Microsoft has announced a major new security initiative called the Zero-Day Quest, a hacking event designed to identify vulnerabilities in cloud and AI systems. The event, launched at Microsoft’s Ignite conference, includes a research challenge running from November 19, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Successful researchers can win part of the $4 million reward pool and qualify for an in-person hacking event at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters in 2025.
This initiative builds on Microsoft’s bug bounty programs, offering doubled rewards for AI-related security vulnerabilities. Researchers will also gain direct access to Microsoft’s AI engineering teams and AI Red Team for collaboration and insights. As part of its transparency commitment, Microsoft will share critical vulnerabilities via the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program once resolved, promoting industry-wide learning and improvements.
What Is Zero Day Quest?
The Zero Day Quest is a multi-phase program designed to attract the world’s best security minds. The event begins with a virtual research competition from November 19, 2024, to January 19, 2025, where participants can submit discoveries of high-impact vulnerabilities for cash rewards. Those who excel in this phase will earn an exclusive invitation to an in-person hacking event at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters in 2025, where researchers will collaborate with Microsoft’s top engineers and security experts.
Why Focus on AI and Cloud Security?
Cloud and AI technologies underpin critical global systems, making their security essential. With the rise in sophisticated cyber threats, identifying and patching vulnerabilities in these areas has become a priority. Microsoft has emphasized the importance of AI security by doubling bounty rewards for AI-related bugs and offering participants direct access to its AI engineering teams and AI Red Team, which specializes in stress-testing AI systems for weaknesses.
The Bigger Picture
This announcement comes on the heels of significant security transformations at Microsoft, including its November 2024 Patch Tuesday, which addressed 89 vulnerabilities, including four zero-days. The Zero Day Quest builds on this momentum by proactively addressing challenges in securing cloud platforms and AI workloads.
In addition to the hacking event, Microsoft has introduced new tools like Security Exposure Management, a graph-based system to help organizations identify and mitigate potential attack vectors in their digital environments.
