Apple Expands Bug Bounty Program
Apple has significantly expanded its Security Bounty program, now offering rewards of up to $5 million for researchers who uncover the most severe vulnerabilities in its ecosystem. The move highlights Apple’s ongoing commitment to keeping its devices and software secure, relying on outside experts to identify threats before malicious actors exploit them (Apple Security).
Since 2020, Apple has paid more than $35 million to over 800 reports, proving just how much the company values contributions from ethical hackers. While smaller bugs earn rewards in the hundreds of thousands, only the rarest exploit chains, such as Lockdown Mode bypasses or beta iOS exploits, qualify for the maximum payout.
Expanded Categories and Rewards
The revamped program introduces new categories and bonus structures:
- Zero-click exploit chains: Up to $2 million for attacks that can succeed without user interaction.
- Lockdown Mode bypasses: Additional rewards for exploits overcoming this advanced security feature.
- Beta software vulnerabilities: Bonus payouts for issues discovered in beta versions of iOS or Safari.
- Target Flags: A system to validate exploitability and accelerate payouts.
Apple’s approach ensures that security researchers are motivated to uncover high-risk vulnerabilities before they can be weaponized.
Apple vs. Industry Standards
Apple now offers some of the highest bug bounty payouts in the tech industry. For comparison:
- Google: $1 million
- Microsoft: $250,000
- Meta: $300,000
This demonstrates Apple’s commitment to prioritizing cybersecurity and encouraging responsible disclosure over the black-market sale of exploits (Tom’s Hardware).
The Role of Ethical Hackers
By offering substantial financial incentives, Apple encourages ethical hackers to work with the company rather than against it. This collaboration helps safeguard iPhone users globally and fosters a culture of responsible vulnerability disclosure within the cybersecurity community.
The program’s expansion also reflects Apple’s proactive stance on security, recognizing that external expertise is critical to identifying potential weaknesses in complex software and hardware systems.
