Earn Big with Tech Giants Bug Bounty Programs

As cyber threats get increasingly complex, tech companies are turning to ethical hackers to protect their systems. Bug bounty programs offered by Amazon, Apple, and Google provide a win-win solution by allowing hackers to earn significant rewards for discovering vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them. These programs are now indispensable for strengthening cybersecurity while keeping billions of users safe. Here, we will dive into five of the most lucrative bug bounty programs offered by major tech giants, breaking down the rewards, the types of vulnerabilities they seek, and how to access them.  

Apple Security Bounty Program  

Overview: Renowned for its high-value rewards, Apple’s Security Bounty Program targets vulnerabilities across its entire ecosystem—including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and iCloud. Apple values critical system security, offering some of the highest payouts in the industry.  

Bounty: Ranging from $5,000 to $1 million (£4,000 to £800,000). The top-tier rewards are typically for finding remote code execution vulnerabilities that don’t require user interaction, particularly those impacting sensitive data like iCloud.  

Vulnerabilities sought: Apple’s program focuses on:  

• Vulnerabilities in beta releases of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.  

• Exploits that involve sensitive user data (e.g., unauthorised access to iCloud data).  

• Security bypasses or escalation of privilege vulnerabilities.  

Where to access: Apple hosts its program on its own Apple Developer page rather than using third-party platforms.  

Microsoft Bug Bounty Program  

Overview: Microsoft has several bug bounty programs that cover a broad range of products, from Office and Windows to Azure cloud services. The programs have separate bounties for various products with distinct criteria and payout amounts.  

Bounty: Between $500 and $250,000 (£400 to £200,000). Azure vulnerabilities, particularly those involving remote code execution or identity theft, are often among the highest paid.  

Vulnerabilities sought: Microsoft’s programs focus on:  

• Security flaws in Microsoft Azure (identity theft, remote code execution).  

• Vulnerabilities in Windows Insider Previews (to preemptively improve security).  

• Other products include Microsoft Edge, Office 365, and Dynamics 365.  

Where to access: Microsoft’s bug bounty details are available on its Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) page. Programs like Azure Bounty can also be accessed through Bugcrowd.  

Google Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP)  

Overview: Google’s VRP is well-known for its extensive scope and significant payouts. Covering everything from Chrome to Android and Google Cloud, the VRP is among the most active programs in the industry.

Bounty: Between $100 and $1 million (£80 to £800,000). The rewards scale is based on the severity and exploitability of the vulnerability, with Android exploits often fetching the highest rewards.  

Vulnerabilities sought: Key areas include:  

• High-impact bugs in Google Cloud, Chrome, and Android.  

• Data leaks and unauthorised access to sensitive information in Google services.  

• Zero-click exploits that don’t require user interaction.  

Where to access: Google hosts the VRP directly on its site, but the Chrome Vulnerability Program can also be accessed through HackerOne.  

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security Program  

Overview: Amazon’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) bounty program focuses exclusively on its cloud platform, prioritising security for the infrastructure that powers some of the world’s most significant online services. Due to the program’s stringent criteria, AWS-specific vulnerabilities tend to yield high rewards.  

Bounty: Between $100 and $20,000 (£80 to £16,000). The size of the reward depends on the potential impact, with critical infrastructure issues receiving the highest payments.  

Vulnerabilities sought: AWS prioritises:  

• Privilege escalations, unauthorised access, and data exfiltration in AWS environments.  

• Bugs that could compromise tenant isolation (one of AWS’s core security principles).  

• Critical vulnerabilities impacting Identity and Access Management (IAM) services.  

Where to access: While Amazon runs this program on its AWS Security page, you can also find details on Bugcrowd.  

Meta (Facebook) Bug Bounty Program  

Overview: Meta’s bug bounty program spans its entire family of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. With a significant emphasis on user data protection, Meta rewards hackers who identify vulnerabilities compromising user privacy or app security.  

Bounty: Between $500 and $80,000(£400 to £64,000), with higher payouts for vulnerabilities that enable remote code execution or unauthorised data access.  

Vulnerabilities sought: Meta seeks reports on:  

• Security issues in its core applications, like remote code execution and bypassing privacy controls.  

• Cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection attacks.  

• Vulnerabilities that could expose user data to unauthorised access.  

Where to access: Meta runs this program directly on its own meta bug bounty page, which is also hosted on HackerOne. There, they also regularly update the list of accepted vulnerabilities.  

How to access bug bounty programs  

Most of these bug bounty programs are easily accessible through prominent platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd, where hackers may browse the full scope of each program, report bugs, and track their progress. For instance, Meta and Google’s Chrome Programs are accessible on HackerOne, while Microsoft and AWS are featured on Bugcrowd. Some companies, like Apple and Amazon, host their programs independently, requiring hackers to go directly to their dedicated security pages to participate.  

When finding bug bounty programs from various tech giants, HackerOne and Bugcrowd are excellent places for aspiring ethical hackers to begin their search. These platforms also provide training and helpful resources for those who want to hone their hacking skills before diving into larger-scale programs.  

Distilled  

Demand for cybersecurity keeps skyrocketing, and with it, the popularity of bug bounty programs provided by major IT companies. Setting the bar high, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta offer top rewards and incentives to safeguard their platforms. Or ethical hackers, these programs provide both an income and an invaluable way to contribute to a more secure digital world.  Joining these bug bounty programs not only entitles you to lucrative rewards but also puts you at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, helping protect millions of users worldwide.