The Pentagon is inviting hackers to break into its systems, the department said on Wednesday.
“This innovative project is a demonstration of [a] continued commitment to drive the Pentagon to identify new ways to improve the department’s security measures as our interests in cyberspace evolve,” officials said in a statement.
The “Hack the Pentagon” initiative would include “vetted hackers” who apply to participate in the agency’s “bug bounty program.” Applicants would need to submit a background check in order to participate in the “controlled, limited duration program” involving the agency’s networks. “Winners” would receive an unspecified level of compensation for discovering vulnerabilities.
“I am always challenging our people to think outside the five-sided box that is the Pentagon,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in the statement. “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.”
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The program comes as part of the Cyber National Action Plan announced by the Obama administration in February. The “bug bounty” program is set to launch in April, with additional details to be released in weeks.
