Learn what-when-how about Zero-day flaw,
What: A zero-day also known as 0-day vulnerability is a computer software flaw that is known to the software vendor but doesn’t have a direct bug-fix in place.
Until the vulnerability is mitigated, hackers can exploit it to adversely affect computer programs, data, additional computers or a network.
TechTarget defines Zero-day as “a flaw in the software, hardware or firmware that is unknown to the party or parties responsible for patching or otherwise fixing the flaw”
When: A Zero-day exploit is a cyber attack that occurs on the same day a weakness is discovered in software.
Once a Zero-day vulnerability has been made public, it is known as an n-day or one-day vulnerability.
How: The threat actor spots that vulnerability either before the developer does or acts on it before the developer has a chance to fix it. The attacker writes and implements exploit code while the vulnerability is still open and available.
After releasing the exploit, either the public recognizes it in the form of identity or information theft or the developer catches it and creates a patch to staunch the cyber-bleeding.
Now that you are aware of it, let’s see what can be done to protect oneself from it.
By nature, zero-day attacks are difficult to defend against. But there are many ways to prepare and reduce the effective threat to your organization.
- Check for a solution when a zero-day vulnerability is announced. Most software vendors work quickly to patch a security vulnerability
- Always update to the latest software releases.
- Set safe and effective personal online security habits.
- Configure security settings for your operating system, internet browser, and security software.
- Install cybersecurity software to help block known and unknown threats to vulnerabilities.
- Use reliable security software to help keep your devices safe and secure.
There are many types of security vulnerabilities and opportunities for cyber-attacks. Businesses should act more responsible for keeping their organizations protected against these attacks, both to adhere to regulatory compliance and to keep their employees, customers, and proprietary data safe.
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