This course provides an in-depth guide to understanding and participating in bug bounty programs, where you'll learn the skills needed to identify and report security vulnerabilities. The program covers essential tools, methodologies, and strategies for ethical hackers, helping you contribute to cybersecurity in a structured and rewarding way.

Bug Bounty from Scratch
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Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Learn how to prepare for and participate in bug bounty programs
Discover techniques for identifying and reporting vulnerabilities
Gain insights from real-world examples and community-driven security practices
Skills you'll gain
- Technical Communication
- Cyber Engineering
- Data Ethics
- Application Security
- Threat Modeling
- Vulnerability Assessments
- Patch Management
- Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
- Vulnerability Management
- Cybersecurity
- Cyber Security Assessment
- Technical Writing
- Exploit development
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Penetration Testing
Details to know

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January 2026
13 assignments
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There are 13 modules in this course
In this section, we explore bug bounty platforms, their operations, and industry relevance, focusing on how they function and the benefits they offer for ethical hacking initiatives.
What's included
2 videos2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we cover essential steps for preparing to join a bug bounty program, including understanding rules, analyzing systems, and selecting tools.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we examine factors for selecting bug bounty programs, including program types, reward structures, and transparency, to guide researchers in making informed decisions.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits, emphasizing their impact on system security and the importance of patch management and security assessments to mitigate risks.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
In this section, we examine types of vulnerabilities including software, network, and configuration flaws, and discuss mitigation strategies to enhance system security and reduce risks.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we cover structured security testing methods, including OWASP guidelines and pentest phases.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we cover essential tools and resources such as ExploitDB, security distros, blogs, and training to help you identify, test, and report vulnerabilities in bug bounty programs.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore advanced vulnerability scanning techniques, code analysis, and privilege escalation methods to identify complex security risks in applications and systems.
What's included
1 video8 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore creating structured vulnerability reports that clearly communicate security issues, emphasizing severity analysis, remediation recommendations, and accessibility for all audiences.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore bug bounty trends, collaboration, and tools to enhance cybersecurity practices.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore non-technical best practices for bug bounty programs, emphasizing ethics, policy awareness, and professional communication to enhance effectiveness and reduce legal risks.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we cover effective communication strategies for bug bounty programs, emphasizing clarity, professionalism, and evidence-based reporting.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we cover a summary of the experience gained.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
Instructor

Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
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