Course 1 - BurpSuite Bug Bounty Web Hacking from Scratch | Episode 2: Program Types, Methodologies, and the Path to Becoming a Hunter

In this lesson, you’ll learn about:Bug bounty programs: their purpose and structure as platforms rewarding ethical hackers for discovering and responsibly disclosing security vulnerabilities.Program types:Public programs — open to anyone, often including both white hat and black hat hackers; no certification required.Private programs — invite-only, restricted to trusted and skilled researchers with proven track records; typically limited to certified white hat professionals.Bug bounty methodologies: how professional hunters plan and execute effective testing strategies.1. Scope analysis: identifying and confirming in-scope assets before testing.2. Target selection: focusing on valid and relevant assets to save time.3. Automated reconnaissance: using scanners to assess whether targets have been tested recently.4. Application review: selecting targets that match your expertise (e.g., Python, Ruby on Rails).5. Fuzzing: sending varied payloads to discover vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS; also helps map backend structures.6. Exploitation & PoCs: crafting clear Proof of Concepts to demonstrate impact, improve validation speed, and increase bounty rewards.Becoming a bug bounty hunter:No formal certification or age requirement, but a deep understanding of web and mobile app technologies is essential.Start small — focus on web targets before moving to large, complex programs.Practice in safe virtual labs using intentionally vulnerable apps.Study how bug bounty platforms operate and avoid over-targeted companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft).Network with experts, attend security conferences, join communities, and collaborate in teams for better results.Maintain a continuous learning mindset — stay updated on new tools, blogs, and attack techniques to remain competitive.You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy