Bug Bounty Hunting Roadmap
Your complete step-by-step guide to starting your bug bounty journey — from zero to your first paid vulnerability report.
What is Bug Bounty?
Bug bounty programs allow ethical hackers to legally test companies' systems for vulnerabilities and earn cash rewards for responsibly disclosing what they find. Top hunters earn $100,000+ per year finding security flaws.
Top Bug Bounty Platforms
Step-by-Step Learning Path
Learn the Fundamentals
Start with networking basics (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS), web technologies (HTML, JavaScript, SQL), and Linux command line. A solid foundation is essential before diving into offensive techniques.
Understand OWASP Top 10
Master the OWASP Top 10 web vulnerabilities: SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, SSRF, XXE, Broken Auth, Security Misconfigurations, and more. These are the bread and butter of bug bounty hunting.
Set Up Your Lab Environment
Create a safe practice environment using DVWA, HackTheBox, TryHackMe, or PortSwigger Web Security Academy. Never practice on live systems without permission.
Learn Essential Tools
Master the core tools used by bug bounty hunters: Burp Suite for intercepting requests, Nmap for reconnaissance, Gobuster for directory fuzzing, and SQLMap for SQL injection testing.
Reconnaissance & OSINT
Learn thorough reconnaissance techniques: subdomain enumeration, finding exposed endpoints, searching for leaked credentials, and understanding the target's tech stack before attacking.
Choose Your First Program
Start with beginner-friendly programs that have wide scope. Look for programs with Hall of Fame recognition, good response times, and clear rules of engagement. Avoid private programs initially.
Write Professional Reports
A great vulnerability report is just as important as finding the bug. Include: clear title, severity rating, step-by-step reproduction steps, impact assessment, and suggested remediation.
Specialize & Scale Up
Once comfortable with web bugs, specialize in a niche: mobile apps (iOS/Android), API security, cloud misconfigurations, or smart contracts. Specialists earn higher bounties on average.
Free Learning Resources
PortSwigger Web Academy
Free hands-on web security labs from the makers of Burp Suite
TryHackMe
Beginner-friendly rooms and learning paths for all skill levels
HackTheBox
Advanced CTF-style challenges for intermediate and pro hunters
OWASP Foundation
Official web security standards, guides, and Top 10 vulnerability list
PayloadsAllTheThings
Massive GitHub repo of payloads and bypass techniques for all vulns
Our Bug Bounty Mind Maps
Free visual guides covering all bug bounty techniques and workflows