The Zero Day Exploit: Beware

by: COMMANDER ENTERPRISE

Treachery, deceit, bad complacency, and surprise face-punching; Traitorous and cowardly online attacks can happen when you least expect them.

No matter how you put it, a zero-day exploit can make your blood boil especially if you’re on the receiving end of it. It makes you want to upload a giant fist on the internet go straight to that little hacker and KO him for good.

These cybercriminals love digital crime and drama. They are also after your networks, your sensitive information, digital money, and assets; Or just to do damage for the heck of it. You’ll often discover these cyberattacks late in the game. Are you sure you’re safe?

What is a zero-day exploit?

Pesky little cybercrooks work on, wait, and attack an exposed zero-day vulnerability in less than a day (a zero day), unbeknownst to IT, software engineers, and even top-notch security software systems. They target networks, software, and computers and branch out further your protected fortress for all kinds of bad intentions.

It’s a major, massive headache. A security patch or solution usually comes too late as a last reactionary step.

Where did it come from?

According to Norton and McAfee, the earliest zero-day exploit definition can be traced to Stuxnet back in 2010. It is an early form of self-replicating, zero-day virus worm created to do damage to Iran’s nuclear plants. By the time it was discovered, the infection was at its worst levels. This legendary malware destroyed water treatment equipment and energy plants through Windows computers.

The unholy trinity of the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and Israel’s Intelligence Ops allegedly “had a hand” in all this. Nice.

If you’re wondering what a zero-day exploit list looks like, here are some of the most common items used:

• Bad websites
• Malicious codes embedded in website scripts and functions
• Spyware
• Bad file downloads
• Email attachments
• Deceptive Malware in disguise
• Hacking activities undetected in the background

As you can see, these are just a common variety of items from unassuming online activities. The common theme running through all of them is the actual zero-day intrusion method, and that you will always be too late the hero.

Zero the Hero

Some zero-day exploit examples are high-profile news. Sony Pictures’ 2014 zero-day attack was pretty extensive. The hackers, ironically named “Guardians of Peace” had a two-month robbery party on all their files and then damaged their huge network.

Sony discovered the intrusion a year too late. It had aspects of modern-day ransomware as well, with a stern and precise demand. The demand? A cease and desist order for the film The Interview, a comedy based on North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and some good old Kim Jong-related funny shenanigans.

Zero-day exploit website news was all over and had everyone scrambling over it. Laugh all you want, but that seemingly funny joke cost Sony millions, forcing them to withdraw potentially lucrative public screenings. It sent a very clear message to the USA: That could be your last joke. You want missiles to go with that?

More zero-day attacks after 2014

That’s not all. More serious security exploit attacks were just as huge and extensive, on a national and international security threat level. Other recent zero-day attacks are no jokes.

You’ve got the Microsoft Windows attacks of 2019 that wrecked Eastern Europe, the Democratic National Committee 2015 and 2016 attacks by Russian hackers which united President Obama and President Putin in serious discussions, and more Russian-related hijinks from The Shadow Brokers in 2017 who exposed critical NSA files as confirmed by exiled former NSA agent Edward Snowden.

You may be under attack right now while laughing at the thought of Kim Jong Un launching a zero-day attack against a movie about him.

Zero Day Exploit Protection

Fortunately, here’s some good news: Modern security software has grown and adapted accordingly to all these annoying, irritating crooks. To thwart and fight them, you have to think like them: Deploy effective and up-to-date security software for zero-day protection where they can launch these attacks, and optimize all of your entry points and possible online backdoor and front door access. Never underestimate them – don’t be like Def Leppard’s “Two Steps Behind” – Be proactive with expert protection.