US Defense Ministry Seeks White Hats for Network Testing

The US Department of Defense has unveiled a website to accompany its bug bounty initiative, Hack the Pentagon (HTP). The site, which can be found at www.hackthepentagon.mil, will act as a platform for US government organisations, suppliers and security researchers to work together and will offer rewards for identifying vulnerabilities. The intention is to expand the US DoD’s cybersecurity strategy by encouraging participation from technical specialists. The site will also enable collaborations with the department’s Main Directorate of Digital Services and Artificial Intelligence (CDAO) to support the Bug Bounty program.

Jinen Englund, acting director at CDAO DDS, stated: “Thanks to Hack The Pentagon, we create a global stream of talent in the field of cybersecurity, which will contribute to our national defense outside the traditional career in the government.” Since its launch in 2016, HTP has awarded over 40 prizes and attracted over 1,400 ethical hackers. Together, they identified around 2,100 vulnerabilities.

The CDAO commented that the site, as well as having educational purposes, will also be aimed at attracting and hiring technical specialists.

/Reports, release notes, official announcements.