Cyber Security work and bug bounty sites

Looking for a career change into cyber security? Discover how you can gain some practical experience whilst working remotely with our Bug Bounty Sites. 

Cyber attacks are increasing worldwide, with a 38% rise in attacks in 2022 when compared to the previous year.  Because of this, the career opportunities within the cyber security industry have vastly increased.  

Organisations have centred on improving their cyber security strategy and with this, the use of bug bounty sites has become even more rewarding for cyber security professionals to use. 

 

What are bug bounty sites?

Vulnerability reward programs (VRP) or bug bounty sites are platforms that allow external cyber security professionals to report security threats to organisations. Tech industry leaders will use these platforms to offer massive rewards in order to keep their data protected.

According to the – Open Source Technology Improvement Fund “A bug bounty is a reward that is paid out to developers who find critical flaws in software. The bounty can be monetary reward, or being put into a “hall of fame” list for finding the bounty, or gear from the company giving the bounty, or any combination thereof.”  

 

Why do organisations offer bug bounties?

By opening up the opportunity to spot any cyber vulnerabilities or threats to external cyber security professionals, organisations minimise the possibility of criminal hackers doing it first. It has now become an effective and proactive security strategy. 

 

What are the benefits of bug bounty hunting?

Bug bounty sites are perfect for both established cyber security professionals, and those in training to build up their practical skills and add to their work portfolio. There’s no interview process like a typical employment opportunity, it’s purely about whether you have the right cyber security skills to get the job done. 

With all the work done via the relevant organisation’s platform, you can bug bounty hunt from home and when it suits you – including alongside your cyber security training.  

Other benefits of bug bounty hunting include: 

Financial Rewards: Many companies offer bug bounty programs that provide financial rewards to individuals who discover and report security vulnerabilities. This can be a lucrative way for security researchers to earn money while also improving their skills. 

Learning Opportunities: Bug bounty hunting allows security researchers to gain hands-on experience identifying security vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios. This can help them to develop new skills and knowledge that they can apply in future security projects. 

Reputation Building: Successful bug bounty hunters can build a reputation as skilled security researchers within the cybersecurity community. This can lead to new job opportunities, consulting engagements, and other professional benefits. 

Helping to Secure Systems: By identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities, bug bounty hunters help organisations to improve the security of their software, websites, or computer systems. This can help to protect sensitive data and prevent cyber attacks. 

Ethical Hacking: Bug bounty hunting provides an opportunity for individuals to engage in ethical hacking, which involves using their technical skills to identify and report security vulnerabilities rather than exploiting them for personal gain. This can be a rewarding way for individuals to contribute to the cybersecurity community while also adhering to ethical standards.

 

Industry leaders and their bug bounty sites

Google

As global tech leaders, Google invests a huge amount of money into rewarding ethical hackers. In 2019, Google handed out over $6.5million worth of rewards for bug bounty hunters.  

At the beginning of September 2020, Google announced it is increasing the amount ethical hackers will receive for identifying cyber security risks. This comes as cyber attacks have vastly increased throughout the global pandemic. 

Google’s bug bounty website: https://www.google.com/about/appsecurity/reward-program/ 

 

Microsoft

Microsoft has an extensive bug bounty reward program that is constantly expanding. With so much software to keep protected, Microsoft offers generous rewards.  

Depending on the area they find a vulnerability, cyber security professionals can earn up to $250,000 per bug.  

Microsoft’s bug bounty website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/msrc/bounty 

 

Facebook

This bug bounty reward scheme covers Facebook and all its products, including WhatsApp and Instagram. In 2019, Facebook rewarded over $2.2 million to bug bounty hunters from over 60 countries. 

Facebook’s bug bounty website: https://www.facebook.com/whitehat 

Ready to start your career in cybersecurity? Learning People are here to help

Starting a career in cyber security opens you up to a world of incredible benefits. 

• High salaries (even at entry level) 
• 0% unemployment rate  
• Fresh challenges every day 

If you’re making a big career change in this thriving industry, we know it can feel daunting. At Learning People, you are fully supported in your first role.  

Our Career Services team is on hand to guide you on creating the perfect CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile as well as sharing application and interview techniques. They’ll also teach you how to identify and communicate to employers any transferable skills you have. 

Our cyber security collections ensure you begin your new career on a level playing field. No matter your previous experience, you will gain the technical knowledge to find career success. 

Beginning with the fundamental concepts of being an IT professional through to EC-Council’s unrivalled CEH training, you will stand out to future employers for all the right reasons with our Certified Ethical Hacker collection.