--- title: "What Is Zero-Day Protection? And Why It Is Necessary To Protect Your Information Assets From ‘Zero-Day’ Attacks | Phish Protection" description: "What Is ZeroDay Protection? And Why It Is Necessary To Protect Your Information Assets From ‘ZeroDay’ Attacks Any software system, however secure it m" image: "https://phishprotection.com/images/og-default.png" canonical: "https://phishprotection.com/zero-day-protection/" --- # What Is Zero-Day Protection? And Why It Is Necessary To Protect Your Information Assets From ‘Zero-Day’ Attacks ## **What Is Zero-Day Protection? And Why It Is Necessary To Protect Your Information Assets From ‘Zero-Day’ Attacks** _Any software system, however secure it might be, is vulnerable to threats from hackers and other cybercriminals_. Hence, software developers and users alike should always be on their guard to overcome such risks. A **vulnerability remains hidden** in the code, unless it is found out, fixed and tested by the software vendor or the organization who owns the code. In information [security jargon](https://www.duocircle.com/content/email-and-information-security-jargon), _the day on which the software or device vendor/target organization learns about the vulnerability is known as ‘Zero-day’_. It requires immediate addressing from the vendor/target organization’s side to prevent it from becoming a threatening issue. Adopting a proactive threat hunting program or **developing a patch** management program can help plug the hole in the network or software security and provide zero-day protection. Such _protection from unknown vulnerabilities is generally referred to as zero-day protection_. ![Protection From Phishing Attacks 1](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/protection-from-phishing-attacks-1.png) ### Why Is It Known As Zero-Day Protection? _Until the day of its identification, the vulnerability is unknown to the software vendor or the users_. On learning about such a threat, the vendor creates a patch or advises workarounds to mitigate it. Since the developer was unaware of the threat, they have zero days to work on the official patch to fix the issue. And, _the day on which the vendor becomes aware of the threat is known as zero-day_. Protection from such vulnerabilities is hence called zero-day protection and is necessary as **adversaries can exploit** these vulnerabilities even before it is fixed. ### A Zero-Day Attack Example One of the best [zero-day attack examples](/content/zero-day-attacks/zero-day-attack-examples/) is Stuxnet, the virus that caused considerable damage to [Iran’s nuclear program](https://www.wired.com/2014/11/countdown-to-zero-day-stuxnet/). This virus, a self-replicating computer worm caused extensive damage to Iranian atomic plants by altering the speed of centrifuges, forcing them to shut down. #### Windows Zero-Day Threat _Many [Zero-day attacks](/content/zero-day-attacks/) have taken place due to vulnerabilities existing in the Windows Operating System_. For instance, Stuxnet mentioned above acted by exploiting four different zero-day vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows OS. Hence, it is also known as the Windows zero-day attack. ![Ransomware Protection Services](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/ransomware-protection-services.png) ![Anti Phishing Protection](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/anti-phishing-protection.png) ### How To Ensure Zero-Day Attack Prevention? Zero-day vulnerabilities can present severe security risks, thereby exposing your systems to zero-day attacks. The damages can be far-reaching, which necessitates zero-day attack prevention. - Install a robust antivirus/antimalware software (preferably an [AI-ML based solution](https://www.wipro.com/en-IN/holmes/testing-of-ai-ml-based-systems/)) that can protect against both known and unknown threats. - Ensure to update the Operating systems, software and applications whenever the developer releases the updates. _Delaying the updates can cause your systems to become vulnerable to zero-day attacks_. - Ensure that your employees, clients, and vendors practice adopt reasonable **online security practices**. - Ensure security settings are configured appropriately for the OS, security software/solutions, and the internet browser for zero-day protection. ### Some Recent Zero-Day Attacks In 2019 It would be great to have the perfect software working for you. However, _even the most secure software systems can develop vulnerabilities_. Some of the most recent zero-day attacks in 2019 are as follows. CVE-2019-1458, [Privilege escalation in MS-Windows](https://www.zero-day.cz/database/?set%5Ffilter=Y&arrFilter%5Fpf%5BYEAR%5FFROM%5D=2019&arrFilter%5Fpf%5BYEAR%5FTO%5D=2019&arrFilter%5Fpf%5BSEARCH%5D=#item%5F-1) This zero-day attack allows a local user to escalate privileges in a system. This threat is because of a boundary error that occurs when processing objects in memory within the Win32K component. Thus, _a local user can create and launch a malicious application and execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges_. Anton Ivanov and Alexy Kulaev reported this attack on December 10, 2019. CVE-2019-13720, [Remote Code execution in Google Chrome](https://www.zero-day.cz/database/?set%5Ffilter=Y&arrFilter%5Fpf%5BYEAR%5FFROM%5D=2019&arrFilter%5Fpf%5BYEAR%5FTO%5D=2019&arrFilter%5Fpf%5BSEARCH%5D=#item%5F1) _This vulnerability enables a remote attacker to create a specially crafted webpage, thereby tricking the victim into visiting it_. It triggers a ‘use-after-free’ error and executes arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability was discovered on October 31, 2019. ![Anti Phishing Services](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/anti-phishing-services.png) ![Anti Phishing Software Download](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/anti-phishing-software-download.png) ### How Are Zero-Day Attacks Discovered? Generally, _software vendors, security analysts, or security researchers are always on the lookout for zero-day vulnerabilities in the systems to address it before hackers take advantage of it_. They adopt measures like [penetration testing](https://securityintelligence.com/the-disconnect-between-zero-day-exploits-and-security-audits-and-penetration-tests/), security analysis, etc. to identify zero-day vulnerabilities. It enables organizations to design, develop and adopt effective **patch management** and change management programs to mitigate the risk. ### Final Words _Zero-Day Protection is a necessity to safeguard valuable information assets of any organization_. Many global, as well as small-medium enterprises, have been victims of zero-day vulnerabilities. The very nature of the zero-day vulnerabilities warrants taking all precautionary measures an organization can adopt and steer clear of any malicious attacks driven by it. ![Anti Phishing Software Review](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/anti-phishing-software-review.png) ### Join 7500+ Organizations that use Phish Protection [ 60-Day Free Trial ](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection) Phish Protection works with System Administrators, IT Professionals and IT Executives in thousands of companies worldwide. 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