Hackers who identify and document proven critical software vulnerabilities in Android or iOS stand to cash in big time, thanks to new bug bounty increases from Apple, Google and at least one security firm. Credit: Thinkstock If you’re not a hacker pounding away on Android or iOS for security flaws, you may be in the wrong profession — at least if you appreciate a nice stack of Benjamins. A single verified zero-day vulnerability in iOS could net you a cool half mil from security firm Exodus Intelligence. That’s 150 percent more moola than the $200,000 amount Apple last week said it would offer for proven critical vulnerabilities. Apple also said it would double that amount if recipients donate the cash to charity. And it’s not just iOS engineers facing a potential windfall. Just last month, Google significantly upped its Android bug bounties. Google will now pay as much as $50,000 for remote exploit chains or exploits that lead to Android TrustZone or Verified Boot compromises, as part of its Android Security Rewards program. (Apparently iOS hackers can make more than Android engineers, just as Apple app makers bring in more revenue than Android coders.) The endgame for nearly every hacker who tries to crack an OS is financial gain. Thanks to these bug bounty programs from Apple, Google and third-party security firms, white hat coders can make as much (or more) money today working in the light as their black hat counterparts who lurk in the shadows. AS Related content opinion Tom Brady's pricey PJs pack 'recovery tech' for athletes Under Armour's new TB12 pajamas aren't cheap, but they promise to rejuvenate your body after workouts. And they just might work, according to a study from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. By Al Sacco Jan 05, 2017 2 mins Health and Fitness Software Wearables Consumer Electronics opinion Budweiser 'smart' beer fridge encourages drinking on the job The new 'Bud-E Fridge' IoT smart refrigerator automatically orders more beer for you and your coworkers when supplies get low, and it's available for a limited time for free, if you're located in Chicago, New York or Los Angeles. By Al Sacco Dec 06, 2016 2 mins Media and Entertainment Industry Internet of Things Consumer Electronics opinion Why Samsung should release a Note 8 Samsung denies reports that it's planning to release another Note smartphone, but it would be a major misstep for the company to do away with what is perhaps its most important smartphone brand. Here's why. By Al Sacco Oct 26, 2016 4 mins Small and Medium Business Technology Industry Smartphones news analysis Google makes more than Samsung, Apple on flagship phone The price Google charges for its Pixel XL smartphone is closer to what it costs to make the phone than what both Samsung and Apple charge for the GS7 and iPhone 7, but Google still makes more money. Here's why. By Al Sacco Oct 25, 2016 3 mins Small and Medium Business iPhone Manufacturing Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe