What is Zero-day Exploit? How To Remove Zero-day Exploit Virus Easily?

What is zero-day exploit?

A zero-day exploit is a hidden application vulnerability that could be exploited to negatively affect the hardware, applications, data or network. “Zero-day” states that the developers have “zero days” to fix a problem that has just been exposed and may have been already exploited. Cybercriminals snatch on the security vulnerability to launch a cyber-attack on the same day as the weakness is discovered. The vulnerability is exploited before a fix becomes available.

Zero-day exploits can get into the computer as viruses, polymorphic worms, Trojans, and various types of malware. All of these vulnerabilities can be bought, sold, and traded. Hacker groups monitor these vulnerabilities and quickly post zero-day exploits as organizations under attack scramble to release patches against the security holes.

How does a zero-day exploit happen?

There are several ways a zero-day exploit can occur. In most cases, attackers use exploit code to take advantage of a zero-day vulnerability by sneaking past the defenses to plant a virus or other malware onto a computer or device. Email or other similar means can also be used to entice unsuspecting users to visit a hacker-created web page. Once the page is viewed, the attacker-supplied malicious code runs undetected. They’ve gained access to your system without you knowing it. 

Steps attackers take for a zero-day attack usually involve the following phases:

1.    Watching for vulnerability: Attackers are watching and waiting to attack through the code looking for vulnerability. In some cases, zero-day exploits are sold (and purchased) by hackers.

2.    Vulnerability cracked: Cyber attackers are on a watch out to find a hole in the security system that is unknown to the original developers.

3.    Exploit code created: Once they crack the loophole the attackers create and apply the exploit code.

4.    Access and Infiltration: Once they have applied the code the attackers snitch past the defenses without the developer’s knowledge. 

5.    Zero-day exploit launched: Armed with their exploit code, the attackers plant a virus or malware.

6.    Zero-day attacks occur because of a zero-day vulnerability window that exists between the time a threat is discovered and the time a security patch is released. A patch (aka “code fix”) can be released to combat the threat within hours, but in other cases, it can take days or even weeks.

7.    On some occasion, this vulnerability is discovered by an individual too, and then they notify the developer about the risk. But not all discoveries are altruistic. Frequently, hackers with malicious intent find the vulnerability. As mentioned earlier, these hackers can use a zero-day vulnerability to cause damage or sell the exploit on the underground hacker market. 

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How do you detect a zero-day attack?

Detection techniques for zero-day exploits include: 

1.    Statistical-based: This approach to detecting zero-day exploits in real time relies on attack profiles built from historical data.

2.    Signature-based: This detection approach is dependent on signatures made from known exploits.

3.    Behavior-based: This model defense is based on the analysis of the exploit’s interaction with the target.

4.    Hybrid-based: As the name suggests, this approach is a blending of different approaches.

5.    The traditional approach for detecting zero-day exploits often involves relying on disparate network and endpoint protection technologies, which may cause gaps in the security system. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to combat attackers using advanced attack methods. Detecting advanced targeted attacks requires an integrated, multi-layered approach.

 How can you prevent zero-day exploits?

Zero-day vulnerabilities can leave you susceptible to zero-day attacks with devastating results to your business. We know this sounds a little intimidating—and it is indeed—but as a safeguard, the user can take proactive and reactive security measures. 

Here are a few tips to keep your organization protected from security risks associated with zero-day vulnerabilities: 

1.    Use top-rated security software. Make sure you have a robust firewall and that your security software doesn’t just cover known threats because zero-day attacks are, by definition, attacks not yet known.

2.    Update software. Software updates often contain security measures against any intrusion. Make sure that you have your software updated on a regular base.

3.    Use updated browsers. Browsers are favorite targets for zero-day attacks. Updates to browsers are often automatic, but make sure your browsers are all updated as they often contain patches to vulnerabilities. Check these sites for specific browser update instructions:

a)    Internet Explorer

b)    Chrome

c)    Mozilla Firefox

 4.    Establish security best practices. Make sure you set an example of personal online security best practices and have all your employees do the same.

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Tips to prevent zero-day exploit from entering your computer :