Featured Image Credit: Annice Lyn / Contributor / Getty
Apple is taking the security and safety of its systems so seriously that they're willing to pay anyone who is able to break it, and you'll be entitled to a jaw dropping $5 million payout if you happen to be the one to fulfil the request.
One of Apple's biggest achievements is the security of its various devices, as while vulnerabilities can still appear from time to time, they're quickly patched out with an urgent security update that removes any need for concern across the user base.
While hackers can seemingly access your phone with a simple USB charging cable, getting into Apple's back end is notoriously difficult for cybercriminals, especially with constant evolution from the tech giant.
That doesn't mean that Apple is in any way complacent though, as it's shown a willingness to improve despite boasting impressive cybersecurity credentials, and a new initiative could land you with a $5 million reward if you find a vulnerability in the system.
Advert
As reported by Supercar Blondie, Apple's 'Security Bounty' is a new reward system that offers significant financial compensation for anyone that is able to identify a flaw that affects the company's devices, software or services.
"If you submit research for a security or privacy vulnerability, your report may be eligible for a reward," reads Apple's official page for the Security Bounty, adding that the program is "designed to recognize your work in helping us protect the security and privacy of our users."
It works as a double-edged sword, where someone who does find a security flaw might be motivated to notify Apple instead of exploiting it themselves due to the significant financial reward, but it also motivates many of the world's brightest tech minds to go on the hunt themselves, improving Apple's security in turn.
That $5 million figure isn't for any old bugs though, as it is specifically reserved for people who managed to crack the company's iOS beta software or Safari Lockdown Mode, which aim to be the two most important areas for security.
Lockdown Mode in particular is extra important, as it's designed to protect journalists, human rights workers, and other vulnerable individuals from hackers when they're doing what is often dangerous investigations, so it is Apple's priority to ensure that there's no cracks or flaws in the system here.
There are still a number of smaller bounties that could earn you anywhere between several hundred thousand dollars and figures in the millions, including 'zero-click' exploits, hacks that require a single tap, and even ways that people can access passcode-locked iPhones.
Ivan Krstić, Apple's head of security, has revealed that the company has already paid out over $35 million in over 800 Security Bounty reports, and it intends to keep the money flowing if it means that everyone in the Apple ecosystem has a safer experience.
