Choosing the Right Security Program for your Company
In our fast changing, ever-growing society, modern businesses utilize technology to further stretch out their connections and use websites to draw out their hands for customers around the globe. However, due to this open connection, companies have unknowingly paved ways for hackers to come in.
Sadly, many companies overlook the security of their websites, and as hackers continue to increase, these companies may be prone to computer crimes that may cause a loss for their company.
On the other hand, there are also companies, also called as progressing companies, that constantly research for new methods on how computer criminals could break into their system, steal information and cause harm to their clients. These companies establish either a Responsible Disclosure Program or a Bug Bounty Program to prevent threats from computer criminals. Of course, as a company that ensures their company’s and clients’ safety, they tend to be ahead of these criminals, and anticipate threats that they can solve by developing certain preventions. So what are Responsible Disclosure Program and Bug Bounty Program?
Responsible Disclosure Program
Responsible Disclosure Program is used for white hat hackers to know that a company is accepting reports for bugs on their websites, in exchange for acknowledgment. This program is widely used by companies who give attention to the security of their website but doesn’t have the capability to reward a hacker.
Pros
· Get bug reports for free.
· Encounter hackers who have good intentions.
· Know and fix your bugs before bad hackers exploit them.
Cons
· Only a handful of hackers will submit or even find bugs.
· Only bugs with low severities are usually reported.
· Responsible disclosure really only works when there is responsible software development.
Bug Bounty Program
Bug bounty programs are used by software organizations to encourage their customers and the general public to report bugs directly to them, rather than it being exploited. This serves as an alternative to directly hiring a security researcher by outsourcing security testers, and security researchers.
Some Security Researchers rely on bug bounties to make a living, but many see it as a great bonus to their passion for researching on security vulnerabilities.
Pros
· High severity bugs are reported.
· Have an army of good hackers swarm on your program, to research and report vulnerabilities.
· Increase your company’s knowledge and awareness to security vulnerabilities.
Cons
· Pay for bug reports.
· Web developer’s workload will increase due to revisions for every report.
· Have anonymous people visit your website for security research.
Starting a security program is a great investment towards a better and more secure website and business process. Have an army of good hackers swarm on you, Sign-up now on GetWhiteHats!
Written by Mike Janus Lopez
Edited by Krischen Keith Balberan
