A later module addresses cybersecurity policy through a social science framework. At this point, attention can be drawn to one type of policy, known as bug bounty policies. These policies pay individuals for identifying vulnerabilities in a company’s cyber infrastructure.  To identify the vulnerabilities, ethical hackers are invited to try explore the cyber infrastructure using their penetration testing skills.  The policies relate to economics in that they are based on cost/benefits principles.  Read this article https://academic.oup.com/cybersecurity/article/7/1/tyab007/6168453?login=trueLinks to an external site.  and write a summary reaction to the use of the policies in your journal.  Focus primarily on the literature review and the discussion of the findings.

After reading the article, I have a better grasp of the role and functionality of full-scope bug bounty programs within the context of cybersecurity. These programs provide a cost-effective means of finding and minimizing vulnerabilities, thereby providing valuable advantages for businesses with limited resources to hire an in-house cybersecurity team. By leveraging the services of worldwide ethical hackers, companies can address security flaws before they are exploited by criminals.

One of the most significant observations from the literature review is economic rationale for bug bounty programs. These policies adhere to cost-benefit guidelines, allowing organizations to make more optimal use of resources by rewarding discovered vulnerabilities rather than incurring a significant expense for full-time security personnel. This approach is particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized companies that may not be able to afford setting up a robust cybersecurity department.

Also, presentation of results focuses on the diversity and inclusivity of bug bounty programs. Compared to traditional security teams with limited scope of expertise, bug bounty programs welcome researchers of varying skill sets and perspectives. The multiple perspectives of involvement heighten the potential for discovering complex vulnerabilities that might otherwise be missed. Moreover, the fact that such programs are open allows for a culture of collaborative security, where ethical hackers offer their expertise in exchange for rewards and recognition.

Overall, I was impressed as well as benefited by the discussion on bug bounty programs. Not only do they represent a new means of improving cybersecurity but also make the practice popular so that it can be practiced by people from all walks of life to improve digital security. With cyberattacks remaining a dynamic threat, bug bounty programs will surely become increasingly vital security features to protect organizations against potential attacks.