26 of the world's most expensive bug bounty programs

Bug bounty programs help discover problems (bugs and vulnerabilities) in websites, services, and products offered by organizations.

But how can this happen? What is it? Why do organizations have them?

We discuss this here, along with a list of bug bounty platforms built by the world’s largest technology companies.

What is the bug bounty program?

The Bug Bounty Program rewards independent researchers and ethical hackers who discover bugs and security vulnerabilities in our services/websites.

Bug bounty programs are a great place for security researchers and hackers to test their skills. It has the feel of a public competition, where you use your skills to compete for prize money.

Depending on your activities, it could eventually become a full-time job. And for some, it can be a rewarding side hustle.

These platforms typically offer large cash rewards for reporting serious issues within their services.

It’s also important to note that there are two different bug bounty platforms. Some companies prefer to build their own platforms, while others use existing third-party bug bounty platforms and add the aforementioned reward objectives/tasks.

However, some reports have a set of minimum requirements to qualify for the report. Therefore, not every bug you report will earn you a reward.

It’s helpful to read the rules and guidelines for bug bounty programs before deciding whether to invest your time.

Why does my organization have a bug bounty platform?

We’ve found that bug bounty programs allow any organization to engage independent security researchers (or experts they don’t directly employ) to find bugs and vulnerabilities in their products and websites.

But why do large companies need bug bounty programs?

Don’t you already have skilled employees who are constantly improving your service?

Technically yes. However, the purpose of creating a bug bounty platform is to get more security researchers to audit or test the service (for free).

that’s right.

A whole community of ethical hackers and researchers tests the service and provides feedback through reports.

You don’t have to pay upfront for the work.

Companies pay rewards (often profits) only when individuals submit valid bug or security reports.

Overall, bug bounty programs are beneficial for companies to improve their products, and they can benefit ethical hackers and researchers as well.

So this is a win-win scenario.

Largest bug bounty program

There are countless bug bounty programs around the world. Here we will focus on some of the most famous programs available.

Please note that each program has different rules regarding eligibility and rewards. Some offer rewards and recognition for software-based issues, while others involve hardware. Therefore, be sure to review the eligibility criteria, the rules for eligible reporting, and the types of vulnerabilities eligible for the prize.

Apple security bounty

Apple Security Bounty is one of the largest platforms for ethical hackers. We are offering up to $1,000,000 ($1,000,000) in rewards for various security issues on iCloud and its smartphones.

In addition to the reward money, your work will be highly appreciated by the public by engaging with Apple while writing a successful report.

They also make bounty payments to some eligible charities, which is a good thing.

meta bug bounty

Meta (formerly Facebook) also has a bug bounty program (also known as Whitehat) .

Rewards can reach up to $45,000. Depending on the severity of the bug, the prize could be much larger (or much smaller).

Meta will express our gratitude by publishing the names of all security researchers. You can find credits for researchers since 2011.

In addition to that, we also offer a loyalty program where you can double your rewards (up to 20%) and earn sponsored trips/trips to hacker events with Meta.

Google Bug Hunter

The Bug Hunters bounty program allows you to report issues across multiple Google domains/services (YouTube, Blogger, etc.).

For special reports, awards can be up to $30,000 or more.

It also has a learning platform where you can get inspiration and goals from existing examples and learn as you go.

Microsoft bug bounty

Microsoft’s bug bounty program provides ample opportunity to contribute and get recognized for your work.

Rewards can be up to $1 million or more, depending on the severity and type of report.

Mozilla Security Bug Bounty

Mozilla’s security program is an exciting platform for researchers. His predicted prize money has not been made public, but his name will be on the Hall of Fame list.

Twitter

Unlike other companies, Twitter uses third-party bug bounty platforms to allow researchers to participate. Minimum rewards start at $280 and go up to $20,000.

It also includes the HackerOne Platform Hall of Fame to recognize qualified researchers.

Uber

Uber’s bug bounty program also relies on HackerOne, and you can earn up to $15,000 for critical reports, earning you a spot in the Hall of Fame.

tesla

Tesla’s bug bounty program can be found at Bugcrowd, yet another third-party bug bounty platform.

Bounties range up to $15,000 per vulnerability, subject to eligibility criteria.

Intel bug bounty

Intel’s bug bounty program is listed on the initigriti platform . This is a unique opportunity for researchers to uncover problems in software, firmware, and Intel hardware.

Rewards can reach up to $100,000.

Tencent Security Response Center

Tencent’s bug bounty program covers various assets such as WeChat, QQ, Tencent’s websites, domains, and several other applications owned by them.

Compensation may not be the highest, but can range up to $3,800 for material disclosures. You get a Hall of Fame board.

Samsung Rewards Program

The Samsung Rewards Program is a bug bounty program for Samsung’s mobile products.

Considering your report is eligible, the award could be up to $200,000 or more, depending on the severity of the issue. You can also report using the official website , but we rely on Bugcrowd to process payments and contact researchers.

cisco meraki

Cisco’s enterprise-focused, cloud-controlled WiFi, routing, and security products and services use Bugcrowd for their bug bounty programs. If you think of this as a professional service, the work and skills required to uncover the problem can be challenging or even exciting.

For serious matters, awards can reach up to $10,000.

Netflix Bug Bounty

Netflix’s bug bounty program is also available on Bugcrowd, which lists all domains/services eligible for testing/reporting.

Bounties can reach up to $20,000 per vulnerability.

paypal

Paypal’s bug bounty program is powered by the HackerOne platform. You will also need to enable two-factor authentication to participate.

For critical vulnerability reports, the reward is up to $20,000.

Intuit Bug Bounty

Intuit, the company behind products such as QuickBooks, TurboTax, and Mint, offers the ability to submit reports using a form on its official website and on HackerOne .

At HackerOne, our bug bounty program is private. Therefore, you must log into your account to confirm and participate.

Shopify

Shopify, one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, has HackerOne’s bug bounty program that awards up to $50,000 in bounties for severe vulnerabilities.

alibaba

Alibaba’s BugBounty program covers most of the websites/services owned by Alibaba . If you submit a vulnerability report through the official website, you can expect a reward of up to $2,500.

sound cloud

Soundcloud, one of the largest open audio platforms, offers a Bugcrowd-based bug bounty program with up to $4,500 in bounties for reported critical vulnerabilities.

You can get the usual hall of fame on bugcrowd.

airbnb

Airbnb is offering up to $15,000 in rewards through its HackerOne bug bounty platform . We also run promotions to encourage hackers to tackle new critical vulnerabilities while offering 50% bonuses.

Booking.com

Booking.com does not disclose specific details about HackerOne (other than the targeted domain).

You can contact our security team through HackerOne’s Disclosure Assistance Program.

xiaomi

Xiaomi uses HackerOne for its bug bounty program . The program covers several services for researchers and includes prizes of up to $8,000 for critical vulnerabilities in business products, plus special rewards and bonuses.

square

Square is a POS application that can be used on smartphones. Bugcrowd offers bounties of up to $5,000 through Bugcrowd’s bug bounty program for reporting critical vulnerabilities in its apps/websites.

Nintendo

Nintendo’s bug bounty program helps uncover player cheating, game piracy, and other technical issues.

Rewards can reach up to $12,000.

coinbase

Coinbase is a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform. Through HackerOne, we offer a bug bounty program that offers rewards up to $50,000.

cloudflare

Cloudflare provides most of the essential services that help internet companies protect and improve their services on the web. HackerOne ‘s bug bounty program describes the different issues researchers can look for, as well as links to all the documentation you need.

For serious matters, awards can reach up to $3,000.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s bug bounty program is probably the largest of any other VPN service provider.

In addition to regular rewards of up to $2,500, you’ll also receive a one-time bonus of up to $1,00,000 for being the first to report a remote code execution vulnerability or issue that exposes a client’s IP address .

Exploring, Rewarding, and Evaluating Bugs

Given that bug bounty programs give ethical hackers a place to test their skills, it seems like a good idea for independent researchers and companies to improve their services.

It is very important to follow the rules/guidelines stated in the bug bounty program. If you don’t meet the standards, you will be wasting your time and your report will not be eligible for compensation.

You may also be interested in the Ethical Hacker Training Center.