Apple’s Controversial Decision: Rejecting Kaspersky’s Bounty for Exposing Security Flaw in ‘Operation Triangulation’

Apple’s refusal to pay Kaspersky a security bounty has sparked controversy in the cybersecurity community. Last year, Kaspersky uncovered an attack chain utilizing four iOS zero-day vulnerabilities, leading to a zero-click exploit. Despite reporting one vulnerability to Apple, the tech giant declined to reward Kaspersky for its contribution.

Security bounty programs are common among tech companies like Apple, aiming to incentivize researchers to disclose vulnerabilities rather than selling them to malicious actors. Dmitry Galov, head of Kaspersky Lab’s Russian research center, expressed disappointment in Apple’s decision, suggesting donating the bounty to charity. Apple’s refusal, citing internal policies, raised eyebrows within the industry.

In a notable incident in 2023, Kaspersky exposed Operation Trigulation, a sophisticated spying campaign targeting iPhones. The attack, leveraging four zero-day vulnerabilities, allowed attackers to compromise devices and exfiltrate sensitive data without user awareness. Kaspersky’s research led to Apple releasing emergency patches, acknowledging their contribution.

Apple’s Security Bounty Program offers rewards of up to $1 million for discovering critical vulnerabilities. However, in Kaspersky’s case, geopolitical factors may have influenced Apple’s decision. Due to U.S. sanctions on Russia, financial transactions between U.S. companies and Russian entities face restrictions. Additionally, Apple’s terms exclude payments to individuals in embargoed countries or on restricted party lists.

The situation underscores the complexity of cybersecurity collaborations amid geopolitical tensions. While Kaspersky’s efforts were instrumental in mitigating a significant threat, external factors may have hindered the reward process. The incident raises questions about the intersection of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and ethical considerations in the tech industry.

For more insights on cybersecurity and tech industry developments, stay tuned for updates from industry experts. Your thoughts on this matter are welcome in the comments section.

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