Zero-day exploits take advantage of unknown vulnerabilities, with the mechanism varying depending on the type of vulnerability. The mindset of developers and hackers differs, which can favor security vulnerabilities. Attackers invest weeks looking for flaws, especially in cloud software. Exploitation requires the creation of a zero-day exploit, which is either developed or sold by the attackers themselves.
To prevent zero-day attacks, strategies such as statistical monitoring, signatures and behavior-based monitoring are used. The prolonged undetected nature of zero-day exploits can lead to serious compromises. These attacks are initiated by various groups, from cybercriminals to state-sponsored hackers. Effective protection requires a comprehensive defense strategy, where companies must weigh potential attacks against shutting down critical systems when they learn of a zero-day vulnerability.
Thus, the term zero-day exploit describes the exploitation of a vulnerability known only to the discoverer, often before the manufacturer is aware of it. Zero-day attacks can affect various systems, from operating systems to IoT devices, and range from private individuals to government and political targets.