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DoD Announces New Bug Bounty Program Called Hack the Pentagon (npr.org)

Posted by yaelk on from the hack-the-pentagon dept.

Quince alPillan writes: Announcing what it calls "the first cyber bug bounty program in the history of the federal government," the Department of Defense says it's inviting vetted hackers to test the security of its web pages and networks. Vetted hackers will need to pass a background check and will be attacking a predetermined system that is not a part of critical operations. This program is being put together by the Digital Defense Service, launched last fall.

4 of 62 comments (clear)

  1. Not to point out the obvious but by nehumanuscrede · · Score: 2

    The financial payoff is likely to be several orders of magnitude higher if you figure out how to hack ANY Department of Defense network and sell it on the black market vs working for the USG and pointing out the same flaws.

    If the USG is serious about such a program, they might want to take this into consideration.

    1. Re:Not to point out the obvious but by arth1 · · Score: 2

      Plus, you know, treason.

      Well, if you're not a citizen, you can't be charged with treason, can you?

  2. Re:Wait by arth1 · · Score: 2

    Are they going to clarify why a background check is required for people to test the security of their systems?

    I can think of two reasons:

    1: They have shown that a core interest is to protect what they're doing from the view of law-abiding citizens, so it makes sense to test it against law-abading citizens.

    2: Republicans would cry foul if they paid out prize money to anyone with a criminal history. All punishment must be based on revenge because the bible says so, disproportionate because it gets their rocks off, eternal, so they can continue to feel superior, and rehabilitation is ungodly commie speak.

  3. Dont ask what your country can do for you... by mongothesecond · · Score: 2

    The article says, "According to DDS Director Chris Lynch, "Bringing in the best talent, technology and processes from the private sector..." Because the best are just waiting to volunteer to work without clear compensation.