The Pentagon is to run its own big bounty program, inviting white-hat hackers to test the security of its systems. It is not intended to be a free-for-all, and would-be hackers will be vetted before being given the go-ahead -- although of course there is nothing to stop anyone from trying to breach the defenses if they feel so inclined
The 'Hack the Pentagon' initiative was launched today by Defense Secretary Ash Carter. He said "I am confident that this innovative initiative will strengthen our digital defenses and ultimately enhance our national security". It is to be a carefully managed program which will only be open to US citizens, and networks relating to particularly sensitive material and weapons will be off-limits.
While full details are yet to be released, the Pentagon is considering offering financial rewards. The program is being run by the Defense Digital Service (DDS) which launched back in November to draw on the capabilities of the technology industry. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is to head an advisory board at the Pentagon with the aim of bringing innovation and 'best practice' ideas from Silicon Valley to the US Military.
Inviting hackers -- even those that have been vetted -- to attack government systems is certain to ring a few alarm bells, but it is only public-facing systems that will be part of the program. Speaking to Reuters, a Pentagon official said: "The goal is not to comprise any aspect of our critical systems, but to still challenge our cybersecurity in a new and innovative way".
The Pentagon says that the program will launch in April, and it is expecting thousands of applicants to express interest in participating.
Photo credit: Frontpage / Shutterstock