A record-breaking year for Microsoft's Bounty Programs! This year, Microsoft awarded more than $20 million to 562 security researchers, the highest total payout and largest number of researchers recognized in program history. Read the full blog to learn more about the impact of the global security research community: aka.ms/microsoft-bounty-year…

Over the past several days, we have been listening to the conversation around coordinated disclosure and the relationship between security researchers and vendors. We recognize that this relationship is both critical and, at times, fragile. We deeply value the security community, and will continue to take your feedback seriously. To be clear about our approach to legal matters, we have no intention to pursue action against individuals conducting or publishing their security research. When an individual breaks the law and engages in malicious activity causing real harm to our customers, we will work with law enforcement as appropriate. We recognize the work that goes into researching and submitting a vulnerability. We are committed to approaching every interaction with transparency, clear communication, and professionalism. We continue to believe strongly in Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure as the foundation for protecting customers and improving our products. Each year we process a high volume of vulnerability reports. That volume continues to grow and will continue with the rise of AI-enabled research. We acknowledge that some interactions have fallen short and are working to learn from them. Many of us have experience on both sides of this work, as researchers reporting vulnerabilities and as responders triaging and assessing them. That perspective informs how we approach this feedback and the importance we place on getting it right, particularly as the volume and complexity of research continues to grow. The security community plays a vital role in helping us protect customers. We are committed to maintaining a constructive and respectful relationship and growing together. We know that, given the nature of this work, there will at times be misunderstandings. We remain committed to engaging in good faith and to providing a respectful and professional experience for all researchers, regardless of past interactions.

Every security researcher starts somewhere. For Felix, it began with arcades and led all the way to Azure. Now a Microsoft MVR and Zero Day Quest qualifier, Felix shares the persistence and problem-solving mindset that shaped his path into security research in our latest blog: msft.it/6014Qn7B4

“You don’t pick the bugs. The bugs pick you.” Meet Wouter (@wtm_offensi), Microsoft MVR and Zero Day Quest 2026 qualifier, and read his security research journey: msft.it/6016QHeaC