Hack DHS Act

Hack the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2017 or the Hack DHS Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a bug bounty pilot program to minimize vulnerabilities to DHS information systems.

"Bug bounty program" is a program under which an approved computer security specialist or security researcher is temporarily authorized to identify and report vulnerabilities within DHS information systems in exchange for cash payment.

Under such program, DHS shall:

• provide monetary compensation for reports of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities within the websites, applications, and other DHS information systems that are accessible to the public;
• develop an expeditious process by which computer security researchers can register for the program, submit to a background check, and receive a determination as to approval for program participation;
• designate mission-critical operations within DHS that should be excluded;
• consult with the Department of Justice on how to ensure that program participants are protected from prosecution for activities authorized under the program;
• award competitive contracts to manage the program and for executing the remediation of identified vulnerabilities; and
• engage interested persons, including commercial sector representatives, about the structure of the program.