Two skillful hackers just got a big payday from United Airlines: the company has confirmed that it paid out rewards of 1 million frequent flier miles each to two people who were able to uncover major flaws in its web security system.
The reward is equal to dozens of domestic flights, Reuters reports, but it’s also a savvy business move for United: the cost is likely far lower than it would be to engage an outside consulting firm.
United defended the so-called “bug bounty” on its website, writing “We believe that this program will further bolster our security and allow us to continue to provide excellent service.”
[Reuters]
More Must-Read Stories From TIME
- Here's Where All The Strongest Hurricanes Have Hit the U.S. in the Past 50 Years
- 2022 Time100 NEXT: TIME’s List Of Emerging Leaders Who Are Shaping the Future
- Industrial Farming Causes Climate Change. The ‘Slow Food’ Movement Wants to Stop It
- Here Are the 12 New Books You Should Read in October
- Artist Oliver Jeffers Wants to Paint the World Out of a Corner
- A Vibrant North Korean Community in London Finds Its Days Are Numbered
- COVID-19 Vaccines Can Make Periods Longer, Study Says
- Column: What Happened When My Entire Family Came Out
