Microsoft Bounty Program Sets Record with $17 Million in Rewards

TL;DR

• Microsoft’s Bounty Program awarded a record $17 million to 344 security researchers from 59 countries in 2025.
• Collaborating with the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), researchers identified and resolved over a thousand vulnerabilities, bolstering security for Microsoft customers worldwide.

Microsoft Bounty Program Achieves Milestone with $17 Million in Rewards

In an unprecedented achievement, the Microsoft Bounty Program has awarded $17 million to 344 security researchers across 59 countries, marking the highest total bounty in the program’s history. This milestone underscores Microsoft’s commitment to cybersecurity and highlights the crucial role of global collaboration in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Collaboration

The Microsoft Bounty Program, in close collaboration with the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), has been instrumental in identifying and resolving more than a thousand potential vulnerabilities. This collective effort has significantly enhanced protections for Microsoft customers worldwide, demonstrating the power of community-driven security initiatives.

Key Highlights of the Program

• Global Participation: Researchers from 59 countries contributed to the program, showcasing a diverse and widespread effort to improve cybersecurity.
• Record Rewards: The $17 million in bounties is the highest amount awarded in the program’s history, reflecting the increasing importance and value placed on cybersecurity research.
• Impactful Outcomes: The identification and resolution of over a thousand vulnerabilities have strengthened the security infrastructure for Microsoft customers globally.

The Role of the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC)

The MSRC plays a pivotal role in coordinating with security researchers to address and mitigate vulnerabilities. By fostering a collaborative environment, the MSRC ensures that potential threats are swiftly identified and resolved, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of Microsoft’s products and services.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Bounty Program’s record-breaking year underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. By rewarding the efforts of security researchers, Microsoft not only acknowledges their contributions but also reinforces its commitment to protecting customers from potential threats. As cybersecurity continues to evolve, such initiatives will play a vital role in safeguarding digital infrastructures worldwide.

For more details, visit the full article: Microsoft Bounty Program Year in Review.

Additional Resources

For further insights on cybersecurity and threat intelligence, check out these authoritative sources:

• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)