While Google, Apple and Mozilla do not want to leave any stone unturned to make their respective web browsers safe ahead of the fast-approaching hacking contest Pwn2Own, Microsoft announced that it would not release any security patches for its Internet Explorer (IE) before the contest.

A few days back, Google patched a total of 19 security holes in Chrome web browser, followed by Mozilla on Tuesday issued patches to fix ten security holes in Firefox. Reports are emerging that Apple could soon patch security holes in its Safari Web browser.

The above mentioned patches were issued ahead of hacking contest Pwn2Own, which will pit hackers against popular web browsers. The targeted browsers include Microsoft’s IE8, Google’s Chrome 9, Mozilla’s Firefox3.6 and Apple’s Safari 5. The participants will also target Windows 7-based Dell Venue Pro, iOS-based iPhone 4, BlackBerry OS 6-based Torch 9800 and Android-based Nexus S smartphones.

Winners will receive $15,000 cash prizes for taking down each browser/ mobile device. The hacker who will take down Apple’s Safari will also get a 13-inch MacBook Air. Google has announced another $20,000 reward for the hacker who will take down Chrome.

Hacking contest Pwn2Own will take place at the CanSecWest security conference in Vancouver, Canada, from March 9 to March 11.