Google is paying twice as much for help detecting vulnerabilities in smart homes and wearables.
Google's Vulnerability Rewards Program (or VRP) has been slowly churning away for almost a decade, and the website was recently relaunched with gamification components like leaderboards and medals, as well as new tutorials, to commemorate the occasion. Overall, it appears to be a successful initiative: in 2021, Google paid out USD8.7 million to individuals who discovered bugs, with 696 researchers in 62 countries receiving payment, up from USD6.7 million in 2020. Google is also offering double the prizes for valid reports on Google Nest and Fitbit devices, making the programme even more appealing.
These double rewards apply retroactively, so any eligible reports submitted to Google in 2021 can also earn those big bucks. This backs up the company's commitment to 5 years of support for Nest devices, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind, the biggest being that this new double bonus will only last for 6 months. All other bug reports will continue to earn their existing reward levels.
To help streamline the process, Google is also bringing all its first-party devices together in the Android and Google Devices Security Reward Program. This was previously known as the Android Security Reward Program, which focused on Pixel phones — to that Google's now adding the following devices:
Google Nest
- Cameras & Doorbells: Nest Cam (battery), Nest Cam (wired), Nest Doorbell (battery), Nest Doorbell (wired)
- Speakers: Nest Mini (2nd gen), Nest Audio
- Displays: Nest Hub Max, Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Thermostats: Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat
- Wi-Fi: Google WiFi, Nest WiFi
- Streaming: Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast
- Smoke & CO alarm: Nest Protect
- Door lock: Nest x Yale Lock
Fitbit
- Smartwatches: Versa 3, Sense
- Trackers: Luxe, Inspire 2, Charge 5
Not only are the increased rewards are a fantastic incentive, the VRP is now easier than ever to join since its overhaul last year. If you're curious what getting involved might entail (even if you're a beginner), Google's Bug Hunter University provides some great resources to help get you started.
( Details and picture courtesy from Source, the content is auto-generated from RSS feed.)
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