If you think you can hack a Chromebook, Google is offering US$100,000 (about RM412,000) to anyone that can do just that. Previously, the reward was set at US$50,000 (approximately RM206,000), but after receiving zero successful submission, the Internet giant decided to double the reward.
The US$100,000 reward is given to those who can “compromise a Chromebook or Chromebox with device persistence in guest mode.” As far as we can tell…that’s the only requirement to receive the hefty reward money, not that it is an easy task to accomplish by any means.
Other than that, Google has also added a “Download Protection Bypass bounty.” According to the company, this new reward program is given out to anyone that can “bypass Chrome’s Safe Browsing download protection features.” Google has an elaborate description on the new category – along with the reward structure – here.
Ever since the launch of its Vulnerability Reward Program in 2010, Google has paid more than US$6 million (about RM24.7 million) to security researchers who have contributed to the program. In 2015 alone, Google has given US$2 million (approximately RM8.2 million) to these contributors. Needless to say, the company takes security very seriously.
Offering reward money to individuals who manage to find a vulnerability or exploit with an operating system is certainly a smart move, albeit not exactly new. If your interest is piqued, more information on Google’s Vulnerability Reward Program can be found here and here.
(Source: Google Security Blog via VentureBeat)
