Hackers exploit 32 zero-days on the first day of Pwn2Own Ireland
On the first day of the Pwn2Own Ireland 2026 competition, security researchers hacked the Samsung Galaxy S26 twice and earned $388,500 after exploiting 32 zero-days.
The opening day of the Pwn2Own Ireland 2026 security competition delivered intense action and significant discoveries as ethical hackers targeted popular hardware and software. Right from the start, researchers showcased advanced exploitation techniques against modern technology.
Notably, security researchers successfully compromised the Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphone twice during the event. Throughout these targeted attacks, a staggering total of 32 previously unknown zero-day vulnerabilities were successfully uncovered and exploited.
For their successful demonstrations and contribution to digital security, the researchers were awarded a combined total of $388,500 in cash prizes. Events like Pwn2Own highlight the continuous challenges manufacturers face in securing complex mobile operating systems and hardware.
These findings underline the critical importance of proactive security research and vulnerability mitigation, serving as a vital reminder for the global tech and cybersecurity community regarding modern threat landscapes.
