Why Attend Bug Bounty Conferences?
Bug bounty conferences are essential for staying up-to-date with the latest vulnerabilities, techniques, tools, and real-world experiences shared by top ethical hackers. These events provide unmatched networking opportunities, hands-on workshops, and access to private programs or partnerships.
🏁 Conferences for All Skill Levels
👶 Beginner
- H@cktivityCon: Free virtual conference by HackerOne, with beginner-friendly content and CTFs.
- NullCon (Beginner Tracks): Offers introductory talks and bug bounty training.
🧠 Intermediate
- Bsides: Community-driven conferences around the world with practical sessions.
- Bug Bounty Village at DEF CON: Mid-level bounty hunting and exploit analysis.
⚔️ Advanced
- Recon Village / Black Hat Arsenal: Advanced recon and tooling from top hunters.
- 0xINT (by Intigriti): In-depth vulnerability disclosures and bounty war stories.
📍 How to Get the Most Out of a Conference
- Plan Ahead: Review the speaker lineup and choose sessions aligned with your interests (e.g. XSS, SSRF, mobile bugs).
- Join Early: For popular events, join the livestream or venue early to secure your spot.
- Engage Actively: Ask questions, connect with speakers, participate in side-events or CTFs.
- Take Notes: Document takeaways, tools mentioned, and tips from each session.
- Network: Introduce yourself to fellow hunters, sponsors, and platform reps.
📸 Real-World Highlights
- Live Hacking Events: Platforms like HackerOne & Intigriti organize invite-only live hacking events with top hackers and large payouts (e.g. H1-702, H1-4420).
- Swag & Recognition: Contributors often receive exclusive swag, badges, and sometimes bounties during or after the event.
- Career Opportunities: Many companies scout talent directly from these conferences.
🛠️ Practical Tips
- Follow #bugbountytips, #infosec, and #bugbounty on Twitter/X for live updates.
- Join Discords or Telegram groups related to the event in advance.
- Volunteer or apply as a speaker to gain visibility in the community.
- Watch recorded talks if you can’t attend live – many are posted to YouTube within days.