Apple has expanded its bug bounty program, offering rewards of up to $5 million for identifying critical security vulnerabilities in iOS and Safari’s Lockdown Mode.
Apple is significantly ramping up its efforts to enhance security by expanding its bug bounty program, now offering rewards ranging from $2 million to $5 million for those who can identify and report critical vulnerabilities in its iOS ecosystem. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, particularly those targeting iPhones and iPads.
The tech giant has identified “mercenary spyware” attacks as the only real hacks affecting iPhones in the wild, and it is determined to eliminate these threats. By incentivizing ethical hackers and security researchers, Apple aims to uncover flaws before malicious actors can exploit them.
Initially launched in 2016 as an invite-only program, Apple’s bug bounty initiative was later opened to all security researchers. The recent update, announced in October, underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to making its devices more secure. Apple has already paid out $35 million to over 800 researchers who have contributed to enhancing the safety of its products.
The maximum payout of $2 million is reserved for the most severe and technically complex vulnerabilities, particularly those involving zero-click, zero-day exploits. These types of flaws do not require user interaction and can bypass security measures such as Lockdown Mode. In addition to the base rewards, Apple also offers bonus payments for vulnerabilities discovered in beta versions of iOS or those that expose critical user data.
In some instances, total payouts can exceed $5 million, especially when a full exploit chain is demonstrated or if the issue involves spyware-level intrusion tactics. This makes Apple’s bug bounty program one of the most lucrative in the tech industry.
However, the company has established strict guidelines for participation. Researchers are required to adhere to responsible disclosure protocols, provide clear proof of concept, and ensure that their testing does not harm users or violate privacy laws. All submissions are carefully reviewed by Apple’s security team.
By dramatically increasing the stakes, Apple hopes to attract the attention of top security experts and stay ahead of nation-state-level cyber threats. The expanded program sends a clear message: finding and reporting iOS bugs responsibly can be both ethical and financially rewarding.
With the potential for payouts reaching up to $5 million, Apple is not merely defending its products; it is investing in a global network of ethical hackers to proactively identify threats before they can be exploited. This crowdsourced approach allows Apple to leverage some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity, reinforcing its reputation for privacy and device protection.
While the high rewards may capture headlines, the true value lies in enhancing the safety of millions of users worldwide. The program also emphasizes the growing importance of responsible disclosure and the ethical role of security research in today’s tech landscape.
As cyber threats become increasingly advanced and targeted, particularly from spyware and state-sponsored actors, Apple’s initiative sets a high standard for collaborative defense and responsible innovation across the industry.
Source: Original article