Samsung has joined the list of tech companies trying to attract cybersecurity experts to find flaws in their products and services. The company has today announced starting a Samsung bug bounty program, offering to pay rewards of up to$200,000 to those who discover unreported security vulnerabilities in its products. In comparison, Microsoft offers rewards of up to $250,000,while Applealso offers up to$200,000 in rewards.

"As a leading provider of mobile devices and experiences, Samsung recognizes the importance of protecting users’ data and information, and prioritizes security in the development of each of its products and services," Injong Rhee, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Software and Services of the Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics said in a press release. "As part of our commitment to security, Samsung is proud to work in close partnership with the security research community to ensure that all of our products are monitored closely and continually for any potential vulnerabilities."

Samsung bug bounty - eligible products and services

Samsung bug bounty program, dubbed as the Mobile Security Rewards Program, covers 38 Samsung mobile devices which are receiving monthly or quarterly security updates. Samsung's flagship S8, S8+ and the Galaxy Note 8 are included in the program. The devices in the reward program also include those in the Galaxy S, Galaxy Note, Galaxy A, Galaxy J, and the Galaxy Tab series.

The company will also pay rewards to thosewho submit potentialvulnerabilities in the latest Samsung Mobile Services, including Bixby, Samsung Account, Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass, among others. The bounty will be awarded based on the severity of the bugs reported to the South Korean tech giant and the researchers' ability to provide proof of concept.

Samsung added that the first bug bounty program was piloted in January 2016, with the latest full-fledged Mobile Security Rewards Program going effective immediately.