Microsoft is upping the ante in the world of cybersecurity research with the return of its live hacking competition, Zero Day Quest. This time, the tech giant is offering an unprecedented bounty of up to $5 million for researchers who can uncover and report serious security flaws in its cloud and AI platforms. The competition, now in its second iteration, follows a successful first event where $1.6 million was awarded for major vulnerability discoveries. This significant increase in prize money underscores Microsoft’s commitment to proactively securing its increasingly complex and interconnected ecosystem of products and services. The competition aims to attract the most skilled security researchers from around the globe to help protect the digital world.
The Zero Day Quest 2026 competition will be divided into two main phases. The first phase, the Zero Day Quest Research Challenge, allows security researchers to submit their findings from August 4 to October 4, 2025. During this period, researchers can focus on a wide range of Microsoft products and platforms, including Azure, Copilot, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Identity, and M365. The most impactful findings submitted during this phase will not only be eligible for a significant bounty but may also earn the researchers a +50% bonus and an exclusive invitation to the live hacking event. This preliminary phase is designed to identify and reward initial discoveries, setting the stage for a more collaborative and intensive live event.
The pinnacle of the competition will be the exclusive Live Hacking Event, scheduled for spring 2026 at Microsoft’s campus in Redmond.
This event is not just a contest but a collaborative effort, bringing together the world’s leading security researchers. These top experts will have the unique opportunity to work directly with Microsoft’s product teams and the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) to address and resolve the identified vulnerabilities. The live event is a testament to Microsoft’s belief in the power of community and partnership to strengthen security. It provides a platform for real-time collaboration, ensuring that critical flaws are not only found but also mitigated swiftly and effectively, benefiting all users of Microsoft’s technologies.
Beyond the competition itself, Microsoft is encouraging a culture of transparency and shared knowledge.
In line with its Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) policy, researchers are supported and encouraged to publicly discuss their findings once the vulnerabilities have been fixed. Microsoft will assist researchers in sharing their insights through various platforms, including blogs, podcasts, and videos, to help educate the broader security community. This commitment to public disclosure is a key part of Microsoft’s broader Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which emphasizes transparent and collaborative security practices. The findings from Zero Day Quest will also be used internally to inform and improve Microsoft’s security protocols and product development processes.
This renewed and expanded Zero Day Quest is a clear signal of Microsoft’s dedication to its Secure Future Initiative. By offering a massive prize pool, the company is not only incentivizing the discovery of critical vulnerabilities but is also fostering a strong partnership with the global security research community. The insights and discoveries from the competition will be integral to strengthening the security of Microsoft’s cloud and AI systems. By bringing together the best minds in cybersecurity, Microsoft is taking a proactive and innovative approach to protect its vast user base and ensure a safer digital future for everyone.
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