That is, if you are a hacker by trade. Azure Sphere is the latest Microsoft platform to go up for the challenge, as the company has set aside a $100,000 bounty for exposing its vulnerabilities.
Officially launched as the Azure Sphere Research Challenge, this one offers approved security researchers this hefty award for identifying dangerous exploits that could have a potential impact on the security of Azure Sphere.
Which is, as you know, the company’s Linux based platform for IoT devices.
Azure Sphere officially saw daylight in February 2020, when it finally became available for users after years of development. Now, Microsoft is ready to hand the reins to select hackers and allow them probe the platform for vulnerabilities.
As noted in the announcement:
“By expanding the Azure Security Lab, we’re providing more content and resources to better arm security researchers with the tools needed to research high-impact vulnerabilities in the cloud.”
The challenge itself is an event that will last three months, and will run from June 1 to August 31. Individuals must submit an application before May 15, 2020, and Microsoft will review applications each week and notify those who have been accepted via email.
If you do get approved, Redmond will provide you with an Azure Sphere development kit, Azure Sphere product documentation, access to its products and services, as well as direct communication with the team at Microsoft.
The company is also tapping select security firms to participate.
These include the likes of renowned organizations like Avira, Baidu International Technology, Bitdefender, Bugcrowd, Cisco Talos, ESET, FireEye, F-Secure Corporation, HackerOne, K7 Computing, McAfee, Palo Alto Networks and Zscaler.
To earn this six-figure reward, researchers must successfully execute code on Azure Pluton or Azure Secure World. That simple.
So, you know, get working, if you’re into these types of things.
