Description: Zerodium is a company specialized in buying and selling zero-day vulnerabilities, which are security flaws in software that have not been discovered or patched by developers. These vulnerabilities are highly valued in the cybersecurity field, as they can be exploited by attackers before solutions are implemented. Zerodium acts as an intermediary in this market, acquiring these vulnerabilities from security researchers and then selling them to governments and organizations seeking to protect their systems. The company has positioned itself as a key player in the cybersecurity industry, offering significant rewards to those who discover and report these vulnerabilities. Its business model has generated controversy, as it raises ethical questions about the commercialization of security flaws and their potential use in malicious activities. Despite this, Zerodium has contributed to the improvement of cybersecurity by incentivizing research into vulnerabilities and providing its clients with tools to protect against emerging threats.
History: Zerodium was founded in 2015 by Chaouki Bekrar, a cybersecurity expert. Since its inception, the company has been at the center of media attention due to its focus on buying zero-day vulnerabilities. Over the years, Zerodium has expanded its reach and established relationships with various government agencies and security organizations, becoming a benchmark in the cybersecurity market. In 2016, the company launched a bounty program that offered significant payments to researchers who discovered vulnerabilities in widely used software, attracting the attention of the cybersecurity community.
Uses: Zerodium is primarily used to acquire and sell zero-day vulnerabilities to governments and organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity. The purchased vulnerabilities can be used to develop defense tools, conduct penetration testing, and strengthen the security of critical systems. Additionally, the company also collaborates with security researchers, incentivizing the identification of flaws in software and operating systems.
Examples: An example of Zerodium’s use is its bounty program, where researchers have reported vulnerabilities in various popular software applications, receiving payments that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. These reports allow Zerodium to offer these vulnerabilities to its clients, who can use them to protect their infrastructures.
