You need to stop making this mistake in Bug Bounty!

Bug bounty hunting is an incredibly rewarding field, both in terms of skill development and financial gain. However, many newcomers make the mistake of diving into the most popular programs without realizing that they are competing with thousands of experienced hunters. If you want to maximize your chances of finding vulnerabilities and earning bounties, you need a strategic approach to picking the right programs.

In this article, we’ll break down how to choose the best bug bounty programs, why newer programs or those with fewer resolved vulnerabilities are goldmines, and how joining my Mastering Cybersecurity course gives you an exclusive opportunity to hunt alongside me and refine your skills with real-world experience.

Course: https://deadoverflow.gumroad.com/l/mastering-cybersecurity-course

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@deadoverflow

Not all bug bounty programs offer the same level of opportunity. Some programs have been around for years, meaning they have already been heavily tested by experienced hunters. Others may have strict rules that limit what you can test or have low payouts, making your efforts less rewarding.

Instead of blindly jumping into a random program, here’s what you should consider:

New programs are the best places to start because:

They haven’t been heavily tested yet, meaning there are still undiscovered vulnerabilities.The company is still learning how to handle security reports, making them more open to a variety of submissions.You get the chance to build a good reputation early by submitting quality reports before the program becomes crowded.

To find newer programs, regularly check platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd for the latest additions. You can also follow security researchers on Twitter/X or join bug bounty communities where people discuss new program launches.

A program that has thousands of resolved vulnerabilities might look promising, but in reality, this means:

Many of the common issues have already been found.You’ll have to dig deeper and invest more time in finding complex vulnerabilities.The competition is fierce, making it harder to get accepted into the program or to submit unique findings.

Instead, look for programs with fewer resolved vulnerabilities, ideally under 100. This means the surface area is still fresh, and basic vulnerabilities might still exist.

Many platforms offer private bug bounty programs that are invite-only. These programs often have fewer hunters, which means:

Less competition.Higher chances of finding valuable bugs.Often better payouts since private programs usually target more serious security flaws.

To get invited to private programs, you need to build a solid reputation by participating in public programs first, writing good reports, and maintaining a professional relationship with the platform.

Some programs have very restricted scopes, meaning they only allow testing on specific parts of their systems. Others have wide scopes, covering multiple domains, APIs, and mobile apps. You should:

Prefer wide scope programs, as they provide more opportunities to find vulnerabilities.Avoid programs with unnecessary restrictions that might limit your testing methodologies.

Some companies only reward critical vulnerabilities, while others offer payouts for all valid reports, even low-severity bugs. If you’re just starting, it’s better to work with programs that recognize and reward all types of findings, as this helps you gain experience, improve your methodology, and increase your chances of earning.

A common mistake is rushing into well-known programs like PayPal, Uber, or Twitter, expecting to find bugs easily. These programs are saturated with expert hunters, meaning:

Every common vulnerability has already been found and reported.You’ll need deep knowledge and unique methodologies to make discoveries.Your reports are more likely to be duplicates, leading to rejection and wasted effort.

By targeting newer or less-tested programs, you put yourself in a less competitive and more rewarding environment.

If you want to take your bug bounty hunting to the next level, my Mastering Cybersecurity course is designed to give you a hands-on experience in hunting vulnerabilities effectively. Unlike other courses that just explain concepts, this one provides real-world training where you will:

Learn how to pick the best bug bounty programs and maximize your chances of finding valid vulnerabilities.Understand reconnaissance techniques that will help you map out targets efficiently.Develop custom hacking methodologies that go beyond traditional checklists.Get exclusive access to hunting sessions with me, where we explore real programs together and find vulnerabilities in real time.

This is not just a course; it’s a community and mentorship program where you will have the opportunity to learn from my experience and apply advanced strategies to your own bug bounty hunting journey.

Since I want to keep this experience highly interactive and personal, I am limiting access to only 1,000 people. If you’re serious about bug bounty hunting and want to gain an edge over others, now is the time to secure your spot.

Picking the right bug bounty programs is a game-changer for your success in the field. Instead of chasing after overpopulated programs, target newer and less-explored ones to increase your chances of finding unique vulnerabilities.

By applying the strategies in this article, you’ll not only improve your earnings but also build a solid reputation in the bug bounty community.

And if you’re ready to accelerate your learning and hunt with me, make sure to join the Mastering Cybersecurity course before all spots are filled. Let’s dominate bug bounty hunting together!

See you inside! 🚀