Microsoft Launches Groundbreaking Hacking Challenge: Zero Day Quest
Microsoft is shaking things up in the world of cybersecurity with the announcement of Zero Day Quest, a unique hacking event designed specifically for security researchers. This open challenge aims to uncover significant vulnerabilities in some of Microsoft’s most vital products, including Microsoft AI, Azure, Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and M365.
What Is Zero Day Quest?
Kicking off on November 1, 2023, and running through January 19, 2025, Zero Day Quest invites researchers from all backgrounds to participate in this exciting quest for security. The program will reward those who report critical bugs, aligning with existing bounty program terms, safe harbor policies, and additional conditions.
Microsoft hopes this initiative will foster collaboration between the security community and its engineering teams. It’s an excellent opportunity for researchers to contribute to the safety and security of countless users.
A Special Invitation: A Chance to Join the Best
To sweeten the deal, Microsoft will roll out an all-expenses-paid onsite event in Washington, D.C., for the top 45 researchers, determined by the total bounty awarded. Furthermore, an additional treat awaits: the 10 highest-ranking researchers from the 2024 Azure, Dynamics, and Office leaderboards will also be on the guest list.
Doubling Down on AI Security
In light of rising concerns surrounding AI security, Microsoft announced that bounties for discovering AI-related vulnerabilities will be doubled. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to tackling the evolving challenges in technological security. Alongside the increased AI bounties, there are also multipliers available for identifying critical Remote Code Execution and Elevation of Privilege flaws.
“This new hacking event will be the largest of its kind, with an additional $4 million in potential awards for research into high-impact areas, specifically cloud and AI,” said Tom Gallagher, VP of Engineering for Microsoft Security Response Center. This remarkable funding highlights Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing its security landscape.
A Call for Community Collaboration
The Zero Day Quest isn’t just an opportunity for bug hunters; it’s a call to arms for all security enthusiasts. Microsoft envisions this event as a way to unite the best minds in the industry, promoting shared learning and collaboration with their engineers. This initiative not only reflects the company’s desire for stronger security measures but also highlights a collective approach towards safeguarding users and developers alike.
Join the Quest and Stay Informed
With the countdown to the launch of Zero Day Quest underway, it’s an exciting time for cybersecurity enthusiasts and researchers. This event is more than just a bounty program—it’s a significant step in the ongoing mission to secure AI and cloud technologies.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts!
