Bug Bounty Bonanza: The Good, the Bad, and the AI Slop!

Bug bounties started 30 years ago with Netscape and have evolved into various forms across companies, sometimes creating more noise than fixes. While some companies run their own programs, others use platforms like HackerOne. But beware: AI slop is flooding the scene, leaving bug hunters and companies tangled in a web of confusion.

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Hot Take:

Who knew that finding bugs could be more lucrative than winning the lottery? From courtroom dramas to million-dollar payouts, the bug bounty business is like a reality show we never knew we needed. Grab your popcorn as companies dangle cash to nerdy bounty hunters with dreams of virtual fame and glory. It’s like “Survivor,” but with more code and fewer mosquitoes!

Key Points:

  • Bug bounty programs have evolved from risky endeavors to mainstream cybersecurity strategies over the past 30 years.
  • Big organizations like Microsoft, Google, and Apple often run their own programs to avoid third-party risks, while smaller companies use platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd.
  • The motivation for bug hunters isn’t just money; fame and the desire to fix things also play significant roles.
  • AI’s involvement in bug hunting has increased the volume of reports, but also the noise, leading to the term “AI slop.”
  • Despite AI advancements, human intuition remains crucial for identifying serious vulnerabilities.

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