Bug bounty and penetration testing methods focus on improving the security, robustness, performance and overall functionality of a software product or application. Security is continuously promoted by bug bounty programs, whereas a snapshot of the risk situation and security situation along with tactical measures is provided by the penetration test method. In this article, you will get to know the differences between bug bounty and penetration testing.
What is a bug bounty?
It is a specific advertising program that is leveraged by organizations in the form of placing rewards upon the discovery of vulnerabilities in web services and software applications. The rewards are offered in the form of non-cash and cash prices. Operators will benefit from this program as they will be able to fix the discovered vulnerabilities.
Many top-notch organizations such as Facebook, Mozilla, Google, Microsoft etc., have benefitted from bug bounty programs. In order to work out bug bounty programs, a specific platform can be used that can act as a mediator between an advertised organization and ethical hackers. Some of the established bug bounty programs are Intigriti, Bugcrowd and HackerOne.
The following are the four characteristics of a bug bounty program:
1. Vulnerabilities and errors can be eliminated through the program
2. Constant maintenance and evaluation is required for bug bounty programs
3. The security of web services or software applications is dealt with experts from different countries and fields that are in the scope of the program
4. The organization's reputation is scaled up through the strategic use of a bug bounty program.
What is penetration testing?
It is a testing method wherein security experts methodically and systematically examine and assess the key assets of an organization. A simulated cyber-attack is carried out by this testing method so that exploitable vulnerabilities can be uncovered. Most of the organizations have a unique IT infrastructure and hence conducting a penetration test is considered to be helpful. It is also known as "pen testing."
Once the pen test is successfully conducted then a detailed final report is prepared wherein the listing of detected vulnerabilities is done systematically. The key takeaway from the test is summarized in the form of a management summary.
Following are a few key factors that help in determining the right approach (Bug bounty or pen test):
· Budgetary constraints and the organization's resources can be properly evaluated
· The ability to manage external engagements or the level of expertise that is available in-house is assessed
· The application's criticality and the impact of security breaches is properly analyzed.
Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing penetration testing for your specific software development project, then do get connected with a leading software testing services company that will provide you a tactical testing solution in line with your project requirements.
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