Successfully hacking an iOS10 device could earn the hacker $1.5 million as the black hat security company announced an increase of bounty for anyone who discovers it. At the same time, it was also announced that a successful hack on the latest Android device could earn the hacker $200.000.
Black hat security company Zerodium recently announced the increase of bounty for anyone finds a successful hack on the latest operating system for Apple's mobile devices according to Ars Technica. The bounty for a successful hack has generously increased because of the upgrade in security of the operating system.
While the idea of earning more than a million with just a successful hack sounds great, there's a catch: the amount requires a hacker to develop a zero hour exploit that could successfully take over the mobile device. It is a tremendously difficult task since it will require complete control instead of a merely exploiting the security features of the mobile device.
Companies like Zerodium buys exploits at a tremendously high price because they will eventually sell the same exploit. More often than not, these zero hour exploits are sold to government agencies and private security companies who wants to take remotely take over the mobile device. The exploit is kept secret from the mobile operating system developer.
According to 9 to 5 Mac, Apple is also offering rewards for those who could find a loophole in iOS10 security protocol. However, the maximum amount Apple pays is only $250,000. But a successful security exploit does not require a complete take over: a research company only has to show the loophole. If the hacker could show vulnerability on iOS10, Apple gives out the reward.
Zerodium further explains that the stark difference on Apple and Android bounty is not because Android is easier to hack. More often than not, it is combination of the demand as well as the difficulty posed by the operating system.
Hackers interested in getting the bounty should also remember that the bounty is the maximum price. The bounty could reach $1.5 million but it could just be a couple thousand dollars for successful exploit.
