Facebook welcomes hackers, if they wear a white hat

As reported late last week, Facebook is encouraging hackers to try hacking its security systems to find weaknesses. Those who succeed will receive a reward of US$500 or more and have their name added to a list of helpful hackers. Given ongoing unrest about Facebook and its associated privacy issues, some may see Facebook’s 'White Hats' scheme as a cynical ploy to improve public relations. But there are other, more practical, reasons.