Bug Bounty Hunting 101: An Introduction for Beginners
Tags: cybersecurity, beginners, learning, roadmap
Published: 2024-05-29 08:09:20

## Introduction

Bug bounty hunting, as the name suggests, is an activity where you hunt for bugs (look for security vulnerabilities) in software applications, websites, and systems and report them to the company or organization running the bounty program.

In layman's terms, it's like being a digital detective who finds hidden weaknesses in code, helps improve security, and gets *paid* for it. Yep, you read that right. It's a legal way to earn money online using your hacking skills without the FBI knocking on your door.


![FBI Meme](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7qxjmyzsylkwpylro10y.png)



## How to Start?

Well, I'm going to give you a glimpse of how to become a bug bounty hunter, but for further details, you'll need to purchase my $999 course where you'll get generic information that’s available on the internet for free. 😶

Just kidding! I’m not a YouTuber. 🗣️

Anyway, please read the rest of this guide with **patience**, without simply scrolling away, and you might gain some new information and perhaps *enlightenment*. This guide will cover how to acquire knowledge using resources from the internet and books, and crucially, how to apply that knowledge practically at each step.

So, let's begin...

## Step 1: Foundation in Computer Science and Networking

> "Crawl before you walk."

Before you dive into the digital bug battlefield, remember: a solid grasp of computer science and networking basics is your armor. Rest assured, I've got you covered.

### **Online Resources:**

* [CS50's Introduction to Computer Science](https://cs50.harvard.edu/x/2024/) (Harvard OCW)
    
* [Introduction to Networking](https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science/informationtheory) (Khan Academy)
    
### **Recommended Book:**
    
* "[Foundations of Information Security: A Straightforward Introduction](https://amzn.to/3wRo69K)" by Jason Andress: This book covers the basics of networking and introduces cryptographic principles which are crucial for understanding network security.

**Key Concepts:** Study IP addressing, DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, firewalls, and VPNs.

**Practice:** Set up simple networking labs using tools like [Cisco Packet Tracer](https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer) or [GNS3](https://gns3.com/).

## Step 2: Understand Web Technologies

> “The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past.” – Tim Berners-Lee

Next, you'll need to understand how websites work. This knowledge is crucial since most bug bounty programs are centered around web applications.

### Online Resources:

* [HTML, CSS, and JavaScript](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn) (MDN Web Docs)
* [Web Development 101](https://www.theodinproject.com/paths/foundations/courses/foundations) (The Odin Project)

### **Recommended Book:**
    
* "[Eloquent JavaScript](https://amzn.to/3VtVX29)" by Marijn Haverbeke: An excellent introduction to JavaScript and modern web development practices. 

**Key Concepts:** Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Client-Server Model.

**Practice:** Create small web projects to apply your learning, such as a basic website or web app.


## Step 3: Learn Programming and Scripting

> "Code is poetry."

Bug bounty hunting frequently requires the creation of scripts to assess applications. Python is an excellent language for beginners in this field.

### Online Resources:

* [CodeCademy: Learn Python3](https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python-3)
  
### **Recommended Book:** 
* "[Automate the Boring Stuff with Python](https://amzn.to/4bzsbyw)" by Al Sweigart: A practical guide to Python, perfect for beginners looking to learn scripting and automation.

**Projects:** Automate repetitive tasks you encounter daily, such as file management or web scraping.

## Step 4: Master Cybersecurity Basics

Being aware of common vulnerabilities and their exploitation methods is crucial in the field of bug bounty hunting.

### Online Resources:

* [OWASP WebGoat](https://owasp.org/www-project-webgoat/) 
* [Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA)](http://www.dvwa.co.uk/)

### Recommended Book:

*  "[The Web Application Hacker's Handbook"](https://amzn.to/3KlFLJG) by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto: A comprehensive guide to web application security, covering various vulnerabilities and attack vectors.

**Practice:** Use platforms like OWASP WebGoat and DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application) to practice finding and exploiting vulnerabilities.

## Step 5: Dive into Ethical Hacking

Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty with some real **ethical** hacking.

### Online Resources:

* [TryHackMe](https://tryhackme.com/) 
* [Hack The Box](https://www.hackthebox.com/)

### Recommended Book:

*  "[Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking](https://amzn.to/4aNeomQ)" by Georgia Weidman: A practical introduction to penetration testing, covering essential tools and techniques.

**Practice:** Apply techniques on vulnerable VMs from [VulnHub](https://www.vulnhub.com/) or try exercises on Hack The Box and TryHackMe.

## Step 6: Study Vulnerability Types

Learn about real-world vulnerabilities by reading and understanding case studies.

### Online Resources:

* [Bugcrowd University](https://www.bugcrowd.com/hackers/bugcrowd-university/)

### Recommended Book:

* "[Real-World Bug Hunting](https://amzn.to/3USV29C)" by Peter Yaworski

**Practice:** Try to replicate similar findings on public bug bounty programs or in your lab environment (more on this below).

## Step 7: Hands-On Practice

Put everything you’ve learned into practice by participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions.

### Online Resources:

* [CTFtime](https://ctftime.org/)
* [TryHackMe](https://tryhackme.com/) 
* [Hack The Box](https://www.hackthebox.com/)

### Recommended Book:

*  "[Hacking: The Art of Exploitation](https://amzn.to/3yEgaJp)" by Jon Erickson: An in-depth exploration of hacking techniques with a focus on hands-on practice and understanding the underlying principles.

**Practice:** Regularly participate in CTFs (Capture The Flag) and practical hacking challenges.

## Step 8: Develop Reporting Skills

Learning how to write clear and detailed reports is crucial for bug bounty success.

### Online Resources:

* [HackerOne Hacktivity](https://hackerone.com/hacktivity)

### Recommended Book:

*  "[The Art of Software Security Assessment](https://amzn.to/4bWj0I9)" by Mark Dowd, John McDonald, and Justin Schuh: A detailed guide on how to assess software security, including how to document and report findings effectively.

**Practice:** Dedicate time each day to reading reports to grasp the elements of a well-crafted report. Engage in regular practice by writing comprehensive reports on vulnerabilities discovered during your practice sessions.

## Step 9: Build a Home Lab (Optional)

Establish a home lab to hone your ethical hacking skills without legal risks. You can also revisit your previous resources for further practice.

### Online Resources:

* [Medium: Building Your Own Ethical Hacking Lab with VirtualBox: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://medium.com/@S3Curiosity/building-your-own-ethical-hacking-lab-with-virtualbox-a-step-by-step-guide-e9c3098315d9)

### Recommended Book:

*  "[Linux Basics for Hackers](https://amzn.to/3V24R5j)" by OccupyTheWeb:  A guide to setting up and using Linux for hacking purposes, including setting up a lab environment.

**Practice:** Create a series of vulnerable machines to practice on.

## Step 10: Stay Updated

The world of cybersecurity is always evolving. Stay informed by following industry blogs and news.

### Online Resources:

* [Krebs on Security](https://krebsonsecurity.com/) 
* [The Hacker News](https://thehackernews.com/)

**Practice:** Spend 15-30 minutes daily reading articles.

## Step 11: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Understanding the legal and ethical aspects of hacking is crucial. You must know what you are dealing with.

### Online Resources:

* [SANS Reading Room](https://www.sans.org/white-papers/)

### Recommended Book:

*  "[Cybersecurity Ethics](https://amzn.to/3Xj1KsH)" by Mary Manjikian:  A comprehensive overview of the ethical and legal issues surrounding cybersecurity and hacking.

**Practice:** Always refer back to this knowledge when engaging in bug bounty hunting or ethical hacking activities.

## Step 12: Continuous Learning and Networking

Online communities where cybersecurity professionals discuss trends and share knowledge. It connects you with like-minded individuals and professionals.

### Online Resources:

* [r/netsec](https://www.reddit.com/r/netsec/)

**Practice:** Participate in discussions and attend webinars regularly.

## Step 13: Start Hunting

Finally, put your skills to the test by joining bug bounty programs.

### Platforms:

* [HackerOne](https://www.hackerone.com/) 
* [Bugcrowd](https://www.bugcrowd.com/)

* **What are these?**: Platforms where companies offer bounties for finding security vulnerabilities.
* **Why they're great?**: They provide real-world hunting opportunities and payouts.
* **How to use them?**: Start small, submit reports, and learn from feedback.

## Conclusion

To be a successful bug bounty hunter, you must transform yourself into a person of focus, commitment, and sheer will.

_Nah, you don't need to be John Wick._

All it takes is dedication and sticking to the plan. I've provided you with a rough idea of how your journey might unfold. This guide doesn't cover every detail since each step deserves its own article, but you'll learn them on your own, and that will make your learning journey more enjoyable (_I sound crazy, I know_). 

It will be full of obstacles, as you must break free from the matrix to buy your colorful Bugatti (_Spoiler Alert: **S**ome **W**holesome **A**ngry **T**ourists might visit you if you don't follow the rules_).

So, gear up, start learning, and happy hunting!

> Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, a single bug!