Bugcrowd

What is Crowdsourcing?

Crowdsourced penetration testing is a variation on the traditional pen test that involves a group of people that have been specifically invited and are known as ethical security hackers or "white hats." These researchers work on a compensated basis and are typically compensated through "bug bounties" on a sliding scale, with higher payouts for locating more serious problems. This paradigm is distinct from the previous one, which involved hiring consultants through IT or accountancy consultancies. Because numerous diverse researchers participate in the testing process in a more open-ended and consistent manner, crowdsourced penetration programs tend to involve a longer, more complete approach than the standard pentester company.

Why Crowdsourced Penetration Testing is Better

1. Diverse Skillsets: By      crowdsourcing, you access a broad range of expertise and approaches to      security. Different hackers have different specialties and tactics,      increasing the likelihood that vulnerabilities are discovered and patched.
2. Cost-Efficient: Rather than      maintaining a large in-house security team or contracting with an external      firm for periodic tests, companies can engage a vast number of testers,      often only paying for valid, actionable results.
3. Real-time Feedback: As the cyber      landscape rapidly changes, having a continuous stream of feedback from a      community of testers helps companies respond in real-time to emerging      threats.
4. Global Perspective: Hackers from      around the world can bring insights into global threat trends and emerging      vulnerabilities, ensuring that companies are protected from all angles.
5. Scalability: Crowdsourced      penetration testing allows for flexibility. Whether it's a specific module      of an application or an entire infrastructure, businesses can scale the      scope of their tests as required.
6. Gamification Enhances Results: Many      crowdsourced platforms incorporate gamification elements, such as      leaderboards, badges, and competitions. This encourages a higher level of      engagement and often drives testers to dig deeper and explore more      creatively.
7. Community Collaboration: The      ethical hacking community thrives on collaboration. When one hacker finds      a potential vulnerability, they often share their findings with peers,      further analyzing and validating potential security risks.
8. Fresh Eyes, Always: Traditional      penetration tests might occur annually or semi-annually. With      crowdsourcing, there are always fresh eyes looking at your systems,      ensuring that no stone remains unturned.
9. Trust and Validation: Engaging with      a global community not only offers protection but also builds trust among      customers and partners. When they see you taking proactive measures by      collaborating with a global network of security experts, they understand      your commitment to security.
10. Adaptive Security Posture: Crowdsourced      penetration testing helps organizations adopt an adaptive security      posture. It facilitates a shift from static, periodic testing to a more      dynamic, ongoing security evaluation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, crowdsourced penetration testing offers a proactive, diversified, and robust approach, ensuring that organizations remain several steps ahead of potential attackers.