This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Apple has taken a significant step in securing its iOS operating system by increasing the reward for finding vulnerabilities to a whopping $1 million.
Previously, the company offered $200,000 to selected researchers through its invite-only bug bounty program, which was launched in 2016. However, the new program is open to all researchers, and the reward has been significantly increased.
According to Forbes.com, the full $1 million will be awarded to researchers who can find a hack of the kernel—the core of iOS—with zero clicks required by the iPhone owner. Another $500,000 will be given to those who can find a 'network attack requiring no user interaction.'
There's also a 50% bonus for hackers who can find weaknesses in software before it's released. This move by Apple could be an attempt to stay ahead in the face of an increasingly profitable private market where hackers sell the same information to governments for vast sums.
Users have taken to social media and forums to voice their opinions on the matter, with some questioning whether Apple's move is mostly a PR stunt.
