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What is Bug Bounty?

A bug bounty program is an ongoing invitation for vetted security researchers to find and report vulnerabilities in your applications. Instead of a one-time test, bug bounty provides continuous security coverage -- researchers look for issues around the clock, and you only pay for valid, verified findings.

How It Works

The concept is simple: you define what you want tested (the scope), set reward amounts for different severity levels, and Catchify's community of security researchers gets to work finding vulnerabilities. When a researcher finds something, they submit a report, the Catchify team reviews it, and if it is valid, the researcher is rewarded.

Here is the process from your perspective:

  1. You define the scope -- Together with the Catchify team, you decide which applications, domains, and systems are open for testing

  2. Researchers test your applications -- Vetted security researchers look for vulnerabilities in the areas you have defined

  3. Reports are triaged -- The Catchify triage team reviews every submission before it reaches you, filtering out duplicates, false positives, and out-of-scope reports

  4. You review confirmed findings -- Only validated reports are presented to you for review

  5. Researchers are rewarded -- When you approve a finding, the researcher receives their reward through Catchify

Bug bounty programs list showing available programs
The bug bounty workflow -- from researcher submission to verified finding

Why Bug Bounty?

Bug bounty programs complement penetration testing by providing ongoing security coverage. Here is why organizations choose bug bounty:

Benefit
Description

Continuous coverage

Unlike a one-time pentest, researchers are always looking for new vulnerabilities

Diverse perspectives

Multiple researchers with different skills and approaches test your systems

Pay for results

You only pay when a valid vulnerability is found -- no finding, no cost

Faster discovery

With many researchers working simultaneously, issues are found sooner

Managed for you

The Catchify team handles triage, researcher management, and payouts

Many organizations run bug bounty programs alongside regular penetration testing. The two approaches complement each other -- pentesting provides structured, comprehensive coverage, while bug bounty catches issues through diverse, creative testing approaches.

How Catchify Manages It for You

Running a bug bounty program can be complex, but Catchify handles the operational work so you do not have to:

  • Researcher vetting -- Every researcher on the Catchify platform goes through an identity verification and screening process before they can participate in programs

  • Triage -- Our experienced security team reviews every submission, verifying that reports are valid, unique, and within scope

  • Communication -- The Catchify team manages day-to-day communication with researchers on your behalf

  • Payments -- Researcher rewards are handled through the Catchify wallet system -- you fund your wallet, and the Catchify team distributes payments

Is Bug Bounty Right for You?

Bug bounty is a great fit if:

  • Your applications are customer-facing and constantly evolving

  • You want continuous security testing beyond periodic penetration tests

  • Your team wants to focus on fixing issues rather than managing a testing program

  • You are looking for a cost-effective way to scale your security testing

If you are interested in starting a bug bounty program, talk to your account manager. The Catchify team will help you define the scope, set appropriate reward levels, and launch the program.

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