Google guves Rs 71 lakh to Chinese researchers for Pixel devices

Google awarded over USD 112,000 to a Chinese security researcher for reporting an exploit in Google Pixel smartphones.

The Android security team posted in the Google developers forum that Guang Gong of Alpha Team, Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. had submitted a working remote exploit chain in August 2017. This was the first such exploit since the expansion of Android Security Rewards (ASR) program.

“For his detailed report, Gong was awarded USD 105,000, which is the highest reward in the history of the ASR program and USD 7,500 by Chrome Rewards program for a total of USD 112,500,” Mayank Jain and Scott Roberts wrote for the Android security team.

Gong in a blog post also outlined the bugs he and his team discovered.

The issues reported by Gong and others as well were resolved as part of the December 2017 monthly security update. The company thanked researcher community for their contributions.

All pixel devices will automatically install these updates however the users need to restart their devices to complete the installation.

The internet giants through its Android security rewards program recognises the contributions of security researchers who invest their time and effort in identifying bugs and vulnerabilities. The program covers security vulnerabilities discovered in the latest available Android versions for Pixel phones and tablets. Currently, Pixel 2, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C are the devices under the program.

Last year, rewards were increased under the program. Rewards for a remote exploit chain or exploit leading to TrustZone or Verified Boot compromise was increased from USD 50,000 to USD 200,000. Whereas, rewards for a remote kernel exploit increase from USD 30,000 to USD 150,000.

Comments

Whatsapp Admin

Whatsapp Admin Facebook-owned WhatsApp is likely to give group administrators more powers where they will be able to restrict all other members from sending text messages, photographs, videos, GIFs, documents or voice messages in case the admin thinks so. According to WABetaInfo, a fan site that tests new WhatsApp features early, the popular mobile messaging platform has submitted the “Restricted Groups” setting via Google Play Beta Programme in the version 2.17.430. The “Restricted Groups” setting can only be activated by group admininstrators. Administrators can keep sharing media and chatting as normal as they restrict other members. Once restricted, other members will simply have to read their messages and will not be able to respond. They will have to use the “ Message Admin ” button to post a message or share media to the group. The message will need to be approved by the administrator before going through to the rest of the group. “A group can be restricted ...

Tata Sky Launches New, Unlimited Broadband Plans, Starting at Rs 590

With the impending launch of Jio GigaFiber expected to upend the fixed-line broadband industry the way it changed the mobile telephone landscape earlier in the decade, most incumbent broadband service providers are bracing for the expected onslaught by reducing prices, increasing data caps or, like in the case of Tata Sky, introducing a bunch of new, unlimited plans at relatively affordable price-points. Believed to have been spotted first by TelecomTalk, Tata Sky, known primarily for its DTH TV services, has listed a number of new unlimited broadband plans on its official website. The most affordable of the lot is a 16Mbps plan priced at Rs. 590 per month, while the other plans come with download speeds of 25Mbps, 50Mbps, 75Mbps and 100Mbps. All the plans come with free routers when subscribed for a period of at least three months. Tata Sky New Broadband Plans in Ahmedabad It’s worth noting that the available plans and pricing vary significantly across regi...

Mi TV 4A Early Access Program for Android 9 Pie Update Announced by Xiaomi

The TVs were originally launched running Android 6-based software. HIGHLIGHTS THE XIAOMI MI TV 4A SERIES IS ON TRACK TO BE UPDATED TO ANDROID 9 PIE Xiaomi has initiated the Early Access Program for the update Only 50 active Mi fans will be chosen for the Early Access Program Xiaomi has seen some success with its TV lineup in India, and the affordable Mi TV 4A that was launched in 2018 is among its most popular options. While the lineup has been replaced by the Mi TV 4A Pro and other similar lines, Xiaomi is continuing to service its original models. Now in line for a firmware update are the 32-inch and 43-inch Mi TV 4A models, with Xiaomi announcing that a major update bringing Android 9 Pie-based Android TV to the popular TV range is in the works. The Chinese electronics company has just initiated an Early Access Program for the Android 9 Pie update for the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A series, with 50 active Mi fans set to be chosen to receive early access to the new f...

Look in

Search This Blog