Zero-day exploits
An overview of zero-day exploits, their risks, and protection methods.
A zero-day exploit is a cyberattack that leverages a previously unknown software vulnerability, or "zero-day vulnerability," to compromise a target system or network. Unlike common cyberattacks that exploit known weaknesses, zero-day exploits take advantage of undisclosed and unpatched flaws, giving defenders zero days to prepare and counteract these threats before they are unleashed.
Risks
- Limited defence window: With no prior knowledge of the vulnerability, organizations have little to no time to prepare or deploy protective measures. This gives hackers a significant advantage in launching successful attacks before software developers can develop and distribute patches.
- Data breaches: Successful zero-day attacks can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and exposure of sensitive information.
- Malware delivery: Zero-day exploits can serve as entry points for delivering malware, ransomware, or other malicious payloads onto systems.
Protection
General recommendations
- Keep software updated: Regularly update operating systems, applications, and software to the latest versions. While this won't protect against all zero-day exploits, it can mitigate the risk by addressing known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network security: Utilize firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and network monitoring tools to detect and prevent unauthorized access and suspicious activities.
- Use sandboxing: Isolate applications and processes in controlled environments to prevent them from affecting the core system if they become compromised.
How Redamp.io helps in protection
- Software update checking: We check that all your systems are up-to-date and inform you as fast as possible if there's a new update available.
- Informing about active CVEs on your devices: Our system will inform you about unpatched CVEs that are potential vulnerabilities to your devices.
- Analyzing your network: We scan networks to which your devices are connected and analyze their security protocols or scan other devices on the same network.
What we're planning next in protection
- Alert system for admins: We are planning to implement an alert system that will inform admins about zero-day exploits on devices in their companies.