Apple Boosts Security Bounty Program — You Could Earn Up to $5 Million
Apple is revamping its Security Bounty Program, giving ethical hackers and cybersecurity researchers the chance to become millionaires. The tech giant is now offering rewards of up to $5 million for uncovering major vulnerabilities in its software, including Safari, iOS, and other platforms.
While bug bounty programs are not new—Google and other tech companies have long rewarded researchers for reporting security flaws—Apple’s latest upgrade, rolling out in November, significantly increases the stakes.
What’s New in Apple’s Security Rewards?
Under the revised terms:
- Researchers can earn up to $1 million (previously $250,000) for discovering vulnerabilities that can be exploited with a single click.
- Attacks that require close proximity to a target device can also fetch up to $1 million.
- Vulnerabilities that need physical access to a device carry rewards of up to $500,000.
- Those who expose sandbox exploit loopholes can receive up to $300,000.
These updates reflect Apple’s growing focus on combating spyware and zero-day exploits. In recent months, the company has rolled out features like Lockdown Mode, which activates when a zero-day spyware threat is detected on an iPhone.
Apple’s Track Record and Vision
So far, Apple has paid out more than $35 million to over 800 researchers through the program. The enhanced rewards aim to further strengthen Apple’s defenses by encouraging top-tier talent to find and responsibly disclose vulnerabilities.
Known for its strong stance on privacy and security, Apple’s decision to double down on its bounty program not only reinforces user trust but also opens lucrative opportunities for cybersecurity experts. For some, finding the right bug could mean walking away as a millionaire overnight.
