Microsoft is providing a $5 million prize at the Zero Day Quest hacking competition.

Microsoft has announced an exciting opportunity for cybersecurity researchers and ethical hackers with its upcoming Zero Day Quest competition, set to take place in spring 2026. The tech giant is offering a staggering $5 million in rewards for the discovery of high-impact security flaws specifically related to cloud and artificial intelligence technologies. This initiative aims to bolster the security of Microsoft’s platforms by encouraging the identification and reporting of vulnerabilities that could pose significant risks to users and organisations alike. Participants will have the chance to showcase their skills and contribute to the enhancement of cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digital world.

The Zero Day Quest competition reflects Microsoft’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the cybersecurity community. By incentivising the discovery of critical security flaws, Microsoft hopes to engage a diverse range of talent in addressing the evolving threats faced by cloud and AI systems. This initiative not only highlights the importance of proactive security measures but also reinforces the role of ethical hacking in safeguarding digital environments. As the competition approaches, anticipation builds around the potential breakthroughs that could emerge from this collaborative effort to enhance security in the tech landscape.