Zero Day Exploit Definition:
A Zero Day Exploit is a type of cyber attack that targets a previously unknown Vulnerability in software, hardware, or firmware. Since the Vulnerability is unknown to the vendor or developers, no Patch or fix is available at the time of the Exploit, leaving systems exposed to attacks.
What is Zero Day Exploit?
Zero Day Exploits are particularly dangerous because they take advantage of security flaws that have not yet been detected or addressed. Attackers actively search for these unknown vulnerabilities to Exploit them before the vendor can release a Patch, often resulting in significant damage or Data Breaches.
Why is Zero Day Exploit important?
The purpose of a Zero Day Exploit is to gain unauthorised access, steal information, or disrupt systems by Exploiting an unPatched Vulnerability. These Exploits are valuable to attackers and are often sold on the black market. For organisations, preventing Zero Day Exploits is critical due to the high risk and potential impact they pose.
How does Zero Day Exploit work?
A Zero Day Exploit is executed by identifying an unknown Vulnerability and developing code to Exploit it. Attackers may deliver these Exploits through Phishing emails, infected websites, or compromised downloads. Since no Patch exists, defences rely on Intrusion Detection Systems, behavioural analysis, and Threat Intelligence to identify unusual activity related to zero day threats.
Zero Day Exploit Examples:
Examples of Zero Day Exploits include attacks like Stuxnet, which Exploited zero day vulnerabilities to target industrial control systems, and the EternalBlue Exploit, which took advantage of a zero day Vulnerability in Windows to spread Ransomware globally. Both led to extensive damage before Patches were developed.
Zero Day Exploit Issues:
Defending against Zero Day Exploits is challenging, as there is no immediate Patch or fix available. Organisations must adopt a layered security approach, including regular system monitoring, Threat Intelligence, and endpoint protection to detect and contain zero day attacks. Timely vendor Patches and employee awareness also play a crucial role in reducing the impact of zero day vulnerabilities.
Our Services
