Are you a Bug Bounty Hunter? Wondering if using a VPN is necessary for your online activities? See how researchers got arrested and how you can stay safe. Read on to find out.
Introduction
Bug Bounty Hunting is a challenging and exciting field that involves finding and reporting vulnerabilities in software applications. As a Bug Bounty Hunter, you are responsible for identifying security weaknesses in target systems and reporting them to the appropriate parties. However, performing these activities can be risky, as they often involve accessing sensitive data or systems that may be restricted or monitored. Using a VPN can help mitigate these risks by providing anonymity, encrypting your internet traffic, and allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a VPN for Bug Bounty Hunting and the best VPN services to use for ultimate protection. In addition we will also see how some bug bounty hunters got arrested.
Bug Bounty and History
Bug Bounty programs offer monetary rewards to ethical hackers or security researchers for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities in software applications. The Bug Bounty community has grown rapidly in recent years, with more and more companies launching their own programs. However, performing Bug Bounty activities requires anonymity and security, which is why it is necessary to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this article, we will discuss which VPN to use for performing Bug Bounty activities, and why I personally recommend NordVPN and AtlasVPN among the he top VPN services for Bug Bounty Hunting.
Case 1:
One notable case involved a Bug Hunter named Justin Shafer, who discovered a security vulnerability in a dental software called Eaglesoft. He reported the vulnerability to the company and offered to help fix it, but instead of receiving a reward, he was accused of hacking the system and faced criminal charges. He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and was sentenced to two years of probation.
Reference: Justin Shafer arrested, charging with cyberstalking FBI agent’s family
Case 2:
Another example involves a Bug Hunter named Christopher Weatherhead, who was part of a group that launched Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against websites of companies that they deemed as “enemies of WikiLeaks.” He was arrested and charged with computer misuse offenses and ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Reference: Anonymous hacker Christopher Weatherhead jailed for 18 months
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that provides users with a secure and private connection to the internet. It creates an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and a remote server, allowing the user to browse the internet securely and anonymously.
How does a VPN function and Why use a VPN for Bug Bounty activities?
When a user connects to a VPN, their internet traffic is routed through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel. This means that their internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, or any other entity cannot monitor their internet activities. The encryption used by the VPN ensures that all data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server is unreadable to any third-party trying to intercept the data.
VPNs function to keep users safe by hiding their IP address. An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to every device that connects to the internet. When a user connects to the internet without a VPN, their IP address is visible to anyone who wants to see it. However, when a user connects to a VPN, their IP address is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server they are connected to. This makes it difficult for anyone to track the user’s online activities or identify their location.
Moreover, VPNs also allow users to bypass geo-restrictions, which are restrictions placed on internet content based on the user’s location. For instance, some countries may restrict access to certain websites or online services. A VPN can allow users to bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server in a different country that does not have these restrictions.
Finally, VPNs also function to keep users safe by offering additional security features such as a Kill Switch. A Kill Switch is a feature that automatically disconnects a user’s internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that the user’s IP address and internet activity are not exposed if the VPN connection is lost.
Which VPN is Better for Bug Bounty activities? and WHY?
When choosing a VPN for Bug Bounty activities, it is essential to consider factors such as security, privacy, speed, and reliability. After researching and testing several VPN providers, we recommend NordVPN and AtlasVPN.
NordVPN:
NordVPN is a popular VPN provider that offers excellent security and privacy features. The company is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws, making it an ideal location for a VPN provider. NordVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect user data and has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not store any user activity logs. Here are some of the features that make NordVPN an excellent choice for Bug Bounty activities:
NordVPN Benefits
NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered the most secure encryption standard. The company also offers a Double VPN feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers for additional security. This feature is especially useful when accessing sensitive information or when working on a high-profile Bug Bounty program. It has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not store any user activity logs. The company also offers a Kill Switch feature, which disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your IP address from being exposed.
NordVPN has a vast network of servers in over 60 countries, allowing users to connect to the fastest server available. The company also offers obfuscated servers, which hide the fact that you are using a VPN, making it harder for websites to detect and block VPN traffic. It has a reliable connection, and their servers rarely go down. The company also offers 24/7 customer support, so you can get help whenever you need it.
AtlasVPN:
AtlasVPN is a relatively new VPN provider that offers excellent security and privacy features at an affordable price. The company is based in the United States, which is not an ideal location for a VPN provider due to the country’s mandatory data retention laws. However, AtlasVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not store any user activity logs. Here are some of the features that make AtlasVPN an excellent choice for Bug Bounty activities:
AtlasVPN Benefits
AtlasVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered the most secure encryption standard. The company also offers a MultiHop feature, which routes your internet traffic through two or more VPN servers for additional security. This feature is especially useful when accessing sensitive information. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not store any user activity logs. The company also offers a Kill Switch feature, which disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your IP address from being exposed.
AtlasVPN has a network of servers in over 30 countries, allowing users to connect to the fastest server available. The company also offers a Turbo Speed feature, which uses proprietary technology to optimize your internet speed and improve your online experience. It has a reliable connection, and their servers rarely go down. The company also offers 24/7 customer support, so you can get help whenever you need it.
Comparison:
When it comes to selecting the best VPN for Bug Bounty Hunting, NordVPN and AtlasVPN are two of the top contenders. Both VPN services offer excellent security features and performance, making them an excellent choice for Bug Bounty Hunters who need to protect their online privacy and security.
One of the key advantages of NordVPN is its vast network of servers, with over 5,500 servers located in 59 countries. This allows users to connect to servers in different countries and bypass geo-restrictions, making it an excellent choice for Bug Bounty Hunters who need to access target systems located in different regions. Additionally, NordVPN offers military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch feature that automatically cuts off your internet connection if your VPN connection drops. NordVPN also offers CyberSec, a feature that blocks ads and malware while browsing the internet.
On the other hand, AtlasVPN is a relatively new player in the VPN market but has gained popularity among Bug Bounty Hunters due to its robust security features and fast speeds. It offers AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch feature to protect users’ privacy and security. AtlasVPN also offers a unique feature called Hydra VPN, which is a proprietary protocol that provides fast and reliable connections even in countries with internet censorship. Furthermore, AtlasVPN has servers in over 30 countries, which is less than NordVPN but still offers enough coverage to bypass geo-restrictions.
In terms of pricing, NordVPN offers a 2-year plan at a discounted rates, while AtlasVPN offers a 3-year plan at a discounted rates. However, it is important to note that pricing should not be the sole factor when selecting a VPN for Bug Bounty Hunting, as security and performance should always take precedence.
Note that both NordVPN and AtlasVPN offer excellent security features and performance, making them excellent choices for Bug Bounty Hunters. NordVPN has a vast network of servers and advanced security features, while AtlasVPN offers fast speeds and a proprietary protocol that provides reliable connections even in countries with internet censorship. Ultimately, the decision of which VPN to choose will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing a VPN for Bug Bounty activities requires careful consideration of factors such as security, privacy, speed, and reliability. Based on my research and testing, I recommend NordVPN and AtlasVPN as the best VPN providers for Bug Bounty activities. NordVPN offers advanced features such as Double VPN and obfuscated servers, while AtlasVPN is more affordable and offers a Turbo Speed feature to optimize internet speed. Whichever VPN provider you choose, make sure to prioritize security and privacy to ensure a safe and successful Bug Bounty experience.
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Don’t Get Arrested! Should You Use VPN for Bug Bounty Hunting? was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.