In a sign of the times, Google is challenging hackers to try and exploit its Chrome browser. The search giant will fork out $20,000 and a CR-48 Chrome OS notebook to the first hacker who can prove it exploited Chrome at the fifth annual Pwn2Own hacking contest, which takes place from March 9-11. The contest is a part of the CanSecWest security conference held in Vancouver, British Colombia.
This is the first time any browser maker has added prize money and the first time Google has participated, according to TippingPoint, which is sponsoring the event. A total of $125,000 in prizes will be given to those who successfully hack varying browsers and mobile devices. Cracking Internet Explorer, Safari, or Firefox will net successful hackers $15,000. Prizes for cracking Windows Phone 7, iPhone 4, BlackBerry 6 OS, or Android will also win exploiters $15,000 plus a device running the operating system.
"Similarly to last year the competition will focus on two main technologies: web browsers and mobile devices," writes Aaron Portnoy, manager of the security research team at TippingPoint. "Staying true to the original intent of the Pwn2Own contest we intend to empirically demonstrate the current security posture of the most prevalent products in use today."
Google appears fairly confident in its Chrome browser. Hopefully it is as secure as the search company believes. Interestingly though, it offered up no money to those who could exploit Android. Does Google not believe in the security of its mobile OS?
Source: Jeffrey Van Camp