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Google Offers Larger Sum of Money for Reporting Significant Bugs

By June 15, 2013March 6th, 2023Technology News

Google has always offered cash to those who report vulnerabilities and bugs that could result in an exploitation of a Google product, but as the reports began to trickle in, the search engine giant decided to up the ante.

In general, the amount for reporting a bug has more than doubled from the previous $3,1333.70 to $7,500 when reporting a bug from Google Accounts. For Google Wallet and Gmail the reward has actually tripled, making a bug report worth $5,000. Significant authentication bypasses and information leaks was also bumped up to $7,500.

“Our vulnerability reward programs have been very successful in helping us fix more bugs and better protect our users while also strengthening our relationships with security researchers,” said the Online Security Blog Google runs.

This program has led to the identification of 1,500 vulnerabilities across all of Google’s services, resulting in over $800,000 in payout by Google to around 250 people. Most, but not all, of these vulnerabilities were found my security research teams.

Chris Forte

Chris Forte, President and CEO of Olmec Systems, has been in the MSP workspace for the past 25 years. Chris earned his Master’s Degree from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He was a past member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a current member of the New Jersey Power Partners and Executive Association of New Jersey, where he has previously served on its board of directors. In his spare time, Chris enjoys traveling with his family. He also admits to being a struggling golfer and avid watcher of college football and basketball. He currently lives in Boonton Township, NJ with his wife, two daughters, son, and black lab Luna.