WASHINGTON DC – The Defense Department is tired of all the Russian, Chinese, Eastern European and worldwide organized crime black hats hacking the Pentagon. So now it is offering an undisclosed bounty to qualified security pros – white hats – to do what the bad guys have done at will for years.
News of the bug bounty program follows news reports that the DOD plans to hire private contractors to develop a $600 million-plus computer system for a new background check agency. Seems the DOD is finally getting serious about cyber security.
Cyberattacks have been a growing problem for the United States in recent years with hackers breaking into key government sites, including the Pentagon. As hackers use more sophisticated methods, the feds needs to find more innovative ways to shore up its cybersecurity defenses.
The pilot program isn’t open to just anyone. Hackers and researchers will have to register and submit to a background check. The program itself will be limited to only certain websites. Networks that are part of mission-critical systems will be off limits. Participants could be in store for financial rewards along with recognition of their achievement, said the department. Apparently the rest of the details will be disclosed next month.
The challenge is consistent with the White House’s Cyber National Action Plan. Unveiled by the Obama administration in February, this plan will pour more than $19 billion into cybersecurity in an attempt to better defend the government, the private sector and American citizens from cyberthreats.
