Introduction

Time flies—it’s already been a month since the last edition! Welcome to the November edition of The Bug Bounty Cartel Stories. This month has been particularly rewarding for me as a bug hunter. In fact, it’s shaping up to be my best month yet!

I’m now three months into my six-month trial period, during which I committed to fully focusing on bug bounty hunting to determine if it’s worth pursuing full-time. So far, the journey has been a mix of challenges and successes, but as of now, I’m leaning toward making this my full-time career.

My Personal Journey: From Doubts to Confidence

These past three months have been a rollercoaster. There were moments of success, times of uncertainty, and even periods where I felt completely lost. However, through it all, I’ve learned so much—both about the craft and about myself. In this post, I’ll share some of the key lessons and experiences that have shaped my journey so far.

Walking the Lonely Road

Bug hunting, especially when you’re just starting and trying to build a reputation, can be a lonely road. You struggle on your own, work in silence, and face challenges without much external validation. But trust me when I say this: it’s worth it.

This solitary path forces you to discover yourself—your capabilities, potential, and resilience. You’ll find yourself evolving, thinking differently, and solving problems in ways you never imagined. The growth you experience is proof that the road, no matter how lonely, is worth walking.

The Ultimate Mindset

One of the biggest mindset shifts that helped me this month was embracing this simple but powerful mantra: "I am a hacker, and hackers hack things."

This belief keeps me motivated to find a way, no matter how complex the problem or how elusive the vulnerability. There’s always a way to break things—it’s just a matter of persistence and creativity. This mindset has become the cornerstone of my approach and has driven much of my progress this month.

Let’s dive deeper into what made this month so impactful and how these lessons can inspire others on their bug bounty journey.

The Numbers Game: This Month's Bugs

Progress Overview

Bugs submitted: 43
- Duplicate reports: 18
- Triage pending (not rewarded yet): 9
- Rewarded: 7
- New bugs: 6
- Not applicable (NA): 2
- Out of scope (OOS): 1

I began the month focusing on a program where I already had some experience, but on the 7th, I shifted my attention to a new program. For the past 19 days, I’ve been fully immersed in this new challenge, and the results have been incredible.

In just this short time, I’ve discovered 35 bugs in the program's main application. The sheer volume of discoveries and the effort I’ve invested this month make it one of the most productive periods of my journey so far.

Not every report was a home run—duplicates, out-of-scope findings, are all part of the process. But overall, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and am excited to carry this momentum forward.

Manual Hunting Philosophy

At the core of my approach is a dedication to truly understanding how systems work. Before diving in, I spend time exploring the application—its features, plans, and even free trials. I analyze how each function operates and identify key components like APIs, technologies used, and potential vulnerabilities.

I also take the time to create a detailed threat model:

What data is critical?
What actions should be restricted?
How can I attempt things I’m not supposed to do?

Every observation gets documented. From there, I write initial test cases and continuously refine them as I uncover new insights and areas to test. Patience and focus are essential—bugs are everywhere, but finding them requires discipline and a methodical approach.

Styles of Hunting

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for bug hunting. While I personally love manual testing, this is just one of many successful styles. Some hunters rely heavily on automation, toolsets, or specific techniques—and that works brilliantly for them.

The best style is the one you love and excel at, allowing you to channel your creativity and adapt to challenges. Whether it’s manual testing, automated scanning, or a mix of both, the key is to make the approach your own.

Mental Game: Focus, Progress, and Self-Awareness

Stay Focused

Success demands focus, and that means eliminating distractions and being intentional with your time. For me, building a structured daily routine has been a game-changer. Every part of my day is planned—from focused hunting sessions to set wake-up, sleep, and workout times.

This routine isn’t just about discipline; it’s about creating momentum. I’ve also established working rules to avoid distractions, ensuring that every session is productive. Consistency isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of progress.

Self-Awareness

Sustained effort requires balance. I’ve learned to recognize when I need to rest and recharge, understanding that breaks are as important as work. Burnout doesn’t lead to success—balance does.

To keep myself motivated, I regularly ask: “How can I make this more enjoyable?” Whether it’s gamifying tasks, celebrating small wins, or mixing things up, finding ways to keep the process fun helps me stay engaged. Joy fuels perseverance.

Ego and Confidence

The right mindset is everything. I’ve embraced the mindset of champions: “In my mind, I’m the best ever.”

This isn’t about arrogance; it’s about aligning your actions with your ambitions. A healthy ego drives you to push harder, learn faster, and aim higher. I know with unwavering certainty that with the right work, effort, and time, I will reach the top.

This confidence didn’t appear overnight—it was built through dedication and resilience. I’ve sacrificed a lot, confronted fears, and taught myself the skills needed to excel. My belief is simple: If someone else can achieve it, I can do it better, provided I put in the required work.

Lessons:

Learn from others, but never compare yourself to them. Comparison kills progress.
Focus on solo leveling—your only competition is yesterday’s version of yourself.
Dreams don’t work unless you do. Actions, not words, separate winners from dreamers.

Learn from Losses, But Never Lose Belief

Every setback is an opportunity to grow, but what truly matters is never losing faith in yourself. Don’t expect anyone to believe in your vision before you’ve shown results—that’s your job.

Belief in yourself is the foundation of success. Guard it fiercely, nurture it daily, and let it fuel your journey. Take consistent action, and you’ll find yourself steadily climbing higher. Winners don’t just dream—they execute.

Embracing Challenges and Resilience

Adapting to Uncertainty

In bug hunting—and in life—things rarely go as planned, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to adapt and persist, not make excuses. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow, and winners are defined by their ability to thrive in uncertainty.

Failures don’t define you—your response to them does. When things don’t go your way, keep pushing, refining your approach, and moving forward. Resilience is your most powerful tool.

Pushing Limits

Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. I’ve been challenging myself by diving into hacking Android apps—an area that once seemed intimidating to me. Pushing your boundaries is essential because most limits are self-imposed.

Try the things you believe you can’t do. Whether it’s exploring unfamiliar technology or tackling a complex vulnerability, the only way to grow is by confronting what feels impossible.

Confidence Turns Effort into Results

Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s the belief that your effort will lead to success. When you combine belief in yourself with consistent action, you unlock your potential to achieve extraordinary results.

Challenges are part of the journey, but they’re also what make the destination worthwhile. Embrace them, adapt to them, and use them as stepping stones to your success.

The Hacker Spirit

The Hacker’s Creed

“I think about quitting, but I never quit.”

This simple yet powerful creed embodies the mindset of a true hacker. Perseverance and relentless problem-solving are at the heart of what it means to be a hacker. Challenges may push you to your limits, but the ability to persist separates those who succeed from those who give up.

Hack to Survive

Being a hacker means staying ready—always prepared to adapt, overcome obstacles, and tackle whatever comes next. Challenges are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to sharpen your skills and prove your resilience.

Never settle. Always aim for the crown. Visualize yourself at the top, not as a distant dream, but as an achievable reality. Every effort, every hack, and every lesson learned is a step closer to that vision.

The hacker spirit isn’t just about finding vulnerabilities—it’s about believing in your ability to conquer every challenge and striving to be the best, no matter the odds.

Money

I’ve saved this topic for last because, believe it or not, money is the easiest part of the journey.

I won’t tell you not to make money your goal, or to not chase money—because that’s unrealistic. I wasn’t born in Switzerland; I’m Egyptian, and I truly know what it feels like to be poor. And I’m talking about real poverty—not the European or Western definition of poverty. So, yes, chase money. Work for it. Money is important, but be smart while you’re chasing it.

When you focus on what truly matters—putting in the work, believing in yourself, staying confident, and being persistent—money will naturally follow. It’s a byproduct of dedication and consistency.

Chase money, but chase growth even more. Master your craft, solve problems, and prove your worth. When you focus on doing what you’re meant to do with passion and precision, success—and money—will follow naturally.

Conclusion: A Game Worth Playing

The ultimate takeaway: This is your game, your arena. You are the player, the strategist, and the one who determines how the story unfolds. Every challenge, every setback, and every success is part of your unique journey. It's a game that only you can play, and the outcome is shaped by your decisions, actions, and mindset.

Take pride in the path you’ve chosen. Celebrate the victories—big and small—and honor the struggles that have made you stronger. Every obstacle you've overcome adds a layer to your growth, building the resilience and skill that will carry you forward.

As you continue your journey, don’t just focus on the destination—embrace the process. Ask yourself: “How will I make this journey fun, fulfilling, and impactful?”

The road ahead is yours to conquer, and the adventure is just beginning. Make it a journey you’ll look back on with pride, knowing that you gave it your all, grew beyond limits, and found joy in the pursuit of greatness.

If there is one thing I need to say, it’s this: Never die with a clean sword. Think about that twice.

Bug Bounty Cartel Stories - November Edition

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