You can make up to $30,000 by spotting issues in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams Note20 On Keyboard
Microsoft Teams Note20 On Keyboard (Image credit: Dan Thorp-Lancaster / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft announced a bounty awards program for Microsoft Teams.
  • The program can pay out up to $30,000 for certain issues.
  • Microsoft is mostly looking for security and vulnerability issues within Teams.

Microsoft has utilized bug bounty programs for years to help find issues with its software. The concept is pretty straightforward. If you spot an issue that qualifies as big enough for Microsoft to care about, you can get paid. The new Microsoft Applications Bounty Program extends that concept to specific apps from Microsoft. Microsoft Teams is the first in-scope application that's part of the new program.

Depending on the issue that you discover, you could make up to $30,000. Microsoft outlines two areas that are part of the program in a blog post and clarifies other details:

  • Scenario-Based Bounty Awards: This new program includes 5 scenario-based awards for vulnerabilities that have the highest potential impact on customer privacy and security. Rewards for these scenarios range from $6,000 to $30,000 USD.
  • General Bounty Awards: In addition, we offer bounty awards for other valid vulnerability reports for the Teams desktop client that do not qualify for the scenario-based awards. Rewards for these reports range from $500 to $15,000 USD.
  • Teams Online: Submissions for Teams online services will continue to be awarded under the Online Services Bounty Program.
  • Researcher Recognition Program Points: Valid reports for Microsoft Teams research are now eligible for a 2x bonus multiplier under the Researcher Recognition Program. Points earned contribute toward your eligibility for the annual MSRC Most Valuable Security Researcher list.

It appears that Microsoft is focusing on security and vulnerability issues for its bounty program.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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