A zero-day attack is an injection of malware into a computer system to exploit a security vulnerability that has not yet been patched. Learn how to recognize and protect yourself from zero-day attacks.

 

What is a Zero-Day Attack?

When hackers take advantage of recently discovered security flaws in an application, an operating system, or network software, they are commiting a zero-day attack. It is called zero-day because the developers and security teams have not had time yet to develop and apply a patch to fix the defect, i.e., they have had zero days to fix it. In the typical scenario, an enterprising hacker finds a hole in the security of a product and rapidly disseminates the information about the hole and how to exploit it to the cybercriminal community. Bad actors quickly devise viruses, Trojans, worms, and other malware to take advantage of the security weakness before the responsible vendors have time to create a fix or even alert their customers.

A zero-day attack can occur in numerous ways. Any software vulnerability can trigger an attack. Zero-day attacks feed off of system failures to block SQL injection, missing encryption, failing authorization, buffer overflows, bugs, URL redirection, or broken algorithms within password security settings.

Until the software or security system vulnerability is made public, the exploit often takes place without the user being aware that an attack is in the works. When security teams know a zero-day attack is underway in the technical community, they can be on the lookout for suspicious activity. An unknown zero-day attack, however, poses a significant security risk to organizations because the security staff doesn’t even know they should be looking for something. A zero-day attack is like a thief who enters your house through an unlocked back door while you are entertaining guests in the living room.

 

How Does a Zero-Day Attack Work?

Nothing is perfect in this world, and especially not software. Every software program contains vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers to cause havoc. It is always the developers’ goal to find these vulnerabilities and patch them as soon as possible once they are identified. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are sometimes the first ones to discover them. A hacker can write a code to exploit this weakness as long as that vulnerability is still within the software. This code is known as exploit code.

After discovering the security weaknesses within the software, attackers need to find a way to introduce their exploit code into the weakened system. A favorite way to inject malicious code into a system is through social engineering attacks that use email or other messages. Hackers often exploit the user’s trust instincts. The targeted user thinks the message has come from a known person, but in reality, it is from a cybercriminal. The message directs the user to a website created by the hacker, usually as a forgery of a reputable website. The malicious site tricks the unsuspecting user into downloading and installing malware containing the exploit code. The malware can steal the user’s information, corrupt files, give remote access to the hacker, install other malware, and send spam messages.

 

What Does a Zero-Day Attack Look Like?

As with other socially engineered attacks, zero-day attacks require user trust. Hackers can conduct this attack through an email or messaging apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media networks. The attacker needs the victim to download malware to their system, which can only be done if they trick them into doing so.

The message will look as if it is from some known person or entity. The message may appear to be from a friend, from your company’s coworker, or perhaps even your company’s CEO. The message may arrive disguised as from your company’s supplier, a customer, or a well known website. The target will be asked to perform action, such as clicking on a provided link or downloading an attachment. To make sure users perform the action, hackers will put an element of urgency into the message—do this immediately or your account will be closed, the company will lose millions, or the FBI will be calling you shortly.

 

What to Spot a Zero-Day Attack?

Zero-day attacks are sophisticatedly crafted by devious minds to avoid detection. Nevertheless, if you know what you’re looking for, you can spot signs in an email that will tip you off. Because zero-day attacks use malware to infiltrate your system, be wary of potentially harmful emails with the following characteristics:

Tempting Opportunities

Human nature always seeks shortcuts and freebies. If you receive an email offering free access to a paid game, application, or program, beware. These emails ask for login credentials in exchange for access to the game. Keep in mind that you should never give away your login information through an email. Not only will the hackers compromise your account, they will publish your information on the dark web for other nefarious people to take advantage. And of course, these freebies can inject malware into your system with the zero-day exploit code, doing further harm to you and everyone else on your network.

The Attacker Exploits Fear

Hackers often use the element of threat in their emails. Masquerading as an authority figure such as a bank, the IRS, or a police officer, scammers send intimidating or threatening emails to scare you into taking a certain action. These emails use your fear to trick you into making payments, giving away personal information, or installing malware.

Inconsistency

If the email supposedly came from a family member, friend, or coworker, look at previous email conversations you have had with that person. If the subject, content, tone of voice, or speech mannerisms in the email are inconsistent with previous messages, assume something is wrong. Call the person and verify whether they actually sent the email.

 

How Can You Stay Protected from Zero-Day Attacks?

Consider the following strategies if you run a business and are worried about falling victim to a zero-day attack:

Always Stay Informed

Though zero-day attacks are rarely publicized, you can still learn about the security system vulnerabilities that might cause your business to be exploited. By keeping an eye on the news and reading the update descriptions from your software vendor, your security team can find out about vulnerabilities and fix them immediately.

Use Extra Security Measures

Ensure your business is protected from threats by using multiple security layers. Even if a hacker gets past one of your security layers, other layers have a chance of detecting the intrusion and stopping it or alerting the staff.

Use Limited Applications

Do not overburden your system with tons of applications. The more applications you install, the greater the risk of introducing malware. Make sure you install and use only the applications that are necessary.

 

How Does Trustifi’s Inbound Shield Protect You from Zero-Day Attacks?

 

Trustifi provides advanced protection against cyber threats to an organization’s email system. Trustifi features the Inbound Shield that acts as an email filter. As soon as Trustifi’s Inbound Shield is deployed to your company’s email system, sophisticated AI software begins scanning every email received by your server. Each incoming email is placed in a sandbox where Inbound Shield’s multi-layered detection scans everything about the email including sender, email subject, content, links, and attachments. To be deemed safe, an email must pass all tests at each layer.

The email is scanned in 3 parts and has a unique and advanced approach for each part.

 

Email Content and Headers

Links – Advanced Methods to Catch the Most Sophisticated Phishing Sites

Files – Deep Scanning

Learn how you can protect yourself and your company with Trustifi’s Inbound Shield. Contact a Trustifi representative today to view a demo and see how simply and affordably Inbound Shield can safeguard your systems.