Intel bug bounty program expands with more rewards

Video: Intel addresses Meltdown and Spectre security flaws at CES 2018

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Intel on Wednesday announced it's changing its bug bounty program from an invitation-only program to public. The chipmaker also introduced a new program focused on side channel vulnerabilities, in the wake of Meltdown and Spectre attacks.

Security researchers who find side channel vulnerabilities can earn an award up to $250,000, Intel said. The program runs through Dec. 31, 2018.

For other vulnerabilities, Intel has increased bounty rewards up to $100,000.

Intel has been under fire of late due to the reaction to its security issues.

• Meltdown-Spectre: Why were flaws kept secret from industry, demand lawmakers
• Linux and Intel slowly hack their way to a Spectre patch
• Dell and HP pull Intel's buggy patch
• Intel: Stop firmware patching until further notice
• Linus Torvalds criticizes Intel's 'garbage' patches
• Apple backports Meltdown fix to older macOS versions
• New updates bring fix for unbootable AMD PCs
• Four things every Windows admin needs to do now

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said in a recent earnings presentation the company will "restore confidence in data security with customer-first urgency, transparent and timely communication."

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