YouGina

Inspired by a recent conversation with a fellow bug bounty hunter and seeing a lot of questions regarding this topic I decided to write a bit about my perception on being at least somewhat successful in the scene. Like others I must balance life between a family, a full-time job, learning, and bug bounty hunting. Finding the right approach to pick a bug bounty program to work on is crucial for success. Over the years, I've refined my process and would like to share it with those who might be struggling to find their way in the bug bounty space. I will also touch on broader aspects of vulnerability research and cybersecurity, areas that are closely intertwined with bug bounty hunting.

Start with a mindset of persistence

Hunting for bugs on big targets with many assets and endpoints can be intimidating, especially when you're just starting out. The big number of programs and the complexity of modern web applications can make you feel overwhelmed. The first step is to shift your mindset. Bug bounty hunting is not about quick wins; it's about steady progress and persistence. If you can dedicate even just an hour a week to hunting, you're already on the right track. The key is consistency. Plan your work well and continue where you left off when you resume.

The same principle applies to vulnerability research and cybersecurity in general. These fields demand a persistent, long-term approach. When you're exploring a new type of vulnerability, trying out a specific attack vector, or keeping up with the latest security tools and techniques, the process can be intimidating too. However, by setting small, consistent goals and gradually building on your knowledge, you will see significant progress over time.

Integrate learning into your daily routine

To stay ahead for bug bounty hunting, continuous learning is essential. I find it helpful to integrate learning into my daily routine. On average, I spend one to two hours each day reading about new vulnerabilities, attack techniques, and the latest security trends. This doesn't just keep me informed but also sharpens my skills.

In the broader context of cybersecurity, dedicating time to learning is equally important. Whether you're interested in understanding zero-day vulnerabilities, mastering exploit development, or diving into threat hunting, continuous education is key. The field is vast, and there's always something new to learn, from emerging threats to advanced defence mechanisms. Engaging with community resources such as research papers, webinars, and technical blogs can provide invaluable insights and help you stay ahead.

If your schedule is tight, you could use your commute or free time to listen to security podcasts. For bug bounty hunters I’d recommend the Critical Thinking podcast by Justin Gardner (@rhynorater) and Joel Margolis (@0xteknogeek), but also the Bug Bounty Reports Explained podcast by Grzegorz Niedziela (@gregxsunday) has some great episodes lately. I’m sure there are more. Altogether these are great resources for staying up to date on the latest in the security world. The more you immerse yourself in the language and concepts of cybersecurity, the more intuitive your hunting and research processes will become.

Make time for special events

Occasionally, there are special events, such as the HackerOne World Cup or specific bug bounty campaigns, that are worth prioritizing. For these events I make sure to clear my schedule so I’ll have uninterrupted time to focus. These events are not just opportunities to find bugs but also to learn from the challenges and material presented.

Attending conferences, participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and engaging in online challenges can be beneficial too. These events offer a concentrated dose of learning and networking, often exposing you to new tools, techniques, and ideas. Whether it's DEF CON, Black Hat, or a local cybersecurity meet-up, these events can provide you with fresh perspectives and potentially lead to new research directions or collaborations.

Use tools to track your progress

An effective tool I've found for managing my time is Clockify. Inspired by a recent episode of the Critical Thinking Bug Bounty podcast, I began using this tool to track the time I spend on each project I work on. This not only helps me stay motivated but also gives me a clear picture of where my time is going and how I can improve my efficiency.

While doing vulnerability research and other work, tracking your time and progress can be valuable. Research projects, whether independent or within an organization, often require close time management to ensure that you're balancing discovery with documentation and follow-up. Tools like Clockify, Toggl, or even simple spreadsheets like I've been using until shortly before, can help you stay organized, measure your efficiency, and set realistic milestones for your research. Katie Paxton-Fear (@InsiderPHD) also talks about managing time in this video: Getting Organised: Finding More Time in the Day.

Choosing and sticking to a program

One of the most common challenges for new hunters is selecting a program to focus on. With so many options available, it can be tempting to jump from one program to another, especially when you don't find anything right away. I actually fall for this myself sometimes as well. However, this approach often leads to frustration and burnout.

Instead, I recommend picking one program that interests you and stick with it. A good rule of thumb is to spend at least 40 hours on a program before considering switching. This timeframe is roughly equivalent to a standard work week and allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the target application. Also, try picking a program that you are already familiar with, or use in normal life. This saves part of the time to get to know the application, because a lot of it you might know already.

This concept of focus and depth is equally relevant when doing vulnerability research. Taking the time to thoroughly dive into your subject is important. For example when auditing source code, really taking the time can reveal subtle vulnerabilitites that might be overlooked if you change your area of focus too quickly. Shallow exploration often leads to missed insights and incomplete understanding. By committing to a single research target, you allow yourself the space to explore its nuances, leading to more thorough and impactful findings.

During this time, resist the urge to switch programs or research subject, even if you feel like you're not making progress. Bug bounty hunting and vulnerability research often involve long periods of recon and analysis before you find anything worthwhile. By committing to a single program or research area, you give yourself the chance to fully explore its surface area and develop more sophisticated attack strategies.

Divide your time wisely

If you can't dedicate 40 hours in one go, that's perfectly fine. Divide the time over several weeks or even months, depending on your availability. The important thing is to keep track of your time and stay committed to the target.

Similarly with research, it's important to manage your time effectively. Break your research down into manageable chunks, setting aside specific blocks of time for deep dives into specific aspects of your project. This approach helps prevent burnout and ensures that you're steadily moving towards your goals, even if progress is incremental.

Conclusion

Bug bounty hunting, vulnerability research, and cybersecurity in general are all marathons, not sprints. By integrating learning into your daily routine, making time for special events, and using tools to track your progress, you can steadily improve your skills and find success. The key is to pick a program or research focus, commit to it, and see it through with persistence and dedication. With this approach, you'll not only become a better hunter and researcher but also enjoy the process along the way.