When I first started my journey into the world of cybersecurity, it wasn’t bug bounties or hacking. It began with web development. I was highly interested in developing websites, in understanding how the internet really works, and in creating something from scratch. What I didn’t know was that this was the first step towards embarking on a journey that I would later pursue as a bug bounty hunter.🌐
The Web Development Beginnings 🌱
My path began learning how to program for the web. I started at the base: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Step by step, I dove further into backend tech, messing about with frameworks and tools. I enjoyed building sites, learning how the intricate operations made them go. But eventually, I began to understand that there was much more to the web than I had ever understood, and it fascinated me. 🤔
When I was working on websites, I started noticing the security vulnerabilities in the applications that I was developing. Simple things like input fields, user authentication, and even the overall architecture interested me. How could one exploit these very harmless-looking features? That was when I became addicted to doing ethical hacking.🔒
Enter Bug Bounty 💥
The more I learned about web development, the more I heard about bug bounty programs—platforms where security researchers and ethical hackers hunt for bugs in websites and applications in return for bounties. Bug bounty programs offered a means for me to apply my web development skills and dip my toes into security testing.
I started my first steps in bug bounty by looking at platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack. It was overwhelming at first. I had to catch up on a lot of vulnerability research and ethical hacking. But I kept at it.🕵️♂️
I started with the basics: studying common web vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). It wasn’t easy to start with, but the more I practiced, the clearer it became to me how attackers think, and how vulnerabilities are being exploited. 🐞
The Early Days: Frustration & Small Wins
My first few months were… humbling. I’d spend hours testing a single website, only to find nothing. Imposter syndrome hit hard. But I kept going.
My First Valid Bug: A simple Reflected XSS on a small program. The thrill of seeing that alert pop up was unreal! The $50 bounty felt like a million dollars.
Lessons Learned:
Persistence > Talent: Bugs hide in unexpected places.
Tools Aren’t Magic: Automated scanners (like Burp Suite) help, but manual testing is king.
Community Matters: Joining groups and following hackers on Twitter kept me motivated.
Reflections After 1 Year
Patience Pays: Bug bounty isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme. It’s a marathon.
Learn Publicly: Blogging (Codelivly) built my reputation and network.
Stay Hungry: The field evolves daily. I’m now diving into mobile app security and cloud vulnerabilities.
Starting Codelivly: A Place to Share and Learn 📚
While diving deeper into the world of bug bounty, I wanted a place to document my journey and share what I was learning. That’s when I started Codelivly. Codelivly became my space to write tutorials, share tips, and discuss everything I was discovering about ethical hacking, cybersecurity, and web development.
Through Codelivly, I was able to organize my learning path, helping myself and others understand concepts better. Writing down my findings and experiences solidified my knowledge and created a community of like-minded learners and hackers. 💡
The Bug Bounty Mindset 🎯
What really made bug bounty hunting interesting was the challenge. Every application is different, and every vulnerability requires a unique approach. Some days I’d be stuck on a problem for hours, and other days I’d find a bug in minutes. It wasn’t just about finding vulnerabilities; it was about the thrill of the hunt, the process of testing, learning, and improving. 🏆
As I spent more time exploring bug bounty programs, I grew my skills and got more serious about security. I learned about different tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nmap and others that helped streamline my workflow. Eventually, I started getting my first bounties—a great feeling that kept me motivated and excited. 💵
Reflections on My First Year 🎉
Looking back at my first year in bug bounty, it feels like a whirlwind of growth and discovery. I started with nothing more than a passion for web development, and now, I’m a budding ethical hacker constantly learning and evolving. There were many challenges along the way, but each one taught me something new. 🌟
Codelivly has played an integral role in my journey, serving as a place for me to consolidate my knowledge and connect with others. My goal is to continue growing in the bug bounty space, and hopefully, I can inspire more people to take this exciting path. Ethical hacking has changed my perspective on security, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. 🚀
Tips for Newcomers
Start with Web Fundamentals: Understanding how apps are built helps you break them.
Write Everything Down: Use a blog or notes to track progress.
Engage with the Community: Share your struggles; others will help.
Celebrate Small Wins: Even a $50 bounty is proof you’re growing.
Fail Forward: Every “invalid” report teaches you something.
Also, if you’re looking to get started in bug bounty, I’ve written a book, Bug Bounty Beginner Edition, which covers the fundamentals and gives you the tools to start your own ethical hacking journey. Grab your copy and let’s dive in! 📘🔓
To anyone starting out: Your journey will be messy, but that’s the fun part. Stay curious, stay ethical, and happy hunting! 🐛💻
