The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a permanent "Hack DHS" program following a successful pilot, which will allow vetted cybersecurity researchers to test department networks for potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities that can be exploited by bad actors, reports Defense Daily.

The program was initially authorized by Congress in 2018.

"As the federal government’s cybersecurity quarterback, DHS must lead by example and constantly seek to strengthen the security of our own systems," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. "The Hack DHS program incentivizes highly skilled hackers to identify cybersecurity weaknesses in our systems before they can be exploited by bad actors. This program is one example of how the department is partnering with the community to help protect our nation’s cybersecurity."

Defense Daily reports that the new program will come in three phases over 2022. To start, hackers will virtually assess certain parts of the department’s external systems followed by participation in a live, in-person hacking event and then the department will review lessons learned for future bug bounties.

Hack DHS will leverage a platform created by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and be monitored by the DHS CIO for compliance.