VDP or Bug Bounty: Which is the Best Program for Your Company?
The Investment in Methods to Address Digital Vulnerabilities is Becoming an Increasing Trend in Cybersecurity. One of the programs growing in this context is the VDP (Vulnerability Disclosure Program).
It is worth noting that the increased use of digital resources in the daily operations of companies, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work, has made vulnerabilities in systems and websites a more damaging reality.
Moreover, data theft is now a matter addressed at governmental levels, and with the implementation of the LGPD (General Data Protection Law), investing in methods to identify flaws is considered essential for many companies.
However, do you know what VDP really is? How can it help your business protect against cyberattacks? What distinguishes it from other methods, such as Bug Bounty programs?
Continue reading below to understand the main characteristics of this method and how it can fit into your company's information security needs.
What is VDP?
The Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) is a digital channel similar to traditional online reporting spaces but specifically focused on cybersecurity.
In other words, a platform is used to receive reports of bugs and vulnerabilities, which allows for the expedited correction of these issues.
VDPs provide clearer instructions to information security professionals on how to report discovered vulnerabilities. In most cases, these ethical hackers can track the handling of the reported flaw.
An Open Model
It is important to highlight that VDPs are public-facing programs, which make information about which endpoints, sites, and/or apps the company accepts reports for, and the types of vulnerabilities they accept, available.
Although this may seem unusual to many companies, it is an interesting and effective way to show that a brand cares about its cybersecurity.
Furthermore, it is a very smart approach to prevent malicious individuals from disclosing a company's vulnerabilities without authorization or the company's knowledge.
Remember that disclosures within Bug Bounty programs or VDPs are only made when the solution is already in place and the company owning the program accepts the disclosure.
What is Bug Bounty?
Bug Bounty is a bug rewards program. Applying the principle of crowdsourcing to cybersecurity, it is a method designed to encourage specialists to test the systems of partner companies.
This allows for the early identification of vulnerabilities, which is often slower with more traditional information security methods.
In Bug Bounty programs, there is a confidentiality policy regarding the findings, and immediate payment based on the bugs discovered.
Specialists then develop reports that are delivered directly to the company's information security team, so that these teams can address the flaws as quickly as possible.
Differences Between Bug Bounty and VDP
There are specific differences between these two methods. Briefly, one of the most notable is that Bug Bounty involves monetary rewards, while VDP does not involve financial compensation; instead, companies typically publicly acknowledge the bug hunter, promoting them to a hall of fame.
Additionally, researchers earn points on the BugHunt platform, increasing their prominence and allowing them to be invited by companies to participate in private programs. In some cases, companies also send gifts to the bug hunter as a form of thanks.
It is also worth noting that Bug Bounty operates publicly or privately. You can check the differences and the best option for your brand here. VDPs are only public.
Which Program is Best for Your Company?
Understanding that both methods are truly effective for protecting your company against digital flaws and vulnerabilities, BugHunt now offers both solutions for you!
However, choosing between them can be confusing and lead to the question: “Which program is best for my company's context?”
VDPs, like Bug Bounty programs, provide clear instructions to bug hunters on how to report vulnerabilities.
In other words, a space where problems will be reported more easily and securely, always with the authorization of the partner company.
With VDP, your company benefits from more predictable costs, as there is no reward system which is usually variable.
For more specific objectives, Bug Bounty, the bug rewards system, is the ideal choice.
The complexity of the programs, and even the possibility of keeping the scope open only to selected specialists in addition to your information security team, makes the method more efficient for newer enterprises. Understand more specifics in the article.
Remember that your choice may always vary based on your needs. Therefore, for more information and a broader understanding of the methods, contact the BugHunt team!