Bug Bounty Roadmap for a Beginner

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

A bug bounty is a program offered by companies and organizations. To incentivize security researchers and other members of the public to identify and report vulnerabilities in their systems, applications, and networks. These programs typically offer rewards, such as monetary compensation or recognition, to participants who successfully identify and report vulnerabilities. The goal of a bug bounty program is to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors, thereby improving the overall security of the organization. Bug bounties are used by many companies and organizations, including tech giants, banks, and government agencies. Bug bounties are also used by open-source projects. Yes, you are capable of being the next bug bounty hunter. Simply follow these easy 8 steps to join the hunting area and receive payment.

1. Install Kali Linux
2. Get familiar with basic Linux Commands and Networking Concepts
3. Create a separate account for e-mail purposes.
4. Create a Twitter account and start posting your thoughts about cybersecurity.
5. Grab the Git & Github
6. First Tool: Burpsuit
7. Follow some good cyber security researchers on Twitter.
8. Create an account on Bug Bounty Platforms.

Install Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a popular Linux distribution specifically designed for penetration testing and ethical hacking. To install Kali Linux, you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Download the Kali Linux ISO image from the official website: https://www.kali.org/downloads/
2. Create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the ISO image. You can use a tool such as Rufus (for Windows) or dd (for Linux) to do this.
3. Boot your computer from the USB drive or DVD.
4. On the Kali Linux boot screen, select the “Graphical Install” option.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the basic system configuration, such as language, keyboard, and time zone.
6. Select the partitioning method, you can choose “Guided – use entire disk” or “Manual”
7. Select the disk where you want to install Kali Linux and continue with the installation.
8. Configure the network settings, if you want to connect to the internet during the installation.
9. Select the software package you want to install, you can choose “Kali Linux Full” or “Kali Linux Light”
10. Wait for the installation to complete.
11. After the installation is complete, reboot your computer, and you will be able to log in to the Kali Linux operating system.

Please note: That it is important to have a backup of your important files before installing Kali Linux, as the installation process will erase all data from the selected drive. As an alternate, you can also check Parrot OS also. Also, you can refer to this video for the complete setup and get familiar with Kali Linux.

Kali Linux is a popular Linux distribution specifically designed for penetration testing and ethical hacking. It is based on Debian Linux and comes pre-installed with a wide range of security tools and utilities that can be used for various tasks such as network scanning, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and forensic analysis.

Some of the key features of Kali Linux that make it a popular choice for security professionals and ethical hackers include:

1. Wide range of pre-installed security tools: Kali Linux comes with over 600 pre-installed security tools, including popular tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Aircrack-ng.
2. Customizable and flexible: Kali Linux is highly customizable, and users can add or remove tools as needed. It also allows users to install their own tools and scripts.
3. Lightweight and Portable: Kali Linux can be run from a USB drive, making it easy to carry around and use on different machines.
4. Regularly updated: Kali Linux is regularly updated with the latest security tools and patches, ensuring that users have access to the latest and most effective security tools.
5. Support for multiple languages: Kali Linux supports multiple languages, making it accessible to users around the world.
6. Large and active community: Kali Linux has a large and active community of users, who share their experiences and knowledge, and provide support to others.

Overall, Kali Linux is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used to test the security of networks and systems, and help identify and fix vulnerabilities.

Get familiar with basic Linux Commands and Networking Concepts

To get familiar with basic Linux commands and networking concepts, you can take the following steps:

1. Learn the basic Linux commands: Some of the most commonly used Linux commands include ls (list files and directories), cd (change directory), mkdir (create a new directory), rm (remove a file or directory), and nano (text editor). You can also use the “man” command to access the manual pages for each command and learn more about their usage and options.
2. Understand the Linux file system: The Linux file system is organized into a hierarchical structure, with the root directory at the top. It is important to understand how the file system is organized and how to navigate it using commands such as “cd” and “ls”.
3. Learn about networking concepts: Networking concepts such as IP addresses, DNS, and routing are important for understanding how networks work. You can learn about these concepts by reading online tutorials, taking online courses, or using networking simulation tools such as GNS3.
4. Practice with a Linux virtual machine: You can install a Linux virtual machine on your computer, such as VirtualBox, and practice using Linux commands and networking concepts in a safe and controlled environment.
5. Join a Linux community: Joining a Linux community, such as a Linux Users Group (LUG), can be a great way to learn from more experienced users and get help with any questions you may have.
6. Read online tutorials and articles: There are many online tutorials and articles that can help you learn more about Linux commands and networking concepts. Websites like Linux.com and Linux Journal have a wealth of information on these topics.
7. Take online courses and certifications: There are many online courses and certifications available on Linux and networking, such as the Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

By following these steps, you can gain a solid understanding of basic Linux commands and networking concepts, and be well on your way to becoming proficient in these areas.

Create a separate account for e-mail purposes.

To create a separate account for e-mail purposes, you can take the following steps:

1. Choose an e-mail provider: There are many e-mail providers available, such as Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and ProtonMail. Choose one that meets your needs and preferences.
2. Go to the e-mail provider’s website: Visit the website of the e-mail provider you have chosen and click on the “Sign up” or “Create account” button.
3. Fill in the registration form: You will be prompted to fill in a registration form with your personal details, such as your name, e-mail address, and password. Make sure to use a unique e-mail address that you haven’t used before for this account.
4. Verify your e-mail address: Most e-mail providers will send a verification e-mail to the address you provided. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to verify your e-mail address and complete the registration process.
5. Log in to your new e-mail account: Once your account is set up, you can log in to your new e-mail account using the e-mail address and password you provided.
6. Configure your e-mail settings: Once you are logged in, you can configure your e-mail settings, such as your preferred language, time zone, and security settings. You can also set up filters and rules to help manage your e-mails.
7. Use your new e-mail account: You can now use your new e-mail account to send and receive e-mails, as well as access other features, such as contacts and calendars.

It’s important to keep in mind that you should use different, complex, and unique passwords for different accounts and services, and be aware of phishing attacks, messages that may seem to come from the email provider but actually direct you to a fake website to steal your information.

Create a Twitter account and start posting your thoughts about cybersecurity.

To create a Twitter account and start posting your thoughts about cybersecurity, you can take the following steps:

1. Go to Twitter’s website: Visit the Twitter website at twitter.com and click on the “Sign up” button.
2. Fill in the registration form: You will be prompted to fill in a registration form with your personal details, such as your name, e-mail address, and password.
3. Verify your account: Twitter will send you a verification email to the address you provided. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account.
4. Log in to your new account: Once your account is set up, you can log in to your new account using the email address and password you provided.
5. Complete your profile: Once you are logged in, you can complete your profile by adding a profile picture, bio, and website if you have one.
6. Start tweeting: You can now start posting your thoughts about cybersecurity by writing tweets and sharing links or articles related to cybersecurity.
7. Follow people and organizations: You can follow other people and organizations in the cybersecurity community to stay updated on the latest news and trends in the field.
8. Use hashtags: Use relevant hashtags in your tweets to make them more discoverable by others interested in cybersecurity.
9. Engage with others: Engage with other Twitter users by retweeting, replying, and starting conversations about cybersecurity-related topics.
10. Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest trends and news in cybersecurity by following relevant news outlets, experts, and organizations.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a Twitter account, build a network of contacts, and start sharing your thoughts about cybersecurity with a wider audience. some well-known bug hunters are here.

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Grab the Git & Github

To grab Git and Github, you can take the following steps:

1. Install Git: Git is a version control system that allows you to track changes to your files and collaborate with others. You can download the latest version of Git from the official website: https://git-scm.com/downloads
2. Install Git on your computer: Once you have downloaded the installer, double-click on it to begin the installation process. Follow the prompts to install Git on your computer.
3. Configure Git: Once Git is installed, you will need to configure it with your name and email address. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

$ git config --global user.name "Your Name"
$ git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

4. Create a Github account: Github is a web-based platform that allows you to store and share your Git repositories online. You can create an account by visiting the Github website: https://github.com/join
5. Connect Git with Github: Once you have created your Github account, you can connect it with your local Git installation. You will need to generate an SSH key and add it to your Github account. GitHub has a detailed guide on how to connect Git with Github: https://docs.github.com/en/github/authenticating-to-github/connecting-to-github-with-ssh
6. Create a new repository: To create a new repository on Github, log in to your account and click on the “+” button on the top right corner of the page, then select “New repository”. Give your repository a name, and choose whether it should be public or private.
7. Push local changes: Once your repository is created, you can push your local changes to the remote repository on Github by running the following commands in the terminal:

$ git add .
$ git commit -m "Initial commit"
$ git push origin master

By following these steps, you will be able to install Git on your computer, create a Github account, and connect the two, allowing you to store and share your code online.

First Tool: Burpsuit

Burp Suite is a web application security testing tool that can be used to perform a variety of security testing tasks, such as reconnaissance, mapping, and vulnerability scanning. It is a popular tool among security professionals and ethical hackers for its wide range of features and capabilities.

To get started with Burp Suite, you can take the following steps:

1. Download Burp Suite: You can download the latest version of Burp Suite from the official website: https://portswigger.net/burp/download
2. Install Burp Suite: Once you have downloaded the installer, double-click on it to begin the installation process. Follow the prompts to install Burp Suite on your computer.
3. Configure Burp Suite: Once Burp Suite is installed, you will need to configure it to work with your browser. You can do this by going to the “Proxy” tab and clicking on the “Options” button, then selecting “Add” to add a new proxy listener.
4. Start a new project: Before you start testing, you will need to create a new project. You can do this by going to the “Project” tab and clicking on the “New Project” button.
5. Perform reconnaissance and mapping: Burp Suite allows you to perform reconnaissance and mapping tasks, such as spidering and scanning for open ports and services, by using the “Spider” and “Scanner” tabs.
6. Perform vulnerability scanning: Burp Suite’s vulnerability scanner can be used to automatically identify potential vulnerabilities in web applications. You can use the “Scanner” tab to configure and start a new scan.
7. Analyze and report: Once the scan is completed, you can use the “Issues” tab to review and analyze the results, and generate a report.

By following these steps, you will be able to start using Burp Suite to perform web application security testing tasks, such as reconnaissance, mapping, and vulnerability scanning.

Create an account on Bug Bounty Platforms

Creating an account on bug bounty platforms is a great way to start participating in bug bounty programs and earning rewards for identifying and reporting vulnerabilities. Here are the steps to create an account on some of the popular bug bounty platforms:

1. HackerOne: Go to the HackerOne website (https://www.hackerone.com/) and click on the “Sign up” button in the top right corner of the page. Fill in the registration form with your personal details and click on “Sign up”.
2. Bugcrowd: Go to the Bugcrowd website (https://www.bugcrowd.com/) and click on the “Sign up” button in the top right corner of the page. Fill in the registration form with your personal details and click on “Sign up”.
3. Synack: Go to the Synack website (https://www.synack.com/) and click on the “Sign up” button in the top right corner of the page. Fill in the registration form with your personal details and click on “Sign up”.
4. Cobalt: Go to the Cobalt website (https://cobalt.io/) and click on the “Sign up” button in the top right corner of the page. Fill in the registration form with your personal details and click on “Sign up”.
5. Open Bug Bounty: Go to the Open Bug Bounty website (https://www.openbugbounty.org/) and click on the “Sign up” button in the top right corner of the page. Fill in the registration form with your personal details and click on “Sign up”.

Once you have created an account, you will need to verify your email address and complete your profile. Once your account is verified and your profile is complete, you can start participating in bug bounty programs and submitting vulnerability reports. Some platforms may require additional verification steps, such as passing a background check or passing a test.