Type of Programs
Public Bug Bounty Program
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Open to the all registered researchers, allowing any researcher to participate.
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Provides broad coverage by leveraging the skills of a diverse range of security researchers.
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No prior approval required to participate.
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Encourages high-volume submissions, which can uncover a wide variety of vulnerabilities.
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Often used by companies looking for large-scale vulnerability assessment.
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Offers cash rewards or other incentives for valid reports.
Private Bug Bounty
Program
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Restricted to a KYC verified selected group of researchers invited by the organisation.
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Allows for more focused testing by trusted, vetted participants.
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Provides an additional layer of confidentiality and control over sensitive programs.
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Typically used by organizations that want to limit access to critical or sensitive systems.
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Can offer higher rewards to attract specialized expertise.
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Ensures fewer but more qualified submissions, reducing the noise from less experienced researchers.
Elite Bug Bounty Program
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Designed exclusively for the top 5-10% of researchers with proven track records.
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Features higher stakes and more complex targets requiring advanced skills.
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Offers premium rewards, often much higher than other programs.
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Focuses on critical vulnerabilities that require deep knowledge of system internals.
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Ensures only the most skilled professionals are involved, leading to high-quality reports.
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Typically used by organizations with sophisticated security needs.
Vulnerability Disclosure Program
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Provides a way for anyone to report vulnerabilities without a reward structure.
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Focuses on responsible disclosure to improve security, without competitive pressure.
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Encourages community-driven security improvements by offering a formal channel for reporting.
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Often seen as a complement to more structured bug bounty programs.
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Promotes transparency, showing that the organization is committed to addressing security concerns.
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Frequently used by organizations to comply with industry best practices or regulations.
Live Ethical Hacking Event
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Involves real-time hacking events where participants test systems during a fixed timeframe.
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Often conducted during live hacking events, conferences, or timed sessions.
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Encourages collaborative efforts, with participants working together to find vulnerabilities.
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Provides immediate feedback, allowing for faster remediation of discovered issues.
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Often used for high-visibility events where quick results are needed.
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Can create a competitive atmosphere with leaderboard rankings and rewards for top performers.