Google’s Security Reward Program Expands To More Devices

Security is one of the most important aspects of mobile technology. That’s why Google has a security reward program that gives incentives to those who find out vulnerabilities in Google products.

And now, the big tech company is expanding to more devices for its Security Devices Reward Program. In this updated program, every time users find a vulnerability within the software or hardware of a Google product, the company will reward them.

Related:

• Galaxy S22 starts getting a new firmware update, April security patch
• New EU law forces messaging apps to work together but experts warn of security
• DELETE Google Chrome browser on Android now, cybersecurity expert warns users

Google’s Security Devices Reward Program now covers Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit

Find and $eek!

That’s exactly what Google said in its blog post regarding its updated Security Devices Reward Program.

In the blog post, Google indicated that the program will expand to more devices including Nest and Fitbit devices. The program already included Google’s first-party devices such as the Pixel devices.

Read: Hackers are sending malicious links through Google Docs comments

Now, if you detect any security threats and vulnerabilities on your eligible Nest and Fitbit devices, then Google will pay you.

How much does Google pay?

Well, the company did not really advertise the increased payouts. According to the post, the company will be paying higher amounts to people who reported vulnerabilities last year.

This already included those who made reports for the Nest and Fitbit Devices. Moreover, if you are reporting now, Google will even double the payout –– this is applicable for the next six months.

Last year, Google made a total of $8.7 million in payout in its Security Reward Program –– a notable increase from the $6.7 million payouts in the year 2020.

By expanding and unifying the program from first-party devices like Pixel devices to third-party devices like Nest and Fitbit, Google hopes to make it “easier for researchers to submit a vulnerability in first-party devices and improving consistency across our severity assignments.”

We will continue to take reports on our web applications, services, and mobile apps at their existing reward levels. Please keep those coming!

The program is applicable even to current smart home and fitness devices that don’t run Android. The eligible devices are as follows:

Pixel phones

• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 5
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a 5G
• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 3a
• Pixel 3a XL

Google Nest

• Cameras & Doorbells: Nest Cam (battery), Nest Cam (wired), Nest Doorbell (battery), Nest Doorbell (wired)
• Speakers: Nest Mini (2nd gen), Nest Audio
• Displays: Nest Hub Max, Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
• Thermostats: Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat
• Wi-Fi: Google WiFi, Nest WiFi
• Streaming: Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast
• Smoke & CO alarm: Nest Protect
• Door lock: Nest x Yale Lock

Fitbit

• Versa 3 (smartwatch)
• Sense (smartwatch)
• Luxe (tracker)
• Inspire 2 (tracker)
• Charge 5 (tracker)

More tech news:

• One UI 4.1 update rolling out to Galaxy phones in the US
• LAPSUS$ still hacking despite alleged members already in jail
• A number of Galaxy S22 units experience GPS signal issues, fix incoming
• Google releases an emergency Chrome update against a zero-day exploit
• Facebook is locking out users of their accounts just for ignoring a message