The "Bug Bounty" program was successfully completed

The “Bug Bounty” program, implemented for the first time through the local cybersecurity startup “Qarabug” platform of Special Communication and Information Security State Service (SCISSS) in the information systems of the GOV.AZ zone, has been successfully completed.

Within the framework of the project, which covered the period from April to July of the current year, specialists who voluntarily identified security vulnerabilities demonstrated not only their technical skills but also their civic responsibility and contributions to the digital future of the state. This is a successful example of an open and transparent approach as well as public participation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Major General Azer Ahmadov, Chief of the Main Department of Special Communication and Information Security State Service, noted that the implementation of the “Bug Bounty” project is a clear example of combining public and professional potential to ensure the security of state information resources. Additionally, A. Ahmadov emphasized the important role of the project in enhancing the monitoring and response capabilities of the Service’s Security Operations Center and in identifying talented young specialists.

Subsequently, Miraqshin Abutalibov, founder of the “Qarabug” startup, stated that the successfully completed “Bug Bounty” program will inspire larger-scale projects in the future and contribute to the development of local potential in cybersecurity. He added that this experience should be studied and shared to increase such successful projects in the field of information security.

Out of 600 confirmed registrants, 39 actively participated in the program. The participants who achieved the highest results in identifying and professionally documenting security vulnerabilities were awarded. Nicat Abbasli, who took first place, was awarded 10,000 AZN; Fuad Anzurov, the second-place winner, received 7,000 AZN; and Garib Guluzade, who placed third, was awarded 5,000 AZN. Participants who ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth received honorary certificates and valuable gifts for their high achievements.

Among the awardees were students studying cybersecurity as well as young specialists, which is of special importance in terms of stimulating a new generation of ethical hackers — one of the main goals of the program.