Sony announced the launch of a new cash reward program for detecting vulnerabilities in the PlayStation Network and PlayStation 4 security systems. The Japanese manufacturer is partnering with the HackerOne platform.
Previously, Sony only conducted closed bug bounty marathons with a limited number of selected security researchers. The company is now ready to provide everyone with the opportunity to check the protection of PlayStation Network and PlayStation 4.
Sony is the last of the three largest gaming companies to acquire a public vulnerability search program. Nintendo launched a bug bounty program in 2016, and in January 2020, Microsoft followed suit by offering rewards for vulnerabilities found on the Xbox. At the same time, Sony's maximum reward is significantly higher than that of Nintendo and Microsoft.
Depending on the severity of the threat, the reward amount ranges from $100 to $3,000 for vulnerabilities in the PlayStation Network. While with PlayStation 4, the maximum reward for critical vulnerabilities reaches $50,000. Microsoft and Nintendo have the same maximum reward — $20,000.
You can learn more about the program's terms on the the HackerOne website.