By — Sam Lane Sam Lane Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/google-to-pay-hackers-to-test-chrome-software Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Google to pay hackers to test Chrome software World Jan 24, 2014 5:08 PM EDT Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. Photo by Getty Images. Tech giant Google plans to pay hackers a total of nearly $3 million to find holes in its Chrome OS computer software. The Los Angeles Times reported the company will hold a contest in March called “Pwnium.” Participants will have the chance to hack either the HP Chromebook 11 or the Acer C720 Chromebook. Google will award prizes in the amounts of $110,000 and $150,000. To earn the lower prize, hackers must compromise the system through a web page. To earn the $150,000 award, hackers have to be able to keep control of the computer even after it has been rebooted. Google has used similar contests in the past to prevent unexpected hacks. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Sam Lane Sam Lane Sam Lane is reporter/producer in PBS NewsHour's segment unit. @lanesam
Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. Photo by Getty Images. Tech giant Google plans to pay hackers a total of nearly $3 million to find holes in its Chrome OS computer software. The Los Angeles Times reported the company will hold a contest in March called “Pwnium.” Participants will have the chance to hack either the HP Chromebook 11 or the Acer C720 Chromebook. Google will award prizes in the amounts of $110,000 and $150,000. To earn the lower prize, hackers must compromise the system through a web page. To earn the $150,000 award, hackers have to be able to keep control of the computer even after it has been rebooted. Google has used similar contests in the past to prevent unexpected hacks. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now