How I Found My First Bug | A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Journey into Bug Bounty Hunting in 2025

Table of Contents

• What Is a Bug Bounty?
• My Beginning: Why I Chose Bug Bounties
• Step 1: Building a Foundation
• Step 2: Selecting the Right Bug Bounty Platform
• Step 3: Choosing a Target Program
• Step 4: Reconnaissance and Information Gathering
• Step 5: Identifying Vulnerabilities
• Step 6: Verifying and Documenting the Bug
• Step 7: Reporting the Bug Responsibly
• Step 8: Receiving the First Validation and Reward
• Tips for Beginners Starting Their Bug Bounty Journey
• How to Prepare for These Conferences
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bug bounty hunting has rapidly become one of the most exciting and rewarding ways for cybersecurity enthusiasts and ethical hackers to sharpen their skills, earn money, and contribute to internet security. If you’re new to bug bounty programs, the idea of finding your first security bug might seem daunting. But with patience, persistence, and the right approach, it’s entirely possible — and incredibly fulfilling.

In this blog, I’ll share my personal journey of discovering my very first bug, including how I prepared, what strategies I used, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or curious about bug bounty hunting, this beginner’s story will inspire and guide you toward your own success.

What Is a Bug Bounty?

Bug bounty programs are initiatives run by companies and organizations to invite security researchers to find vulnerabilities in their systems and report them responsibly. In exchange, bounty hunters receive monetary rewards, recognition, or other incentives.

Bug bounty hunting is ethical hacking with permission — a legal way to help make the digital world safer.

My Beginning: Why I Chose Bug Bounties

As a cybersecurity beginner, I was eager to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Bug bounties offered:

• Real-world systems to test

• Potential monetary rewards

• A learning environment to develop skills

  
  

• Connection to a global ethical hacking community

But the biggest challenge was knowing where and how to start.

Step 1: Building a Foundation

Before hunting for bugs, I spent time understanding web security basics and common vulnerabilities, including:

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

• SQL Injection

• Broken Authentication

• Security Misconfigurations

I also familiarized myself with tools like:

• Burp Suite (for intercepting and modifying web requests)

• OWASP ZAP (open-source vulnerability scanner)

• Nmap (network scanner)

• Chrome DevTools

Learning from free online resources, forums, and practice platforms like Hack The Box and PortSwigger Academy helped me sharpen my skills.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Bug Bounty Platform

There are many bug bounty platforms available, such as:

• HackerOne

• Bugcrowd

• Synack

• Intigriti

I started with HackerOne because of its beginner-friendly interface and a wide variety of public programs.

Step 3: Choosing a Target Program

I looked for programs labeled as “Bug bounty beginner-friendly” or those with:

• Clear scope guidelines

• Well-documented assets and URLs

• Active triage teams

Smaller or less complex programs are usually better for first-time hunters.

Step 4: Reconnaissance and Information Gathering

Before attempting any attack, I gathered as much information as possible about the target website:

• Mapped subdomains

• Explored URL structures

• Identified technologies in use

• Reviewed public bug reports for hints

Tools like Sublist3r, Amass, and Wappalyzer helped automate this process.

Step 5: Identifying Vulnerabilities

My first bug came from carefully testing input fields for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. Here’s how I approached it:

• Intercepted web requests using Burp Suite

• Injected harmless test scripts in input fields

• Observed how the application handled the input

• Detected reflected XSS when input was executed without proper sanitization

Step 6: Verifying and Documenting the Bug

Once I found suspicious behavior, I:

• Created a clear proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrating the bug

• Took screenshots and recorded steps to reproduce

• Verified it was within the program’s scope and not previously reported

Proper documentation is critical to convince the program’s security team and claim your bounty.

Step 7: Reporting the Bug Responsibly

I submitted my report through the bug bounty platform, including:

• A concise description

• Impact assessment (how serious the vulnerability is)

• Reproduction steps

• PoC evidence

I remained professional and patient while waiting for feedback.

Step 8: Receiving the First Validation and Reward

After a few days, my report was triaged and validated by the program’s security team. They confirmed the vulnerability, assigned a severity level, and rewarded me with my first bounty! The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable.

Lessons Learned From My First Bug Hunt

• Patience Pays Off: Bug hunting can be slow and requires persistence.

• Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is always evolving, so keep updating skills.

• Scope Awareness: Always respect program boundaries and legal rules.

• Community Engagement: Join forums and bug bounty communities to learn from peers.

• Documentation Matters: Clear and detailed reports increase chances of success.

Tips for Beginners Starting Their Bug Bounty Journey

• Start with open-source or intentionally vulnerable apps like DVWA or OWASP Juice Shop

• Use bug bounty platforms’ learning resources and challenges

• Automate reconnaissance but always perform manual testing too

• Focus on a few types of vulnerabilities initially

• Keep detailed notes and screenshots of all findings

• Stay ethical and never exploit bugs beyond reporting

Conclusion

Finding my first bug was a thrilling experience that marked the beginning of my bug bounty hunting journey. It taught me the value of patience, preparation, and professionalism. Whether you’re just starting out or struggling to find your first bug, keep exploring, practicing, and engaging with the community. The world of bug bounty hunting is vast, and your first success is just around the corner.

FAQs

What is bug bounty hunting?

Bug bounty hunting is the practice of finding security vulnerabilities in software or websites legally, often rewarded by companies through bounty programs.

How can beginners start with bug bounty hunting?

Beginners should learn cybersecurity basics, use platforms like HackerOne or Bugcrowd, start with simple programs, and practice on vulnerable apps.

What tools are essential for bug bounty beginners?

Common tools include Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nmap, Sublist3r, and browser developer tools.

How do I choose the right bug bounty program?

Look for programs with clear scope, beginner-friendly labels, active triage teams, and good documentation.

What type of bugs are easiest for beginners to find?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), security misconfigurations, and information disclosure bugs are usually easier for beginners.

How do I report a bug properly?

Provide a clear description, proof of concept, impact details, and step-by-step reproduction instructions.

Is bug bounty hunting legal?

Yes, when done with permission through official programs, bug bounty hunting is a legal and ethical way to improve security.

Can I earn money from bug bounty programs as a beginner?

Yes, many beginners receive monetary rewards once they find valid and impactful bugs.

How long does it take to find your first bug?

It varies widely; some find bugs within days, while others may take months depending on skill, persistence, and program choice.

Where can I practice bug bounty skills safely?

Use platforms like Hack The Box, PortSwigger Academy, OWASP Juice Shop, and DVWA to practice legally and safely.