Microsoft challenges researchers to hack Azure Sphere software for P5 million

Microsoft opens up the Azure Sphere Security Research Challenge offering $100,000 bounties. Image: courtesy of Microsoft Security Response Center via AFP Relaxnews

Microsoft’s Azure Sphere, a Linux-based IoT (Internet of Things) security solution that the company describes as a “comprehensive IoT security solution delivering end to end security across hardware,” was designed to be impossible to hack, and to be sure that statement is true, Microsoft is inviting people to do just that: to hack the platform before the bad guys do.

This Azure Sphere Security Research Challenge spans three months starting on June 1, and if someone manages to execute certain tasks, they’ll be rewarded with $100,000 (P5.05 million).

Sylvie Liu, the security program manager at Microsoft’s Security Response Center, outlined the two bounty-winning scenarios as gaining the ability “to execute code on Pluton” or “execute code on Secure World,” both of which are specifically related to the Azure Sphere OS.

To partake in this challenge, interested participants must fill out an application that needs to be submitted before May 15. Naturally, physical attacks are not permitted. The challenge closes on Aug. 31. CL /ra

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