What are Bug Bounty and CTF Platforms?
Bug Bounty and Capture The Flag (CTF) platforms are designed to help security researchers, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity enthusiasts practice real-world skills, demonstrate their talent, and even earn money by reporting vulnerabilities.
🏁 Key Platform Types
1. Bug Bounty Platforms
These platforms allow ethical hackers to report security vulnerabilities in exchange for monetary rewards. Companies host programs on these platforms to crowdsource their security testing.
- HackerOne: One of the largest platforms, trusted by Uber, GitHub, and the U.S. government.
- Bugcrowd: Offers both public and private bounty programs with flexible scope.
- Intigriti: European-based platform with strong compliance and UI.
- YesWeHack: A growing platform with many open challenges and European partnerships.
2. CTF Platforms
Capture The Flag platforms simulate real-world hacking environments using challenges, labs, and attack scenarios. Perfect for training and competition.
- Hack The Box (HTB): Realistic virtual labs and ranked CTFs.
- TryHackMe: Guided and beginner-friendly rooms.
- CTFtime: Calendar and scoreboard for global CTF competitions.
- Root-Me: Broad challenge set in multiple domains and languages.
🚀 Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a Focus
Are you looking to earn money or build skills? Start with CTFs if you're learning. Shift to bug bounties once you're confident.
Step 2: Create an Account
Sign up on platforms like TryHackMe or HackerOne. Verify identity if required for payouts.
Step 3: Complete Beginner Labs
Use beginner paths like:
- TryHackMe's "Pre-Security" and "Complete Beginner" rooms
- Hack The Box's "Starting Point" labs
Step 4: Build a Methodology
For bug bounties, organize your process: recon, mapping, analysis, exploitation, and reporting. Tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, Amass, and ParamSpider help.
Step 5: Participate in Competitions
Check CTFTime for upcoming events. Compete solo or as part of a team.
🌍 Real-World Example
# Reported vulnerability on HackerOne
Title: IDOR in user profile endpoint
Target: https://example.com/api/user?id=1234
Payload: Changing the user ID allowed access to other profiles
Impact: Exposure of PII, account takeover
Bounty Paid: $1,500 USD
Link: https://hackerone.com/reports/XXXXXX (private or redacted)💡 Pro Tips
- Start with TryHackMe if you're a beginner; their rooms include guides.
- Set up a home lab with
Burp Suite,OWASP Juice Shop, andDVWA. - Track your progress in a markdown log or Notion database.
- Join Discord groups or forums for collaboration and insights.
- Don't chase bounties blindly — learn the application and understand the logic first.