Crowdsourced Security as a Risk Reduction Strategy

This document is a technical report that defines Crowdsourced Security and outlines its significance in contemporary security architecture. It explains the fundamental imbalance between cyber attackers and defenders, emphasizing that attackers leverage creativity and motivation to exploit vulnerabilities, while defenders often rely on technology and established processes. The report details how Crowdsourced Security utilizes white hat researchers to identify and mitigate risks effectively. It describes the process of engaging researchers, from defining attack surfaces to rewarding them for finding vulnerabilities. The report also highlights the integration of Crowdsourced Security into the software development lifecycle and its adaptability to agile development practices. Additionally, it addresses common misconceptions regarding increased risk exposure and emphasizes the importance of trust in researchers. The document concludes by discussing the cost-effectiveness of Crowdsourced Security, noting that it can lower operational overhead while enhancing security measures across various platforms, including web, mobile, and IoT.