Microsoft Launches Zero Day Quest: A $4M Hackathon for AI and Cloud Security
Image Credit: Florian Olivo | Unsplash
For enhancing cybersecurity within the burgeoning fields of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, Microsoft has unveiled its latest initiative, Zero Day Quest. This in-person hacking event aims to engage the global security community in identifying and addressing critical vulnerabilities, reinforcing Microsoft's commitment to safeguarding its extensive suite of cloud and AI services.
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Zero Day Quest: Microsoft's New In-Person Hacking Event
Microsoft has announced the creation of Zero Day Quest, an ambitious hacking competition poised to become the largest of its kind. Building on the foundation of its established bug bounty program, Zero Day Quest seeks to incentivize security researchers to uncover and report high-impact security flaws. The event is designed to attract top-tier talent by offering substantial rewards and fostering direct collaboration with Microsoft's security teams.
Tom Gallagher, Vice President of Engineering at Microsoft’s Security Response Center, highlighted the scale and significance of the event: “Zero Day Quest will provide new opportunities for the security community to work hand in hand with Microsoft engineers and security researchers — bringing together the best minds in security to share, learn, and build community as we work to keep everyone safe”.
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Enhanced Bug Bounties and Incentives for AI Security
To underscore the importance of AI and cloud security, Microsoft is doubling the monetary awards available for AI-related bug discoveries. The company has allocated an additional $4 million in potential rewards, specifically targeting vulnerabilities that could compromise the integrity of cloud services and AI workloads. This substantial increase in funding underscores Microsoft's recognition of the critical role that robust security measures play in the deployment and advancement of AI technologies.
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Collaboration with Security Community and Microsoft Engineers
Zero Day Quest is not merely a competition but a collaborative effort that bridges the gap between external security researchers and Microsoft's internal security experts. By inviting researchers to Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, in 2025, Microsoft aims to create a synergistic environment where the brightest minds in cybersecurity can work together to identify and mitigate threats. This hands-on collaboration is expected to accelerate the discovery and resolution of vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security posture of Microsoft’s cloud and AI services.
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Transparency and Industry-Wide Security Improvements
In line with its dedication to transparency, Microsoft has committed to publicly sharing the details of discovered vulnerabilities once they are addressed. Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President of Security at Microsoft, emphasized this commitment: “As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we will share the details of the bugs once they are fixed so the whole industry can learn from them — after all, security is a team sport”.
Critical vulnerabilities will be reported through the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, ensuring that the wider tech community benefits from Microsoft's findings. This approach not only bolsters Microsoft's security measures but also contributes to the collective defense mechanisms employed across the industry.
Microsoft’s Comprehensive Security Transformation
The launch of Zero Day Quest comes amidst Microsoft’s largest-ever security transformation. Earlier this year, Microsoft elevated security to its highest priority across the organization, responding to a series of security challenges and a critical evaluation by the US Cyber Safety Review Board. This strategic shift reflects Microsoft's proactive stance in addressing evolving cybersecurity threats and its commitment to embedding security into every facet of its operations.
Launch of Security Exposure Management
In tandem with Zero Day Quest, Microsoft has introduced Security Exposure Management, a new tool designed to provide businesses with a comprehensive, graph-based view of their security landscape. This platform offers insights into login credentials, permissions, and other security-related elements, enabling organizations to identify and mitigate potential attack vectors more effectively. By offering such advanced tools, Microsoft empowers businesses to take a more proactive and informed approach to their cybersecurity strategies.
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Source: The Verge
