Google just launched a special program that allows would-be hackers to find security flaws within Android and be paid for their discoveries. Many people believe the Android mobile operating system is inundated with security issues, and Google hopes to change that. However, the search giant needs help to get there.
Android’s reward program
The new Android Security Rewards program will offer incentives to people who find and report issues in their spare time. According to lead Android Security engineer Adrian Ludwig, Google is far more interested in finding solutions instead of bugs. That is why they offer a unique program that pays a small fee to people who find bugs and pay the same amount to people who write small handfuls of code. Google’s reward system is based on the severity level of the reported bugs.
Google to reward hackers
If the person goes through a more extensive report, the reward level goes up. Such extensive reports are complete with details on how the code was reproduced, how it was tested, and what measures were taken to patch it up
Google’s latest attempt isn’t new. The tech giant previously launched a similar program awhile back for the Chrome operating system, as well as other similar programs. Ludwig added:
“The basic model is that when someone reports an issue to us, we confirm that it’s a real issue. As soon as we confirm that it’s a real issue, we will have them register as a supplier. They go ahead and register, and then we pay them out, and that will happen almost immediately.”
Although the program is not a foolproof way to keep the Android platform safe from hackers, it is a start, and that is what matters. It also proves Google is actively doing something to ensure users that Android is safe.
