Like any form of hunting, bug bounty programs have meritocratic payouts depending on how good you are. Every software has glaring security holes, and if you have the skills, you can monetize them. But as is the case in any field, you will be competing with several other bounty hunters. So, how do you make yourself distinguished? It is wise to implement some strategies to develop your monetization skills. This article, along with some of my personal insights, is aimed to help you improve your cybersecurity skills.
Make Sure To Get The Most Out Of Each Program
From a profitability standpoint, each bounty program is different. If you want to earn good money, look for bounties with high payouts and well-defined scopes. A good starting point would be HackerOne and Bugcrowd, where you can check the minimum and maximum rewards, bonus mechanics, and what types of vulnerabilities they prioritize. It is usually better to work on more narrowly defined programs than on vague ones, because at least APIs and web apps are clearly defined.
In the beginning of my hunting career, I spent several hours on menial bounty programs with vague and convoluted guidelines. Eventually, I set my sights on a fintech company’s private program, which had a minimum payout of $5,000. I exploited an XSS vulnerability in their payment portal and received a generous payout. I learned that it’s best to focus on programs with greater payouts and do thorough research beforehand. It’s all about prioritizing value over effort.
Identify Your Specialty And Optimize Your Equipment
Pursuing a particular class of vulnerability like SQL injection or authentication bypass could work to your advantage. Take the time to specialize in one thing, learn it inside out, and practice on TryHackMe. Supplementing these with advanced tools such as Burp Suite or OWASP ZAP, which automate mundane work, will allow for faster issue detection.
After a mentor taught me how to combine multiple XSS exploits to create a greater impact, I became deeply interested in XSS vulnerability hunting. With specialization in XSS, I began to recognize recurring themes that most people overlooked. With Burp Suite, I was able to intercept requests, which saved an incredible amount of testing time. Choose one thing, specialize in it, and let tools work to reduce work effort—like energizing a digital pickaxe.
Track Time and Optimize Your Workflow
In the world of cybersecurity, time is everything. Utilizing time-tracking tools like Controlio can help you analyze the efficiency of your work. Integrating these services with project management software like Asana enables you to schedule hunting sessions to prevent burnout.
As for myself, in the earlier stages of my career, I struggled with determining priorities. Upon adopting time tracking, I understood how much time was wasted. Siloing with a focused two-hour sprint schedule significantly heightened payout. Time tracking and proper task management algorithmically doubled income.
Diversify Your Income Streams
Bug bounties can be unreliable, so supplement the income. Utilize freelance services such as YouTube to create tutorials, consult for businesses, or join freelancing platforms like Upwork. These income sources improve financial sustainability while awaiting bounty payouts, thus decreasing economic anxiety.
A couple of months ago, during a lull with other bounty projects, I decided to pick up freelance work and offer penetration testing. One small e-commerce client paid me to audit their site, which paid my bills and provided me with additional bug-hunting insights. This slow work stream kept me afloat and prepared me for bigger bounty work. Imagine diversifying your work as planting multiple seeds in the hopes of growing an income forest.
Stern Reports for Higher Bounties
An excellent bug report, with all the attached evidence, is your ticket to higher rewards. All reports need to be succinct and informative. Use clear language to describe the vulnerability, the impact, and the steps to reproduce it. Be sure to add screenshots or video evidence, and refrain from using jargon—clear, simple English works better. Crafting offers you a commendable amount and levels up your payout as well.
When I was new, I submitted an unclear report on IDOR and got 100 bucks for it. After failing numerous times, I studied Google’s Bughunter University and changed all of my steps’ reports to include video proof-of-concept pieces, and for the next report I claimed 2000 bucks for the same bug. Presenting authentic dishes creates lasting impressions.
Final Words: Hunt Smart, Win Big
Participating in bug bounty programs is an exciting opportunity to get paid while making the World Wide Web a safer place. You can also maximize your income and reputation by mastering a niche, tracking your time, diversifying income streams, and submitting high-quality reports to earn bonuses. My Journey from a scattered newbie to a strategic hunter taught me how success comes from working smarter, not harder. Pick one of my tips and try it today, perhaps a new tool or a more concentrated program. What’s your next bounty target? Happy hunting!