How to Learn Cybersecurity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity Training and Bug Bounty Programs
When learning cybersecurity, many beginners aim for bug bounty programs, where software developers offer cash rewards for discovered vulnerabilities. While this is an excellent way to gain practical skills, the recent influx of low-quality, AI-generated reports has pushed some well-known programs toward closure or restrictions.
For example, the popular data transfer tool curl temporarily suspended its paid program in January 2026. The reason was straightforward: developers were overwhelmed by a flood of useless reports, which hindered the identification of genuine threats. However, by April, the situation had stabilised, and curl confirmed that the quality of submissions had improved, even though the use of automated tools remains high.
Building a Career with the Right Methods
The main challenge for beginners is not just finding a bug, but verifying and justifying it. To succeed in this field, you must understand the systems you are testing. For web security, it is essential to grasp HTTP requests, session management, access permissions, and data processing principles.
The best way to learn is through practice on specialised platforms where you can make mistakes without damaging real services. Resources like TryHackMe offer structured courses covering network fundamentals, Linux and Windows administration, as well as offensive and defensive methodologies.
The Role of AI in Learning
Using AI in the learning process is beneficial if approached correctly. Do not ask a model to find answers for you; instead, use it to explain complex concepts when you have already attempted the task and hit a dead end. For example, ask the model to explain how a session cookie relates to an authorised user after you have studied the relevant HTTP request yourself.
The core principle is simple: after every practical exercise, write down what you changed, what happened, and why. Repeat the task without your notes to ensure you are not just performing actions mechanically, but actually understanding the essence of the process. This ability—to independently justify a discovered vulnerability and explain its impact—is the most valued trait in security professionals.
Ultimately, cybersecurity is not just about winning rewards; it is a process of continuous learning where your reputation depends on the quality and validity of your reports. Start with small exercises, build the right habits, and the results will follow.