Security research begins with information, where organizations publish their rules and contact points. Finding those pages responsibly speeds legal, productive research and increases the chances your report is rewarded. This short guide shows the right mindset and practical, lawful steps to discover programs and disclosure policies without crossing legal or ethical lines.

Start with permission Only test systems explicitly in-scope: bug bounty platforms, published Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs), or assets listed under a company's security policy. If there's no program or explicit permission, stop and contact the org instead — unsolicited testing can be illegal.

What to look for (high level)

  • Published VDP / Responsible Disclosure pages that define scope, exclusions, and reward types.
  • security.txt or .well-known/security.txt entries listing security contacts.
  • "Hall of fame", "rewards", "swag", or "program" pages that indicate structured programs or researcher recognition. These pages tell you what's allowed, how to report, and how the org values researchers.

Safe reconnaissance approach

  1. Use generic search operators to locate program/contact pages — do not attempt active probing on hosts that aren't explicitly in-scope.
  2. Record program scope, exclusions, and reporting channels before doing anything technical.
  3. Prioritize programs hosted on bug-bounty platforms or with clear VDP documents; these are the safest to engage.

Ethics & legal checklist

  • Do not access, modify, or exfiltrate data beyond what's required to demonstrate a vulnerability.
  • Follow the program's disclosure timeline and reporting format.
  • Avoid automated destructive scans unless explicitly allowed.
  • Keep communications professional and include reproduction steps, impact, and remediation suggestions.

Where to practice legally Focus on: public bug-bounty platforms, intentionally vulnerable labs (e.g., OWASP Juice Shop, WebGoat), CTFs, and open bug bounty programs that permit testing. Build proof-of-concept exploits only in these safe environments.

How to convert recon into impact

  • Document findings clearly: scope, reproduction, severity, and suggested fixes.
  • Respect non-disclosure windows; offer to coordinate with their security contact.
  • Maintain a portfolio of responsible reports and disclosed write-ups (with permission) to build a reputation.

Closing note Recon is valuable only when paired with consent and clear reporting. Use search techniques to find program boundaries and contacts; don't treat them as permission to attack. Stay legal, be precise, and report responsibly.

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