Microsoft has announced the return of its Zero Day Quest hacking contest, offering unprecedented rewards totaling up to $5 million for high-impact security research. This initiative, which commenced on August 4, 2025, and will run until October 4, 2025, aims to address critical vulnerabilities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence ecosystems. According to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), this represents the largest public hacking event in history, aimed at fostering collaboration between elite researchers and Microsoft’s engineering teams. 'This is an essential step to preemptively fortify our defenses against evolving cyber threats,' stated a Microsoft official.
The Zero Day Quest follows the success of last year’s inaugural event, which offered $4 million in awards and attracted significant participation from the global cybersecurity community. During that event, $1.6 million was awarded for groundbreaking research that identified critical security gaps, particularly in areas such as Copilot AI and cloud services. 'The prior event highlighted how vital community engagement is in enhancing our product resilience,' the MSRC added.
The Zero Day Quest Research Challenge invites security researchers worldwide to participate in identifying vulnerabilities that could have a substantial impact on Microsoft’s products and services. Participants are encouraged to submit their findings, with a focus on high-impact vulnerabilities that could affect users or organizations relying on Microsoft’s cloud and AI technologies. The challenge is structured to facilitate collaboration, with Microsoft’s engineering teams ready to engage with researchers.
Technical analysis of the vulnerabilities targeted in this initiative will encompass various aspects of cloud computing and AI, which have become increasingly integral to organizations' operations. The focus will likely include vulnerabilities that could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other significant security incidents. According to experts, 'the rapid evolution of technologies necessitates continuous vigilance and innovation in security practices.'
In response to the growing threat landscape, Microsoft’s Zero Day Quest reinforces the company’s commitment to proactive vulnerability management. The initiative not only provides a financial incentive for researchers but also highlights the importance of responsible vulnerability disclosure. 'Collaborative efforts in security research are crucial in combating emerging threats,' stated a cybersecurity analyst.
As the contest progresses, Microsoft encourages researchers to engage in responsible disclosure practices while contributing to the broader cybersecurity community. The company’s ongoing efforts in vulnerability management reflect a recognition that a dynamic threat landscape requires continuous innovation and collaboration. 'This initiative is a testament to our commitment to security and innovation in the face of evolving cyber threats,' a Microsoft spokesperson concluded.