From Novice to Pro: My Journey to Earning Through Bug Bounty Hunting

“How do I get started with bug bounty hunting?”
“What skills do I need to find my first vulnerability?”
“Can you really make money ethically as a hacker?”

These are some of the most common questions I get asked by aspiring bug bounty hunters. My journey started with the same curiosity — I wanted to know if I could turn my fascination with cybersecurity into something meaningful and rewarding.

Spoiler alert: you absolutely can.

Today, I’m sharing my story of how I went from knowing nothing about hacking to earning consistently from bug bounty programs. Along the way, I’ll address the questions above and more, showing you the skills, tools, and mindset you’ll need to succeed in this exciting field. Ready? Let’s dive in!

My First Steps: The Spark That Ignited It All

I remember the exact moment I stumbled upon the world of bug bounty hunting. I was scrolling through a forum, and someone mentioned earning $10,000 by finding a vulnerability on a major platform. At first, it sounded impossible, but the idea stayed with me.

I started small. With no formal cybersecurity background, I focused on learning the basics: