and analyze HTTP requests, find vulnerabilities, and automate attacks.Learn to use the proxy, scanner, and intruder functions of Burp Suite to analyze web traffic and manipulate requests. This is one of the key tools used in bug bounty programs.Basic Exploit Writing: You can start experimenting with writing payloads for things like XSS, SQL injection, and other common vulnerabilities. While it sounds advanced, you can start simple and learn how to craft payloads to test on vulnerable sites.HTTP Basics: Understanding HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.), headers, cookies, and how web servers interact with clients is crucial for finding vulnerabilities.Instead of getting bogged down with theory first, follow this hybrid
learning path:
Start with Practical Tools: Download Burp Suite, inspect web apps, start playing with simple vulnerabilities like XSS and SQL injection, and read the OWASP Top 10.Experiment on Live Platforms: Create accounts on HackerOne, Bugcrowd, or Synack, and start exploring public programs. Look for easier programs, try hacking small vulnerabilities, and submit reports.Learn as You Go: Whenever you encounter a bug or vulnerability you don’t understand, look it up. Watch a quick video, read a blog post, or check out an online course to dive deeper into that specific topic. This will keep the motivation up because you’re learning only what you need in the moment.Learn Security Fundamentals: As you encounter more challenges, deepen your knowledge about the security topics you’re encountering:Web application security: Learn about XSS, CSRF, SQL injection, Insecure Deserialization, etc.Cryptography: You’ll eventually need to understand things like hashing algorithms, encryption, and JWT tokens.Reverse engineering: Once you’re comfortable, you can start looking into reversing compiled binaries for vulnerabilities (optional at first).Instead of viewing learning as something you do before hacking, shift your mindset to learning by doing. This means:
Find a bug 🐞→ Learn what that bug is 🙄→ Learn how to exploit it 💥→ Look for similar vulnerabilities → Repeat 🔁.By diving into bug bounty platforms early on, you’ll be able to learn real-world security skills and feel the motivation immediately. You’ll naturally progress to deeper topics like reverse engineering, advanced cryptography, and network security as you become more comfortable and motivated.
In summary:
Start hacking with simple vulnerabilities.Track your progress by submitting reports and getting feedback.Use learning resources as you encounter new things.Stay engaged by focusing on practical, real-world problems.Good luck on your journey to becoming a successful bug bounty hunter! If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out anytime. 😊