Bug Bounty Basics : Guide for Beginners 2026

Bug Bounty Basics Checklist PDF
Bug Bounty Basics Checklist

If you want to learn Bug Bounty Basics then this checklist is for you! Bug bounty hunting is becoming a great career option, especially for tech students, job aspirants, and competitive exam candidates. It offers the opportunity to earn money by finding vulnerabilities. In this article, learn how to get started with bug bounty, which tools and techniques are useful, and essential tips that will make your start easy and successful. This guide includes the latest updates as of 2025.

Bug Bounty Basics : Overview

A structured approach is essential for success in bug bounty hunting. Below is a simple checklist that will guide beginners. Follow this checklist and strengthen your skills.

Bug Bounty Basics Checklist

PhaseDescriptionImportant Tools/Focus Areas
ReconnaissanceTarget के subdomains, directories, टेक्नोलॉजी को पहचाननाSublist3r, Amass, Nmap, Google Dorks
Information Gatheringडेटा extract, server info, APIs ढूंढ़नाBurp Suite, Postman, ffuf
Vulnerability Scanningसीधी कमजोरियाँ ढूंढ़ना जैसे XSS, SQLi, IDOROWASP ZAP, SQLMap, XSStrike
Exploitation & Verificationकमजोरी का practical फायदा उठानाManual payload crafting, Burp Suite Repeater
ReportingClear, concise, impactful bug report बनानाTemplates, screenshots, PoC code

Essential Tools & Techniques for Bug Bounty

  • Burp Suite: Intercept and manipulate HTTP requests.
  • Nmap: Scan network devices.
  • Sublist3r/Amass: For subdomain enumeration.
  • OWASP ZAP: Automated vulnerability scanning.
  • Google Dorks: For OSINT.
  • SQLMap: For SQL injection exploitation.
  • XSStrike: For detecting cross-site scripting.
  • Postman: For API security testing.
  • ffuf: For brute-forcing directories.

Important Bug Bounty Concepts

  • Vulnerability Types: XSS, SQL Injection, CSRF, IDOR, SSRF
  • Scope Understanding: Knowing the program’s rules and target domains
  • Responsible Disclosure: Ethically reporting bugs
  • Report Writing: Providing clear proof and steps is essential
  • Continuous Learning: Keep learning new vulnerabilities and tools

Why Should You Learn Bug Bounty Hunting?

Bug bounty skills are the foundation for your cybersecurity career. Digitalization is increasing in India, which has led to an increased demand for ethical hackers. Bug bounty offers both practical experience and financial gain. This field is full of flexibility and growth potential.

Conclusion

A structured checklist and the right tools are essential for quickly learning bug bounty basics. If you work hard regularly, this skill set could become a great career and a source of extra income by 2025. Start with simple tasks, then gradually learn advanced techniques.