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Microsoft Launches Zero Day Qu...Submissions could earn multiplied bounty awards and potentially secure an invitation to the 2025 onsite hacking event
At its Ignite annual conference in Chicago, Microsoft unveiled Zero Day Quest, an ambitious new hacking initiative aimed at enhancing the security of its cloud and AI platforms. Starting today, the event kicks off with a research challenge inviting participants to identify vulnerabilities in specific scenarios. Submissions could earn multiplied bounty awards and potentially secure an invitation to the 2025 onsite hacking event at Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington headquarters. The challenge runs from November 19, 2024, to January 19, 2025.
In tandem, Microsoft is doubling bounty awards for AI vulnerabilities reported by security researchers. Participants will gain direct access to Microsoft’s AI engineers and its AI Red Team, reflecting the company’s intensified focus on fortifying its AI infrastructure. These initiatives align with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), launched in November 2023 to address cybersecurity concerns raised by a critical U.S. Department of Homeland Security report. The timing is crucial. Microsoft faced backlash earlier this year when Chinese hackers exploited vulnerabilities in its cloud-based Exchange email platform, compromising 60,000 U.S. State Department emails. Additionally, Microsoft announced a new administrator protection feature for Windows 11 devices, now available in preview. The feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring Windows Hello authentication to access critical system resources.
Through Zero Day Quest and other measures, Microsoft aims to reinforce its security posture while addressing past vulnerabilities to regain trust in its products.