--- title: "Penetration Testing vs Bug Bounty: what’s the difference" description: Both are used to detect and fix vulnerabilities. But what's the difference between Penetration testing and Bug bounty and which one should you use?  image: https://blog.unguess.io/hubfs/AdobeStock_204019160.jpeg --- [![Vai alla homepage di UNGUESS](https://blog.unguess.io/hubfs/Imported%20images/unguess-logo.svg)](https://unguess.io/it) - PRODUCTS BY INDUSTRY - [Retail & Ecommerce](https://unguess.io/services/industry/retail-ecommerce/) - [Fast-Moving Consumer Goods](https://unguess.io/services/industry/fast-moving-consumer-goods/) - [Banking, Insurance & Financial Services](https://unguess.io/services/industry/banking-insurance-financial-services/) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://unguess.io/services/industry/travel-hospitality/) - [Utilities](https://unguess.io/services/industry/utilities/) - [Healthcare](https://unguess.io/services/industry/healthcare/) - [Media & Entertainment](https://unguess.io/services/industry/media-entertainment/) - [Automotive](https://unguess.io/services/industry/automotive/) - PRODUCTS BY USE CASE - [Ai Training](https://unguess.io/services/ai-training-testing/) - [User Experience](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/user-experience/) - [Software Quality](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/software-quality/) - [Cyber Security](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/cyber-security/) - [Accessibility](https://unguess.io/services/accessibility/) - [HOW IT WORKS](https://unguess.io/how-it-works/) - [OUR CROWD](https://unguess.io/our-crowd/) - COMPANY - [About us](https://unguess.io/about-us) - [Life at UNGUESS](https://unguess.io/life-at-unguess/) - [Partners](https://unguess.io/unguess-partners/) - [SHOWCASES](https://unguess.io/showcases/) - [Case Study](https://unguess.io/showcases/all-showcases/?jsf=jet-engine:shocase-listing-grid&tax=resource-category:76/#readmore) - [Unguess Challenges](https://unguess.io/showcases/all-showcases/?jsf=jet-engine:shocase-listing-grid&tax=resource-category:74/#readmore) - [White Paper](https://unguess.io/showcases/all-showcases/?jsf=jet-engine:shocase-listing-grid&tax=resource-category:75/#readmore) - [BLOG](https://blog.unguess.io) - - - - - [PRODUCTS](https://unguess.io/services/) - BY INDUSTRY - [Retail & Ecommerce](https://unguess.io/services/industry/retail-ecommerce/) - [Fast-Moving Consumer Goods](https://unguess.io/services/industry/fast-moving-consumer-goods/) - [Banking, Insurance & Financial Services](https://unguess.io/services/industry/banking-insurance-financial-services/) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://unguess.io/services/industry/travel-hospitality/) - [Utilities](https://unguess.io/services/industry/utilities/) - [Healthcare](https://unguess.io/services/industry/healthcare/) - [Media & Entertainment](https://unguess.io/services/industry/media-entertainment/) - [Automotive](https://unguess.io/services/industry/automotive/) - BY USE CASE - [Ai Training](https://unguess.io/services/ai-training-testing/) - [User Experience](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/user-experience/) - [Software Quality](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/software-quality/) - [Cyber Security](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/cyber-security/) - [Accessibility](https://unguess.io/services/accessibility/) - [VIEW ALL PRODUCTS](https://unguess.io/services/) - [HOW IT WORKS](https://unguess.io/how-it-works/) - [OUR CROWD](https://unguess.io/our-crowd/) - COMPANY - [About us](https://unguess.io/about-us/) - [Life at UNGUESS](https://unguess.io/life-at-unguess/) - [Partners](https://unguess.io/partners/) - [SHOWCASES](https://unguess.io/showcases/) - [Case Study](https://unguess.io/showcases/case-study/) - [Unguess Challenges](https://unguess.io/showcases/unguess-challenges/) - [White Paper](https://unguess.io/showcases/white-paper/) - [Webinar](https://unguess.io/showcases/webinar/) - [BLOG](https://blog.unguess.io) - - - - [CONTACT US](https://unguess.io/it/inizia-ora/) [SIGN UP](https://app.unguess.io/) Cybersecurity # Penetration Testing vs Bug Bounty: what’s the difference Both are used to detect and fix vulnerabilities. But what's the difference between Penetration testing and Bug bounty and which one should you use? [Angela Meduri](https://blog.unguess.io/author/angela-meduri) Oct 27, 2021 --- Penetration Testing and Bug Bounty programs are used to detect vulnerabilities and bugs in web development platforms while simulating the potential attacks and prevent them. But what's the difference between the two and which one should you use?  ## **What is Penetration Testing?** Penetration Testing or Pen Testing is a type of security testing that is used to find errors, bugs, threats and vulnerabilities in a software system or web application that an attacker can exploit. **It is a simulated attack** that penetration testers or ethical hackers make in order to find all possible vulnerabilities in a software system and cover them. > More on Penetration testing:  > > - [Penetration testing: tools or humans?](https://blog.unguess.io/en/penetration-testing-tools-or-humans?hsLang=en) > - [Crowdsourced vs. Traditional Penetration Testing](https://blog.unguess.io/en/crowdsourced-vs-traditional-pen-testing?hsLang=en)   **What is bug bounty program?** Bug Bounty program is **the incentivized deal offered by many websites, companies and software developers** through which the hackers and individual can receive recognition for reporting vulnerabilities and bugs. They are the programs that run continuously for a defined period of time. These programs usually continue for the product’s lifetime and allow the hacker community to find new vulnerabilities as the application changes.   ## **Differences between Pentests and bug bounty** 1. ### **COST** **Penetration Testing** cost range from $4,000 to $100,000 depending upon the nature of the software system, network size and scope of the assessment. Complex and extensive applications can cost even more than this rate. According to RSI and u-tor, on average, a high quality, professional penetration testing can cost **from $10,000-$30,000**.  **Bug Bounty** programs are relatively cheaper than the pentest programs since the hackers are paid per bug found. Companies like Facebook and Apple are known for their investments in bug bounty:  > Facebook offers a minimum payout of $500 for accepted bugs, and no maximum—meaning that there’s no specific upper limit on how valuable a bug could potentially be. So far the largest payout from Facebook's bounty is $50,000, while Apple will pay out up to $1 million for the most valuable iOS bugs. > Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-bug-bounty-third-parties-double-dip/) Moreover, some bug bounty programs are free and other incentives are given to the researchers that make them rank high on the hosting platform websites.    1. ### **ADVANTAGES** Advantages of **Penetration Testing** are as follows: - It uncovers the vulnerabilities of the system. It generates a report describing all the vulnerabilities and errors of the system. - It reveals the strategies of hackers that how they can exploit the system. Moreover, it also **highlights the parts of the application that needs improvement**. - It uses small dedicated teams to **uncover the vulnerabilities faster** - It allows the testers to test both internal systems and external systems   Advantages of **Bug Bounty** programs are as follows: - In bug bounty program, you get **multiple opinions about your test** because there are several researchers and testers with diversified skill sets that are working on it - It is cheaper than the penetration testing  - You make boundaries and set rules in order to test the programs. **You decide what to test** and how far you want to test an application - You don’t have to pay extra. If your researcher found nothing in the assessment, you don’t have to pay. 1. ### **DISADVANTAGES** Disadvantages of **Pentests** are as follows: - If the tests are not done properly they can cost you adverse effects on the system. They can even damage your system or crash the server - Small group of skilled testers are involved in penetration testing - It is dependent on time and scope of the project - Penetration testing is not continuous testing Disadvantages of **Bug Bounty** programs are as follows: - During the bug bounty program, no one takes the ownership of the program as they know that they will be paid only if they uncover the vulnerabilities - There are several trust issues when handing over the project to a company or individual because you don’t know them initially - Only test websites and web applications and when they are live for general public 1. ### **SCOPE** The scope of the **Pen Testing** depends upon the needs of the client. There are several types of pen testing assessments; internal testing, external testing, web application testing, embedded system testing and much more. The **Bug Bounty** programs are conducted to test websites and web applications that are available to general public. This is the reason why bug bounty programs are not able to detect the vulnerabilities of the websites and web applications before they are live for the public.   1. ### **LENGTH / DURATION OF THE TEST** **Penetration Testing** is typically conducted for a short period of time i.e. two or three days, twice a year. On the other hand, **Bug Bounty** programs are not dependent on the time frame. This is the main reason why bug bounty programs are used for continuous testing. They are perfect for the companies that release new updates and products on regular intervals.   1. ### **HOW TO DO / METHODOLOGY** **STEPS TO PERFORM PENETRATION TESTING** Following steps are involved in **penetration testing**: 1. Planning phase 2. Discovery phase 3. Attack phase 4. Reporting vulnerability phase **STEPS TO LAUNCH A BUG BOUNTY PROGRAM** Steps to launch a **Bug Bounty** program are as follows: 1. Set up a vulnerability assessment program 2. Carefully decide the scope and price of the program 3. Decide the type of bug bounty program; private or public 4. Set up a testing environment related to the nature of application 5. Decide the blackout dates and quite periods 6. Gain the support from different related departments 7. Start with a small test 8. Recruit the right staff 9. Market the bug bounty program to general public 10. Ready to solve the vulnerability ### **7. WHO CONDUCT PEN TESTS?** **Pen tests** are carried out by experienced [ethical hackers](https://blog.unguess.io/en/cybersecurity-the-rise-of-ethical-hacking?hsLang=en) employed by specialist cyber security companies. Professional ethical hackers are required to have undertaken qualifications in cyber security, ensuring that they have an in-depth knowledge of the legal, technical, and ethical aspects of testing. Before any work is undertaken by a penetration tester, it is common practice to know the person’s identity and sign a contract to agree the scope of the work. **Bug Bounty** programs also attract professional ethical hackers, however, as anyone can sign up to a program, testing will typically be carried out by a mixture of professionals and amateurs, with hugely varied experience, knowledge, and ethics.   1. ### **FEEDBACK** In **Penetration Testing**, you not only receive a list of vulnerabilities, but good pen testers also give you feedback on your application. Moreover, they provide you with the necessary support to overcome those vulnerabilities. On the other hand, **Bug Bounty** programs will only give you a report describing the vulnerability with no feedback at all. Rarely, if some organization strives to work with you then it can give a little feedback.   ## Constant PenTest? Ask WhiteJar! WhiteJar is the solution that allows you to run constant pen tests. Corporates and hundreds of experienced ethical hackers meet on WhiteJar's collaboration platform (powered by UNGUESS) to start both short and long-term projects. By relying on a community, companies can finally overcome the existing gap between requested skills and availability on the market.  [![GO TO WHITEJAR.IO](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6087279/b57df0c1-5d50-4667-9e8e-6a25c243c96f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6087279/b57df0c1-5d50-4667-9e8e-6a25c243c96f) ## Resources [Guru99](https://www.guru99.com/learn-penetration-testing.html), [Freecodecamp](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/whats-a-bug-bounty-program/), [Vaadata](https://www.vaadata.com/blog/pentest-bug-bounty-which-approach-to-choose-for-security-tests/), [Hacktrophy](https://hacktrophy.com/en/pentests-vs-bug-bounty-programs-comparison/), [Bugcrowd](https://www.bugcrowd.com/blog/the-difference-between-bug-bounty-and-next-gen-pen-test/), [The Security Bureau](https://thesecuritybureau.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-pentest-and-bug-bounty/), [Cyrextech](https://cyrextech.net/cyrex-security-on-bug-bounties-and-penetration-testing/), [Toreon](https://www.toreon.com/7-advantages-of-penetration-testing/), [Stardust](https://www2.stardust-testing.com/en/4-benefits-functional-bounty-program), [Cram](https://www.cram.com/essay/Advantages-And-Disadvantages-Of-Penetration-Testing/F39VCYAY7MWQ) [Cybersecurity](https://blog.unguess.io/tag/cybersecurity) [Share via Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.unguess.io%2Fen%2Fpenetration-testing-vs-bug-bounty-whats-the-difference) [Share via Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.unguess.io%2Fen%2Fpenetration-testing-vs-bug-bounty-whats-the-difference&text=Penetration+Testing+vs+Bug+Bounty%3A+what%26rsquo%3Bs+the+difference) [Share via Email](mailto:?subject=Penetration+Testing+vs+Bug+Bounty%3A+what%26rsquo%3Bs+the+difference&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.unguess.io%2Fen%2Fpenetration-testing-vs-bug-bounty-whats-the-difference) [Share via LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.unguess.io%2Fen%2Fpenetration-testing-vs-bug-bounty-whats-the-difference&title=Penetration+Testing+vs+Bug+Bounty%3A+what%26rsquo%3Bs+the+difference&summary=Both+are+used+to+detect+and+fix+vulnerabilities.+But+what%27s+the+difference+between+Penetration+testing+and+Bug+bounty+and+which+one+should+you+use%3F%C2%A0) ## Similar posts Cybersecurity ### [What You Need To Know About Bug Security Bounty](https://blog.unguess.io/en/what-you-need-to-know-about-bug-security-bounty?hsLang=en) A bug bounty or bug security bounty or bug bounty program, refers to a crowdsourcing initiative in which ethical hackers discover and report software... Newsroom Jan 12, 2022 Cybersecurity ### [How policymakers are enabling Bug Bounty for a safer digital landscape](https://blog.unguess.io/policymakers-enabling-bug-bounty?hsLang=en) Policymakers play a crucial role in spreading the adoption of bug bounty programs, one of the most efficient and innovative ways to address... Newsroom Jun 8, 2023 Case Study ### [Bug Hunting and Customer Feedback Test for Pirelli](https://blog.unguess.io/en/bug-hunting-and-customer-feedback-test-for-pirelli?hsLang=en) We have recently completed a test cycle of Critical Bug Hunting + Customer Feedback on a new Pirelli's product. Newsroom Jun 30, 2021 Cybersecurity ### [What is the Information Security Talent Shortage?](https://blog.unguess.io/information-security-talent-shortage?hsLang=en) In the last years, talent shortage has played a major role in the difficulties companies are facing in cybersecurity. Read the article to know more Newsroom May 15, 2023 ![unguess-logo-1](https://blog.unguess.io/hubfs/unguess-logo-1.svg) **© 2023 UNGUESS S.r.l.** UNGUESS is a registered trademark of UNGUESS S.r.l.   - [![U2Y - Verified Carbon Footprint](https://blog.unguess.io/hs-fs/hubfs/U2Y%20-%20Verified%20Carbon%20Footprint.png?width=50&height=50&name=U2Y%20-%20Verified%20Carbon%20Footprint.png)](https://app.u2y.io/brands/314) - [![UNGUESS is a leader in Crowd Testing Tools on G2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/report_medal/image/1004327/medal.svg)](https://www.g2.com/products/unguess/reviews?utm_source=rewards-badge) - [![UNGUESS is a leader in Test Management on G2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/report_medal/image/1004327/medal.svg)](https://www.g2.com/products/unguess/reviews?utm_source=rewards-badge) - [![UNGUESS is a leader in Crowd Testing Tools on G2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/report_medal/image/1004379/medal.svg)](https://www.g2.com/products/unguess/reviews?utm_source=rewards-badge) - [![UNGUESS is a leader in Europe Test Management on G2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/report_medal/image/1004391/medal.svg)](https://www.g2.com/products/unguess/reviews?utm_source=rewards-badge) - [![UNGUESS is a leader in EMEA Test Management on G2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/report_medal/image/1004447/medal.svg)](https://www.g2.com/products/unguess/reviews?utm_source=rewards-badge) #### SERVICES - [AI Training](https://unguess.io/services/ai-training-testing/) - [User Experience](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/user-experience/) - [Software Quality](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/software-quality/) - [Cyber Security](https://unguess.io/services/use-case/cyber-security/) - [Accessibility](https://unguess.io/services/accessibility/) #### SHOWCASE - [Blog](https://blog.unguess.io) - [Our Crowd](https://unguess.io/our-crowd/) - [Tryber.me](https://tryber.me/) - [Integrations](https://unguess.io/integrations/) - [Partners](https://unguess.io/partners/) #### COMPANY [Work with us](https://unguess.io/life-at-unguess/#job-positions) [Get in touch](https://unguess.io/get-started/) **General inquires:** [info@unguess.io](mailto:info@unguess.io)   [Privacy Policy](https://unguess.io/privacy-policy/)  | [ESG Policy](https://unguess.io/esg-policy/)  | [Personal Data Processing Notice: Customers and Suppliers](https://unguess.io/personal-data-processing-notice-customers-and-suppliers/) | [Model 231](https://unguess.io/model-231/) | [Ethical Code](https://unguess.io/ethical-code/) | [Cookies Settings](https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/833252/full-legal)  |  [Terms & Conditions](https://unguess.io/terms-and-conditions/) UNGUESS S.r.l. – VAT 01603290196   © 2022 Kalungi, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. [Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software)