Your digital world is useful and entertaining, but it’s also vulnerable to attack, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Zero-day exploits are particularly tricky as they take advantage of flaws you don’t know about yet.

Let’s take a look at how a zero-day exploit works and what you can do to counter any such cyberattack.

What Are Zero-Day Exploits?

A zero-day exploit is an attack on your software using an unknown vulnerability that you have no time to patch up before the hack takes place.

It’s a way for attackers to blindside you. Considering Kaspersky detected zero-day exploits even on Microsoft Windows servers, the threat is real and easy to fall for.

Related: How Hackers Are Exploiting Microsoft Word Documents to Hack Windows

How Do Zero-Day Exploits Work?

Let's take a look at how hackers utilize zero-day exploits.

Hackers Find or Create Vulnerabilities

Cybercriminals will inspect a target’s programming, from its browsers to its operating system. They look for gaps in the infrastructure, whether it’s due to carelessness or bugs.

Sometimes they even create vulnerabilities by tricking users into downloading malware. There’s also the danger of zero-click attacks, which deliver malicious content through messaging apps without you interacting with them.

Hackers Use or Share Vulnerabilities

The next step in the zero-day exploit process depends on the attacker’s goal. Are they stealing, changing, or keeping tabs on something?

While some hacks are one-off affairs, others happen again and again. If you don’t spot an exploit or the vulnerability it uses, the cyberattacks are bound to continue.

To make matters worse, there’s also a market for zero-day exploits. In other words, people find your system’s flaws and sell the knowledge to other hackers or even companies.

How to Protect Yourself From Zero-Day Exploits

Glasses in Front of Laptop and Coding Programs

Now you know what a zero-day exploit is and how it works, let's explore a few ways you can protect yourself from this type of attack.

1. Use Secure Software and Hardware

Preventing zero-day exploits is a major reason why you keep updating your software, while also investing in quality anti-virus solutions.

The point is to close all windows of opportunity for hackers and to catch them as soon as they try anything. If you’re too late, you also want to patch the breach quickly.

2. Understand Your Technology and Its Vulnerabilities

You can’t protect yourself if you don’t know how your computer, smartphone, or network function. And when they display abnormal behavior.

Related: What Is Vulnerability Scanning and How Does It Work?

Get to know your devices and programs, including their flaws. If you use WhatsApp or online services, for example, be wary of suspicious interactions, cookies, and content transfers like text, audio, or video files.

Let your automated cybersecurity do its job, but also pay attention to any glitches or activity that don’t make sense. If you run a business, careful observation is that much more important.

While putting up safeguards against zero-day exploits is a bit easier for freelancers, you can manage your team and workplace smoothly and securely as long as you take all necessary precautions and stay alert.

3. Tackle Human Vulnerabilities

Hackers really can use people, not just software, to enter systems. Human negligence or misinformation can lead to zero-day threats as easily as a buggy or ignored program.

Whether you work alone or as a group, get to know the types of tricks you should look out for. Scammers can hide malware in image metadata, for example. So, take care when you view or click on content.

It’s a good idea to lay down a strategy for after an attack, too. It’s not just about shutting down compromised software or disconnecting from the internet. You also need to patch up the vulnerability, sweep for viruses, change passwords, and more.

Knowing exactly what you’re doing helps you get off the ground faster. Allocate tasks for even better troubleshooting.

Prepare for Any Zero-Day Exploit

Different targets attract hackers for different reasons. Learning about your own business, assets, vulnerabilities, and solutions can point you in the right direction in terms of protecting yourself from zero-day exploits.

Fortunately, technology offers more helpful tools than dangers. Take a look at the many ways you can secure everything, from resources to sensitive information. It’s all a matter of understanding what you’re up against and the defenses at your disposal.