Google to Pay Out $2.7 Million to Hackers Who Break Into Chrome OS

The tech giant aims to beef up security by getting hackers to pinpoint weaknesses.

learn more about Laura Entis

By Laura Entis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Calling all hackers. Google is handing out the big bucks.

Yesterday, the tech behemoth announced plans for its fourth annual hackathon (called Pwnium 4: "Pwn,"the act of breaking into a computer and owning it, + "ium," a play on the full name for Google Chrome: Chromium) which will take place in Vancouver this March.

Prize money totals exactly $2.71828 million, "the mathematical constant e for the geeks at heart," Google explained. A grand prize of $150,000 will be awarded for Chrome OS exploits that "compromise with device persistence: guest to guest with interim reboot, delivered via webpage" i.e. a breach that allows a hacker to control a Chrome OS PC after it reboots. Prizes of $110,000 will be given to those who discover other major holes in the Chrome OS operating system.

Related: No Apologies: On Hack, Snapchat Founder Says, 'We Thought We Had Done Enough'

"Security is a core tenet of Chromium, which is why we hold regular competitions to learn from security researchers. Contests like Pwnium help us make Chromium even more secure," Jorge Lucángeli Obes, Security Engineer at Google and the "Master of Ceremonies," wrote in a post.

Google's hackathon announcement comes days after allegations that a Chrome hack allowed websites to eavesdrop on users.

Despite the central purpose of the event, it won't all be cyber security seriousness. This year, for the first time, Google will reward creative or surprising hacks with "bonuses," usefulness aside.

Related: What to Do If Your Business Gets Hacked

Laura Entis
Laura Entis is a reporter for Fortune.com's Venture section.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Business News

I Live on a Cruise Ship for Half of the Year. Look Inside My 336-Square-Foot Cabin with Wraparound Balcony.

I live on a cruise ship with my husband, who works on it, for six months out of the year. Life at "home" can be tight. Here's what it's really like living on a cruise ship.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas To Start Right Now

To start one of these home-based businesses, you don't need a lot of funding -- just energy, passion and the drive to succeed.

Business Solutions

Master Coding for Less Than $2 a Course with This Jam-Packed Bundle

Make coding understandable with this beginner-friendly coding bundle, now just $19.99.

Health & Wellness

5 Essential Steps to Expand Your Vision and Start Living Your Dream Life

It's time to break free from your comfort zone and expand your vision. When you refuse to settle for a mediocre life, you can start building a life you love.

Starting a Business

Ask Marc | Free Business Advice Session with the Co-Founder of Netflix

Get free business advice during our next Ask Marc, live Q&A, on 3/28/23 at 3 p.m. EDT. You don't want to miss it—send in your questions now.