Ethical Hacking News
Microsoft has announced a $5M bug bounty offer for its Zero Day Quest 2026 live hacking contest, which will bring together top researchers from around the world to identify and exploit serious security flaws in cloud and AI systems. The contest promises to be even more lucrative than previous iterations, with a larger pool of potential bounty awards.
Microsoft announces its plans to host Zero Day Quest, a live hacking contest, in spring 2026 with a total bounty of up to $5 million. The contest will bring together top researchers from around the world for an opportunity to protect the world and earn financial incentives. Microsoft's Secure Future Initiative (SFI) aims to promote responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities and encourages researchers to share their findings publicly after fixes are applied. Cisco discloses a data breach in its CRM system due to a vishing attack, highlighting the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures. Data blindness can lead to costly breaches and reputational damage, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication in security incidents. SonicWall investigates a possible zero-day vulnerability in its products, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and proactive against emerging threats. A recent incident exposes vulnerabilities in NVIDIA's Triton server software, highlighting the need for organizations to prioritize patching and updating their software regularly.
Microsoft has once again announced its plans to host a live hacking contest, known as Zero Day Quest, in spring 2026. This event is expected to be even more lucrative than previous iterations, with a total bounty of up to $5 million on offer for researchers who can identify and exploit serious security flaws in cloud and AI systems.
The announcement was made by Microsoft's security response team, which has been actively engaging with the global cybersecurity community to identify potential vulnerabilities in its products. The company's commitment to transparency and collaboration is evident in its approach to Zero Day Quest, which will bring together top researchers from around the world for an opportunity to protect the world.
This year's contest promises to be even more ambitious than previous ones, with a larger pool of potential bounty awards. Researchers who submit vulnerabilities in Azure, Copilot, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Identity, or M365 will be eligible for a share of the total bounty. Top findings may also earn a +50% bonus, and researchers who participate in the contest will have the opportunity to collaborate with Microsoft's product teams and security experts at an exclusive live hacking event.
In addition to the financial incentives, Microsoft is also offering support to researchers through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI). This program aims to promote responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities and encourages researchers to share their findings publicly after fixes are applied. As part of SFI, Microsoft will disclose critical vulnerabilities through the CVE program, even if no user action is needed.
The zero-day bug bounty offers an opportunity for cybersecurity professionals to gain recognition for their skills and contributions to the security community. By participating in Zero Day Quest, researchers can also help advance the security of cloud and AI systems, which are increasingly becoming essential components of modern computing infrastructure.
Cisco Discloses CRM Data Breach via Vishing Attack
Meanwhile, another notable incident has been reported by Cisco, which disclosed a data breach in its customer relationship management (CRM) system. The breach was carried out through a vishing attack, which targeted employees and customers of the company.
The breach highlights the need for organizations to prioritize their cybersecurity posture and invest in robust security measures to protect against such attacks. It also underscores the importance of user education and awareness, as the attackers exploited social engineering tactics to gain access to sensitive information.
Exposed Without a Breach: The Cost of Data Blindness
In a related development, an article has highlighted the potential consequences of data blindness for organizations. Data blindness refers to the failure of organizations to acknowledge and address vulnerabilities in their systems.
The cost of data blindness can be significant, as it can lead to costly breaches and reputational damage. Moreover, the lack of transparency and communication can make it difficult for organizations to respond effectively to security incidents.
SonicWall Investigates Possible Zero-Day Amid Akira Ransomware Surge
Another incident has been reported by SonicWall, which is investigating a possible zero-day vulnerability in its products. The attackers are believed to be using the Akira ransomware strain, which has been linked to several high-profile breaches in recent months.
The investigation highlights the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats. It also underscores the need for organizations to invest in robust security measures to prevent such attacks from succeeding.
Chaining NVIDIA's Triton Server Flaws Exposes AI Systems to Remote Takeover
A recent incident has exposed significant vulnerabilities in NVIDIA's Triton server software, which is used to secure AI systems. The attackers were able to chain multiple vulnerabilities together to gain remote access to these systems.
The incident highlights the importance of patching and updating software regularly. It also underscores the need for organizations to prioritize their cybersecurity posture and invest in robust security measures to protect against such attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Microsoft-Ups-the-Stakes-5M-Bug-Bounty-Offered-for-Zero-Day-Quest-2026-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/180822/hacking/zero-day-quest-returns-microsoft-ups-the-stakes-with-5m-bug-bounty.html
Published: Tue Aug 5 15:07:26 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
