March 7, 2026

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Microsoft Defender launches new round of bug bounty program

Microsoft Defender launches new round of bug bounty program, with maximum reward of $20,000



Microsoft Defender launches new round of bug bounty program, with maximum reward of $20,000

On November 23, Microsoft issued a press release today, announcing that it will launch a new round of bounty programs for its Microsoft Defender, mainly to encourage security researchers to discover vulnerabilities in this software, with bounties up to US$20,000 .
 

Microsoft said that Microsoft Defender is designed to enhance the security experience of Microsoft customers, and the Microsoft Defender bounty program will invite researchers from around the world to find vulnerabilities in this software.

he new Defender bounty program will start with a “limited scope” focused on the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint API and will be expanded to include other Defender products over time.

 

Microsoft said that vulnerabilities submitted by security personnel must pass the following standards in order to receive bounties:

  • It must be a newly discovered vulnerability and does not include vulnerabilities that have been previously reported to Microsoft.

  • The vulnerabilities are of a certain severity and can be reproduced in the latest, fully patched product or service versions.

  • Security personnel should provide clear, concise, and replicable reproducible steps, either in written or video format.

 

Microsoft Defender launches new round of bug bounty program, with maximum reward of $20,000

 

 

Microsoft said that depending on the severity of the vulnerability, the relevant bounty price will range from US$500 to US$8,000, and is aimed at researchers who discover vulnerabilities related to remote code execution in Defender.

Awards in this category will range from US$5,000 to US$20,000.

 


Is Microsoft Defender enough for antivirus?

 
Microsoft Defender, the built-in antivirus solution for Windows, has improved significantly over the years and provides decent protection against a range of threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks.
It includes real-time protection, periodic scans, and integration with other security features in Windows.
 

Whether Microsoft Defender is “enough” depends on several factors:

  1. User Behavior: The primary line of defense against threats is often the user’s behavior. Being cautious about the websites you visit, the emails you open, and the files you download significantly reduces the risk of encountering malware.

  2. Operating System Updates: Keeping your operating system and software up to date is crucial for security. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include security patches.

  3. Risk Tolerance: The level of protection needed depends on your risk tolerance and the sensitivity of the data on your system. If you handle highly sensitive information, you might want to consider additional security measures.

  4. Specific Threats: Some antivirus solutions might be more effective against specific types of threats. If you have particular concerns, you might want to consider specialized security software.

  5. Additional Security Software: Depending on your needs and preferences, you might choose to supplement Microsoft Defender with additional security software. Many users opt for third-party antivirus solutions for added features and peace of mind.

 

It’s important to note that the threat landscape is continually evolving, and new types of malware and attacks are developed regularly.

Therefore, staying informed about cybersecurity best practices and considering additional layers of security, such as safe browsing habits and regular backups, is advisable.


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