In the ever-evolving battle between cybersecurity experts and malicious hackers, bug bounty programs have emerged as a critical line of defense. These programs offer monetary rewards to ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, who discover and responsibly disclose software vulnerabilities. Over the past decade, bug bounties have not only become mainstream but have also seen individual payouts reaching hundreds of thousands—and even millions—of dollars.
The rise of bug bounty platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack has formalized this practice, allowing companies to tap into a global talent pool of independent security researchers. The results speak for themselves: vulnerabilities have been patched before exploitation, reputations have been protected, and ethical hackers have been handsomely rewarded.
Here are eight of the largest bug bounties awarded in the past ten years, illustrating the value placed on cybersecurity in today’s digital world.
1. Apple – $2,000,000 (2023)
In 2023, Apple awarded a staggering $2 million to a researcher who uncovered a critical zero-click vulnerability in iOS. The exploit allowed remote code execution without any user interaction, meaning an attacker could compromise an iPhone simply by sending a malicious message. Apple later confirmed that the issue could have been exploited for surveillance purposes. This remains one of the highest confirmed payouts in bug bounty history.
2. Microsoft – $200,000 (2020)
Microsoft paid out $200,000 for a remote code execution vulnerability in the Hyper-V virtualization platform. Hyper-V is widely used in enterprise environments and cloud infrastructure, and any compromise could lead to full control over virtual machines. The researcher provided a working proof-of-concept and detailed documentation, qualifying for Microsoft’s top reward tier.
3. Google – $605,000 (2021)
In 2021, Google paid over $600,000 to a researcher who uncovered a chain of vulnerabilities affecting the Pixel smartphone. The chain exploited multiple components of Android’s operating system, enabling privilege escalation and sandbox escape. Google confirmed it was one of the most technically sophisticated reports it had ever received and raised its maximum bounty limits as a result.
4. Zoom – $200,000+ (2022)
Following increased scrutiny during the pandemic, Zoom launched a private bug bounty program. In 2022, a researcher was awarded over $200,000 for finding a vulnerability that could allow remote code execution on Zoom’s video conferencing client. The flaw required minimal user interaction and was patched quickly after disclosure. The payout reflected Zoom’s commitment to transparency and platform integrity.
5. Facebook (Meta) – $100,000 (2018)
A 2018 report led Facebook to award $100,000 to a researcher who discovered a method to gain access to third-party apps using improperly configured Facebook Login integrations. The issue potentially allowed attackers to hijack user sessions across multiple services. Facebook credited the researcher for protecting millions of users from a major privacy risk.
6. GitHub – $75,000 (2022)
GitHub, owned by Microsoft, paid a $75,000 bounty to a hacker who discovered a race condition vulnerability that could lead to repository takeovers. The flaw allowed attackers to claim abandoned repository names and replace them with malicious code. Given GitHub’s central role in the global software supply chain, the implications of this vulnerability were significant.
7. Tesla – $110,000 + Car (2019)
At the Pwn2Own competition in 2019, researchers from a security firm exploited Tesla’s infotainment system, gaining root access through the vehicle’s browser. Tesla awarded them $110,000 and a Model 3 as part of its official bug bounty program. This marked a rare instance of a hardware bounty and underscored the importance of vehicle cybersecurity.
8. Yahoo – $10,000 (2016)
Although $10,000 may not sound like much today, Yahoo’s 2016 payout was significant at the time. A hacker found a flaw that allowed the theft of email content without the user’s knowledge. Yahoo had previously been criticized for underpaying researchers, and this bounty marked a turning point in how seriously the company treated responsible disclosures.
The Role of Ethical Hackers
Ethical hackers who participate in bug bounty programs operate under strict codes of conduct. They seek out vulnerabilities with the goal of protecting systems and users, not exploiting them. Most follow responsible disclosure guidelines, reporting bugs directly to companies or through intermediary platforms.
Their work helps prevent:
- Data breaches
- Ransomware attacks
- Financial theft
- Reputational damage
Some ethical hackers have turned bug hunting into full-time careers. Others work part-time or as a hobby. In countries with limited job opportunities, bug bounty programs have opened new economic doors—allowing skilled individuals to earn income and build careers in cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Bug bounties have become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. As digital infrastructure grows more complex, the importance of proactive vulnerability discovery cannot be overstated. These top payouts illustrate that when companies value transparency and accountability, everyone benefits—users stay safe, systems stay secure, and ethical hackers get the recognition they deserve.