It has been one year since Google added Android Security to its vulnerability rewards program. Since then, the company has received more than 250 vulnerability reports, paid more than US$550,000 to 82 individuals, and paid 15 researchers $10,000 or more.
The company is now updating its Android rewards program to entice even more security researchers to take a look at the operating system. According to Google, it will now pay 33% more to security researchers who provide a high-quality vulnerability report with proof of concept, and pay an additional 50% for reports with proof of concept, a CTS test or a patch.
“While the program is focused on Nexus devices and has a primary goal of improving Android security, more than a quarter of the issues were reported in code that is developed and used outside of the Android Open Source Project,” wrote Quan To, program manager for Android security, in a blog post. “Fixing these kernel and device driver bugs helps improve security of the broader mobile industry (and even some non-mobile platforms).”
Microsoft joins the marijuana industry
SD Times recently wrote about how software was a vital component to the legal marijuana industry, and now Microsoft has announced it is joining the business. Microsoft will work with cannabis compliance technology provider Kind to track and trace (seed to sale) cannabis.
“Kind’s strategic industry positioning, experienced team and top-notch-technology running in the Microsoft Azure Government cloud, made for an easy decision to align efforts. Kind agreed that Azure Government is the only cloud platform designed to meet government standards for the closely regulated cannabis compliance programs, and we look forward to working together to help our government customers launch successful regulatory programs,” said Kimberly Nelson, executive director for state and local government solutions at Microsoft.
For more information about this growing industry, read our recent article: “Software for the marijuana industry set to yield high returns.”
GitHub allows developers to pin repositories
Developers can now showcase their projects on their GitHub repositories. GitHub has announced a new feature that allows users to pin any public repository that represents their best work. Developers can choose up to five repositories and decide the order they should go in.
If developers don’t wish to pin their repositories, GitHub will continue to showcase their most popular ones.
IBM Watson to be integrated in self-driving vehicle
IBM Watson’s advanced cognitive computing capabilities are being made available in a new 3D printed car, Olli. Olli is an electric vehicle with the ability to carry up to 12 people, and it was created by Local Motors. The vehicle will use Watson IoT for Automotive as a way to improve passenger experience and allow natural interaction.
“Olli offers a smart, safe and sustainable transportation solution that is long overdue,” said John B. Rogers Jr., CEO of Local Motors. “Olli with Watson acts as our entry into the world of self-driving vehicles, something we’ve been quietly working on with our co-creative community for the past year. We are now ready to accelerate the adoption of this technology and apply it to nearly every vehicle in our current portfolio and those in the very near future. I’m thrilled to see what our open community will do with the latest in advanced vehicle technology.”
