At Bugcrowd, we really care about the hacker experience—like, really really. Not only because we simply wouldn’t be here without the hacker community, but also because we’re all cheering for your continued success, growth, and happiness. 🙂

In our efforts to make Bugcrowd the best hacking platform for you, we follow a number of proven methods that not only  measure the hacker experience, but also improve it. This includes quarterly hacker experience surveys, proactive outreach, and various learning initiatives. Additionally, one of the lesser-known ways that  we engage directly with hackers on our platform is through the Hacker Advisory Board, or HAB, for short.

In this post, you will learn all about our HAB, including what it is, how it works, why we have one, and how you can get involved. 

What is the HAB?

Our HAB is a small, diverse team of Bugcrowd hackers who are actively engaged with both our platform and the hacking community at large. These folks are not just experienced or long-time hackers—they are natural thought leaders who bring a wealth of practical knowledge, fresh approaches, and first-hand perspectives on being a hacker in today’s day and age. 

Their role is to provide first-hand insights into the Bugcrowd hacker experience, offer candid feedback on platform features and improvements, and participate in focused discussions to help guide Bugcrowd’s decisions and direction.

How does it work?

The HAB operates in a structured yet flexible approach that includes:

  • Focus groups: Members participate in regular focus group sessions where we discuss their latest experiences with Bugcrowd, identify pain points, and propose enhancements. These discussions are vital for continuous improvement and innovation. For example, discussions with our HAB directly affected our leaderboard enhancements. 
  • Feedback sessions: Advisory board members provide detailed feedback on new features and updates. Their insights help us refine our platform and ensure that we are meeting the needs of our diverse hacker population.
  • Strategic input: HAB members also contribute to our strategic planning by offering recommendations on how we can best serve our hacker community, as well as help us with innovation and organizing our execution. 

Why do we have a HAB?

Hacker experience initiatives, such as the ones deployed in the HAB, are integral to our work for several reasons:

  1. Expert insights: Nobody knows the needs of hackers better than hackers themselves. Our HAB members are at the forefront of this industry, and their practical knowledge provides invaluable insights into  our platform’s usability and effectiveness.
  2. Diverse perspectives: By bringing together hackers from various backgrounds, regions, and focus areas, we ensure that our platform evolves to meet the needs of a broad range of users and cybersecurity challenges.
  3. Community engagement: The HAB fosters a sense of community and collaboration, bridging the gap between our teams and the hackers who use our platform. This type of partnership helps us build trust with our community, and ensures that our decisions are aligned with the needs of the hacker community.

What happens during, after, and in-between HAB sessions? 

During:

  • Interactive discussions: Each hour-long HAB session is designed to be highly interactive. Members share their experiences, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions (like a think tank, but with a lot more pizza and better memes).
  • Real-time feedback: We present new feature ideas or enhancements, and receive immediate feedback from our HAB members. This live exchange helps us understand how changes may impact hackers and the adjustments that may be needed.
  • Problem solving: We also often tackle specific issues or scenarios with HAB members, such as Live Hacking Events and Learning and Development initiatives. This allows us to problem-solve together, and often leads us to great new ideas and stronger solutions.

After:

  • Actionable insights: Post-session, the Hacker Success Team reviews all feedback and notes, and compiles an Executive Report detailing our learnings from the session. During this process, we are able to summarize key needs and prioritize actionable items, ensuring that critical points raised by HAB members are addressed appropriately and promptly.
  • Implementation: This report is then shared with the entire company, including our executive leadership. This allows the entire organization to be aware of the issues facing hackers today, and enables us to start thinking about new features we would like to develop, existing tools we need to refine, and more ways in which we can serve the hacker community. We keep the advisory board updated on any progress we make to maintain transparency and show the ways in which their input is driving real change.

In-between:

  • Ongoing engagement: HAB members remain engaged with us through a dedicated channel in BC Buzz, our Slack workspace. They continue to regularly provide informal feedback on a number of topics, including platform bugs, hacking events, and community discussions.
  • Preparation for the next session: The Hacker Success Team prepares for future HAB sessions by reviewing past sessions, analyzing the status and impact of implemented changes, and identifying new topics for discussion. 

How can I get involved in the HAB?

If you’re passionate about our platform and the broader hacker community, here’s how you can get involved:

  1. Join our platform: This one’s easy! 😛Start by signing up on our platform and actively participating in our programs and community. 
  2. Demonstrate commitment and expertise: Showcase your skills and knowledge by hacking on our platform. Submitting high-quality work, sharing thoughtful feedback, and actively participating in community discussions can help you stand out as a potential advisory board member.
  3. Express your interest: Keep an eye on announcements regarding HAB openings or application periods. At the end of each calendar year, we open applications up for new members to bring in fresh perspectives.
  4. Engage in discussions: Join community spaces, contribute to discussions, and participate in our quarterly Hacker Experience Surveys, special events and activities, along with other feedback opportunities. Even if you’re not a member of the HAB at this time, your input is invaluable and may directly influence platform improvements.

Closing thoughts

Our Hacker Advisory Board is more than just a group of experts—it’s a collaborative force driving the evolution of the Bugcrowd platform, as well as the broader cybersecurity landscape. Through the HAB’s unique insights, candid feedback, and direct engagement, HAB members help us create a more effective, inclusive, and forward-thinking space for all hackers to enjoy.

We are so proud to have such a dedicated group of hackers shaping our platform experience, and we encourage all of you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re an aspiring HAB member, or an active member of our community, your contributions play a key role in our collective success. Together, we can accomplish so much, and we can’t wait to do just that. 🧡

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