Another Dark Reality of Bug Hunting

Bug hunting is one of the most rewarding careers in cybersecurity. It promises the thrill of chasing down vulnerabilities, the satisfaction of solving complex puzzles, and the excitement of contributing to global cybersecurity. The field has grown significantly, with platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack offering hackers a legitimate way to earn through discovering security loopholes. However, beyond the hype and success stories, there exists another side to bug hunting — a darker, often less talked-about reality that can challenge even the most determined bug hunters.

This blog will explore the less glamorous aspects of bug hunting, the psychological strain, the uncertainty, the intense competition, and the sometimes-unfair practices that bug hunters face.

1. The Emotional Roller Coaster

Bug hunting is an emotional journey. While many associate bug bounty hunting with triumphant moments of discovering vulnerabilities and winning big bounties, the truth is that these highs are often followed by deep lows. The process of identifying bugs, submitting reports, and waiting for validation can stretch out for weeks or months.

A. Constant Rejection

For every bug that gets rewarded, there are many that go unrecognized or are marked as duplicates…