The Pentagon is officially inviting you to hack its system.
Of course, you’ll need to register and submit to a background check before you begin.
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently launched its “Hack the Pentagon” Cybersecurity Initiative. The pilot program gives accepted individuals a chance—through a test of their hacking skills—to identify vulnerabilities on a predetermined department system.
Participants in the competition could be eligible for monetary awards and other recognition.
This is the first cyber bug bounty program in the history of the federal government, according to DoD, and exactly the type of innovative approach the public can expect to see more of from the department.
“I am always challenging our people to think outside the five-sided box that is the Pentagon,” said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. “Inviting responsible hackers to test our cybersecurity certainly meets that test. I am confident this innovative initiative will strengthen our digital defenses and ultimately enhance our national security.”
“Hack the Pentagon” will be led by DoD’s Defense Digital Service (DDS), launched by Secretary Carter last November. DDS is an arm of the White House’s U.S. Digital Service, and includes a small team of engineers and data experts meant to improve the department’s technological agility.
The pilot program will launch in April and DoD will provide details on prerequisites for participation and as well as other ground rules in the coming weeks.
