Why do I need a Bug Bounty program?

A Bug Bounty program can be a valuable tool for a company when used properly. It can offer many benefits, mainly related to security and reputation as mentioned below:

  • Vulnerabilities identification

  • Low cost

  • Realistic attack simulation

  • Communication with researchers from around the world

Vulnerabilities identification

The main benefit of course is that the company detects and fixes various vulnerabilities in its systems, before malicious users discover and exploit them for attacks. This helps protect the company’s reputation and reduces the likelihood of breaches that could cause major problems.

Low cost

From a financial point of view, the amount of money paid by the company for the remuneration of a researcher who discovers a vulnerability, is certainly less pricey than restoring the systems after an attack. In addition, the company should pay ethical hackers only when they discover a vulnerability, as opposed to hiring experts whom must pay, regardless of whether they find something or not.

Realistic attack simulation

In a bug bounty program, “bug hunters” act exactly as a malicious user would. They have the same level of knowledge and skills and think the same way, which means that vulnerability discoveries and assessments by ethical hackers are likely to be more realistic than any other method.

Communication with researchers from around the world

A Bug Bounty program can attract ethical hackers from all over the world, who have specialized knowledge and can help a company in the field of cyber security. In addition, many different researchers / hackers check the same company’s systems for vulnerabilities, so it is more likely to detect a bug.

Bug Bounty programs, combined with traditional checks for vulnerabilities, provide organizations with a way to control the security of their applications throughout their life cycle.