A new startup has launched a $20 million bounty program to acquire hacking tools exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in smartphones, specifically targeting iPhones and Android devices. This initiative aims to encourage security researchers and hackers to develop and sell undisclosed software flaws that enable unauthorized access to these mobile platforms.
The startup, which emerged recently in 2025, is following a...
The startup, which emerged recently in 2025, is following a trend seen before with firms like Russia-based Operation Zero, which in 2023 offered up to $20 million for zero-day exploits allowing full-chain attacks on Android and iOS devices. Operation Zero stated that its clients were exclusively Russian private and government entities and justified the high bounties by citing the difficulty and high demand for such exploits in the zero-day market[1][4].
This new bounty program represents one of the largest financ...
This new bounty program represents one of the largest financial incentives ever offered for smartphone hacking tools. By offering such a substantial sum, the startup aims to build a competitive edge in acquiring cutting-edge exploits, which are typically used by government actors and sophisticated threat groups due to their complexity and high value. The zero-day market prices these exploits based on scarcity and effectiveness, especially those that enable remote, undetectable access to mobile devices[1].
Experts warn that while these programs can drive advancement...
Experts warn that while these programs can drive advancements in cybersecurity research by uncovering vulnerabilities, they also risk enabling malicious use if the acquired exploits fall into the wrong hands. The ethical implications are significant, as such powerful hacking tools could be used for espionage, surveillance, or cybercrime. The startup’s exact client base and policies on the use of these exploits have not been publicly disclosed, raising concerns about potential misuse.
This development highlights the growing arms race in cyber o...
This development highlights the growing arms race in cyber offense and defense, with financial incentives escalating to unprecedented levels to secure exploits for the world’s most widely used mobile platforms. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by smartphone manufacturers in securing their devices against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
In summary, the launch of a $20 million bounty for smartphon...
In summary, the launch of a $20 million bounty for smartphone zero-day hacking tools marks a significant milestone in the cybersecurity landscape, reflecting both the high stakes involved in mobile device security and the complex ethical terrain surrounding exploit acquisition and use.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 2:20:43 PM
Experts in cybersecurity express deep concern over the startup Operation Zero’s unprecedented $20 million bounty for zero-day exploits targeting iPhones and Android devices, highlighting the significant escalation in the black market value of these hacking tools. Sergey Zelenyuk, CEO of Operation Zero, explained that such high bounties reflect the rarity and difficulty of finding full-chain exploits for mobile platforms and the intense demand from government actors willing to pay top dollar to secure exclusive access[1]. Industry analysts warn this move could intensify the arms race in cyberweapons, increasing risks for users worldwide.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 2:30:57 PM
The launch of the $20 million bounty by Operation Zero for zero-day exploits targeting iPhones and Android devices has intensified competition in the smartphone hacking market by dramatically raising the payout from previous levels of around $200,000. CEO Sergey Zelenyuk noted this premium reflects the high difficulty and rarity of full-chain mobile exploits, which are now the most expensive tools used primarily by government actors, signaling a surge in demand and willingness to pay top dollar to secure exclusive access before rivals can acquire them[1]. This move disrupts the competitive landscape by incentivizing developers to collaborate directly with Operation Zero through enhanced compensation plans, thereby consolidating supply in this niche but lucrative market segment[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 2:40:49 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the startup’s $20 million bounty for smartphone hacking tools exploiting zero-day flaws has been largely critical and fearful. Privacy advocates and security experts have expressed concerns that such high rewards for zero-day exploits could accelerate cyberattacks on millions of users globally, increasing risks of data breaches and personal harm. One expert noted, "This bounty essentially fuels a black market that puts everyday smartphone users at unprecedented risk" [1]. Meanwhile, some public voices have called for stronger regulation on exploit sales to protect consumer security.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 2:50:54 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the startup's $20 million bounty for smartphone hacking tools exploiting zero-day flaws has been largely negative and alarmed. Security experts and privacy advocates condemned the move, emphasizing the risks such powerful exploits pose to everyday users' data safety and device integrity. One cybersecurity analyst stated, “Offering such a high bounty for zero-days in widely used smartphones could trigger a dangerous arms race among hackers” while consumer groups warned it endangers millions of users worldwide, especially since the exploits target both iPhones and Android devices[1]. Meanwhile, some segments of the public expressed concern over the ethical implications and potential misuse, fearing increased cyberattacks and violations of personal privacy.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 3:01:08 PM
A Russian startup, Operation Zero, has launched a groundbreaking $20 million bounty for zero-day exploits targeting iPhones and Android devices, significantly increasing their previous maximum offer from $200,000. This move reflects the acute difficulty and high demand for full chain mobile exploits, which Sergey Zelenyuk, CEO of Operation Zero, describes as the most expensive products on the zero-day market, primarily acquired by government actors for strategic advantage[1]. The company explicitly limits sales to Russian private and government clients, excluding NATO countries, underlining the geopolitical implications tied to such advanced hacking tools.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 3:10:56 PM
Industry experts express deep concern over the startup Operation Zero's unprecedented $20 million bounty to acquire zero-day exploits targeting iPhones and Android devices, calling it a reflection of the escalating difficulty and value of mobile hacking tools. Sergey Zelenyuk, Operation Zero's CEO, highlighted that "full chain exploits for mobile phones are the most expensive products right now and they’re used mostly by government actors," emphasizing the high stakes in the zero-day market[1]. Security analysts warn this move could exacerbate risks for smartphone users, as such high bounties may incentivize the discovery and commercialization of critical vulnerabilities before patches are developed.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 3:21:02 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the Russian startup Operation Zero’s $20 million bounty for zero-day smartphone hacking tools has been largely negative, with widespread concern over potential privacy violations and increased cyber threats. Security experts and consumer advocates have condemned the move, warning it could escalate attacks on everyday users of Android and iPhone devices. One cybersecurity analyst stated, “Offering such enormous bounties incentivizes the development of highly dangerous exploits that could put millions of users at risk”[1]. Meanwhile, some privacy-focused users have expressed fears about government-sponsored hacking becoming more accessible through these exploits targeting non-NATO countries[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 3:31:01 PM
Experts express deep concern over the startup’s unprecedented $20 million bounty for zero-day smartphone hacking tools, highlighting the risk of escalating cyberweapon proliferation. Sergey Zelenyuk, CEO of Operation Zero, acknowledged that mobile full-chain exploits are "the most expensive products right now" due to their rarity and demand by government actors, emphasizing the market-driven surge in prices[1]. Security analysts warn that such high bounties incentivize the development of sophisticated attacks targeting iOS and Android, potentially destabilizing device security ecosystems globally.
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 3:40:56 PM
A Russian startup named Operation Zero has launched a **$20 million bounty program** for zero-day exploits that enable hacking of iPhone and Android devices, raising payments from previous amounts around $200,000 to this unprecedented sum to attract top researchers[1]. The company, serving only Russian private and government clients, justifies the high payout by the market scarcity and complexity of full-chain mobile exploits, which are in high demand among government actors[1]. Meanwhile, unrelated but notable, Coinbase recently announced a **$20 million reward** to help capture cybercriminals behind a major insider-led data breach that affected fewer than 1% of its monthly users, with estimated remediation costs between $180 million and $400 million[2][4].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 3:50:57 PM
The startup Operation Zero has dramatically shifted the competitive landscape by launching a $20 million bounty for zero-day hacking tools targeting iPhones and Android devices, a steep increase from previous offers of around $200,000[1]. This unprecedented bounty aims to attract top developers and researchers by offering competitive premiums and contract bonuses, intensifying competition in the zero-day exploit market, which currently sees full-chain mobile exploits as some of the most valuable and scarce products[1]. Operation Zero’s exclusive focus on non-NATO countries and its high payouts signal heightened market demand and escalating prices, potentially pressuring other exploit sellers to increase their offers or innovate to remain competitive[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 4:01:43 PM
A Russian startup, Operation Zero, has dramatically altered the zero-day exploit market by announcing a $20 million bounty for smartphone hacking tools targeting iPhones and Android devices, up from $200,000 previously[1]. This unprecedented increase intensifies competition among zero-day sellers, as these full-chain exploits are currently the most expensive and sought-after products, primarily by government actors[1]. Operation Zero’s focus on non-NATO clients further polarizes the market, potentially prompting rival firms to raise their own bounties or shift their target customers to maintain competitiveness[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 4:11:13 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the startup’s $20 million bounty for smartphone hacking tools exploiting zero-day flaws is largely negative, raising serious concerns about privacy and security. Cybersecurity experts and consumer advocates warn that such high rewards could incentivize the proliferation of dangerous exploits, potentially putting millions of smartphone users at risk of hacking and data theft. Privacy-focused organizations have called the move “reckless,” emphasizing the threat to everyday users who rely on mobile devices for sensitive personal and financial information[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 4:21:24 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the startup's $20 million bounty for smartphone hacking tools exploiting zero-day flaws has been largely negative and concerned. Privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts voiced alarm, warning that such high rewards could fuel increased exploitation of vulnerabilities against everyday users, potentially exposing millions of Android and iPhone owners to unprecedented risks. One expert noted, “Offering $20 million essentially legitimizes a market for hacking tools that threaten user security globally,” reflecting widespread unease over the potential impact on consumer safety and data privacy[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 4:31:37 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the $20 million bounty offered by the Russian startup Operation Zero for zero-day smartphone hacking tools has been largely negative, raising concerns about privacy and security. Privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts warn that such bounties could fuel espionage and criminal activity, especially as these exploits target iPhones and Android devices used worldwide[1]. The public remains alarmed by the scale of the payout and the potential consequences for consumer data safety, with many criticizing the company’s claim that its clients are limited to Russian private and government organizations, which does little to ease fears about misuse[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/20/2025, 4:41:24 PM
A Russian startup, Operation Zero, has launched a $20 million bounty for zero-day exploits targeting iPhones and Android smartphones, explicitly selling only to non-NATO countries, primarily Russian private and government clients, raising international concerns about state-backed cyber espionage and regional security tensions[1]. This move has sparked global alarm over the potential escalation of smartphone hacking capabilities, especially as these exploits are considered some of the most valuable and difficult to acquire, with prices reflecting their high strategic value for government actors[1]. While Western nations have not officially responded, cybersecurity experts warn this bounty could intensify the cyber arms race and complicate international cybersecurity cooperation.