In 2021, Google paid $8.7 million to researchers to find security vulnerabilities in its products. The next year, it gave out $12 million. Since launching its bug bounty program in 2010, it has paid over $50 million in rewards.
Google is running another bug bounty program, compensating successful researchers. The new Mobile Vulnerability Rewards Program (VRP) aims to identify and fix security flaws in mobile apps.
Google's Bug Bounty Program Emphasizes Security
Google’s investment in its bug bounty program highlights its priority on security. It’s a proactive approach to securing digital platforms, ensuring customer data safety, and improving products.
The new Mobile VRP focuses on first-party Android apps, categorized into three tiers. The first tier includes Gmail, Chrome, and Google Cloud. Tiers 2 and 3 cover apps developed by Google's research division. Google prioritizes bugs enabling data theft and arbitrary code execution but also considers threats in exploit chains.
Rewards depend on flaw severity. Google offers up to $30,000 for remote code execution vulnerabilities. For tier 2 and 3 apps, the max payout is $25,000 and $20,000, respectively. The minimum reward is $500, while excellent writeups can earn a $1,000 bonus. The highest reward so far was $605,000 for an exploit chain with five vulnerabilities.
Proactive Measures Secure Digital Platforms
Google’s bug bounty program is one of the industry's largest security initiatives. Businesses can use similar measures to secure mobile apps and digital platforms, tapping external expertise to uncover overlooked threats. Addressing vulnerabilities early can protect businesses and customers from severe damage.
Frequently Asked Questions: Google's Mobile Vulnerability Rewards Program (VRP)
What is Google's Mobile Vulnerability Rewards Program (VRP)?
Google's Mobile VRP is a bug bounty program aimed at identifying and fixing security flaws in mobile apps, focusing on first-party Android apps.
How much has Google paid in bug bounties since 2010?
Google has paid over $50 million in rewards to bug hunters since launching its bounty program in 2010.
What are the three tiers of apps in Google's Mobile VRP?
The first tier includes crucial apps like Gmail, Chrome, and Google Cloud. Tiers 2 and 3 include apps developed by Google's research division.
What types of vulnerabilities is Google prioritizing?
Google prioritizes bugs that allow data theft and arbitrary code execution but also considers threats in exploit chains.
What is the maximum reward for finding a vulnerability?
Google offers up to $30,000 for remote code execution vulnerabilities in tier 1 apps. For tier 2 and 3, max payouts are $25,000 and $20,000.
What is the minimum reward for a qualifying report?
The minimum reward for a qualifying report is $500.
Can researchers earn bonuses?
Yes, researchers can earn a $1,000 bonus for excellent writeups.
What was Google's highest-ever bug bounty reward?
Google's highest reward was $605,000 for an exploit chain with five vulnerabilities.
Why does Google invest in bug bounty programs?
Google invests in bug bounty programs to prioritize security, quickly identify flaws, and continuously improve their products.
How can businesses benefit from similar programs?
Businesses can use bug bounty programs to tap external expertise, uncover security threats, and proactively fix vulnerabilities.
