Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following is a benefit of launching a bug bounty program? (Select two).

Rationale

Reduction in the number of zero-day vulnerabilities and quicker discovery of vulnerabilities.

Launching a bug bounty program can significantly enhance an organization's security posture by incentivizing external researchers to identify and report vulnerabilities. This proactive approach not only helps reduce the prevalence of zero-day vulnerabilities but also accelerates the discovery process, allowing organizations to address flaws before they can be exploited.

A (Transference of risk to a third party) YOUR ANSWER

While a bug bounty program can involve third-party researchers, it does not inherently transfer risk. Organizations maintain ultimate responsibility for their security posture. The bounty program instead aligns the interests of both parties to identify vulnerabilities collaboratively, rather than transferring risk away from the organization.

C (Increased security awareness for the workforce) YOUR ANSWER

Although a bug bounty program may indirectly foster a culture of security awareness, its primary benefits lie in vulnerability detection and resolution. Increased awareness is not a direct outcome or guaranteed benefit of launching such a program, as it primarily focuses on external rather than internal education.

D (Reduced cost of managing the program) YOUR ANSWER

Implementing a bug bounty program often necessitates investment in platform management, researcher engagement, and reward distribution, potentially leading to higher costs rather than reductions. While it can be cost-effective in the long run by preventing breaches, immediate management costs can be significant.

F (Improved patch management process) YOUR ANSWER

A bug bounty program can highlight vulnerabilities but does not directly improve the patch management process itself. It may reveal weaknesses that need addressing, yet the effectiveness of the patch management process relies on existing organizational protocols and resources, which the program does not inherently enhance.

Conclusion

Launching a bug bounty program primarily benefits organizations by reducing the number of zero-day vulnerabilities and enabling quicker discovery of existing weaknesses. While it fosters collaboration with external researchers, the program does not automatically lead to cost reductions, risk transference, or direct improvements in workforce awareness or patch management. Instead, it serves as a strategic tool to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities effectively.

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