Bug Bounty Hunting

Bug bounty hunting is a cybersecurity practice where organizations incentivize individuals, often called ethical hackers or security researchers, to discover and report security vulnerabilities ("bugs") in their software, websites, or systems. As a practical application of computer science, these programs allow companies to crowdsource security testing, leveraging a global pool of talent to proactively identify and fix weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. In exchange for responsibly disclosing a valid flaw, the researcher receives recognition and a monetary reward, or "bounty," creating a collaborative approach to strengthening digital defenses.

1. Introduction to Bug Bounty Hunting
   1. Defining Bug Bounty Programs
      1. Purpose and Objectives
      2. Types of Bug Bounty Programs
         1. Public Programs
         2. Private Programs
         3. Continuous Programs
         4. Time-Limited Programs
      3. History and Evolution
   2. The Role of the Ethical Hacker
      1. Responsibilities and Expectations
      2. Required Skills and Mindset
      3. Professionalism and Integrity
   3. Differentiating from Penetration Testing
      1. Engagement Models
      2. Scope and Limitations
      3. Reporting Differences
      4. Timeline Variations
   4. The Bug Bounty Ecosystem
      1. Security Researchers
         1. Independent Hackers
         2. Security Teams
         3. Academic Researchers
      2. Bug Bounty Platforms
         1. Platform Functions
         2. Platform Rules and Guidelines
         3. Mediation Services
      3. Organizations
         1. Program Owners
         2. Security Response Teams
         3. Legal Teams
   5. Legal and Ethical Frameworks
      1. Responsible Disclosure Policies
         1. Coordinated Disclosure
         2. Timelines and Expectations
         3. Communication Protocols
      2. Safe Harbor Clauses
         1. Legal Protections
         2. Limitations and Risks
         3. Jurisdictional Considerations
      3. Understanding Program Scope
         1. In-Scope Assets
         2. Out-of-Scope Assets
         3. Program Rules Interpretation
      4. Avoiding Unintentional Harm
         1. Impact Minimization
         2. Avoiding Service Disruption
         3. Data Protection
      5. Code of Conduct
         1. Professional Communication
         2. Respecting Privacy
         3. Community Standards