The US Government Wants You to Hack the Pentagon
No, US government officials haven’t taken leave of their senses; they’re inviting experienced and vetted hackers to test the cybersecurity infrastructure of the Department of Defense’s HQ.
This “Hack the Pentagon” initiative is the first cyber bug bounty program in the history of the federal government.
Bug bounty programs are a way for websites and companies to crowdsource external expertise to find weaknesses in their systems and security infrastructures.
Prior to any involvement in this pilot program, participants will be required to submit to a background check. Once vetted, they will search for vulnerabilities on a predetermined department system in a controlled environment. This will take place within a specific time frame.
Outstanding participants could be in line for monetary awards and other forms of recognition.
Strengthening Defenses
“I am always challenging our people to think outside the five-sided box that is the Pentagon,” said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter in a statement unveiling the program. “Inviting responsible hackers to test our cybersecurity certainly meets that test. I am confident this innovative initiative will strengthen our digital defenses and ultimately enhance our national security.”
The pentagon typically tests its own networks using internal “red teams” as they are called. If this initiative is successful, hackers may be invited to test even more of the Department of Defense’s websites, applications and networks.
At this stage, they will not be testing highly sensitive material or key weapons programs.
This first pilot program launches in April and the Pentagon will provide more details on rules and requirements for participation in the coming weeks.
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