Google to offer 'bug bounty' in all-out war on malware

Google has ramped up efforts in its war on malware and has allied with globally acclaimed bug bounty platform HackerOne to start Google Play Security Reward Program.

Ethical hackers at all levels from freshers to those with advanced skills can join the campaign to detect future cyber threats, particularly related to mobile apps on its Play store.

"Today, we're introducing the Google Play Security Reward Program to incentivize security research into popular Android apps available on Google Play. Through our collaboration with independent bug bounty platform, HackerOne, we'll enable security researchers to submit an eligible vulnerability to participating developers, who are listed in the program rules. After the vulnerability is addressed, the eligible researcher submits a report to the Play Security Reward Program to receive a monetary reward from Google Play," the company said in a statement.

Google has, however, added a number features to its Play Store app for Android users which include a layout makeover in some categories, and the integration of Instant Apps on Play Store. With Google's Instant Apps users can now experience the apps with a new ''Try it now'' button, before downloading them on their smartphone.

Earlier if one were to search for an app or website, then it would show with the Instant Apps option for users to try it out. It is understood that only apps and websites which support Instant Apps are available for the feature.

Google Play Store features six apps with Instant Apps compatibility, which  include Sky Scanner, NYTimes Crossword, BuzzFeed, Onefootball Live, Red Bull TV and ShareTheMeal.