Alert! Watch Out for Zero-Day Exploits Like These

In the world of cybersecurity, zero-day exploits are the hairline cracks in your armor that you can’t see. They are the unseen flaw in your perfect strategy that the other team has a planned counterattack for.

These exploits can be found in virtually any type of software, from your operating systems like Windows, to your web browser, to your business applications. 

For small businesses in Austin and Central Texas, these threats are especially real. With limited resources, staying ahead of these cyberthreats can feel like a daunting task.

In this article, we'll shed light on zero-day exploits and share tips on how to guard your business against them. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay one step ahead.

What are Zero-Day Exploits?

Zero-day exploits are cyberthreats that take advantage of software vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are usually freshly disclosed and made public, and exploited before most users have a chance to apply a security update or patch.

The term "zero-day" refers to the fact that developers have zero days to fix the problem. That's because, by the time they learn about the vulnerability, it's already being exploited.

These exploits can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and other damaging outcomes. They're a serious concern in the realm of network security.

Understanding zero-day exploits is the first step in defending against them.

Recent Zero-Day Attacks to Know About

Zero-day vulnerabilities happen all the time and affect just about every type of software.

Fortinet, a global cybersecurity firm and software provider, has had zero-day vulnerabilities exploited recently, as a China-linked cyber espionage group has been compromising networks protected by their software.

The same group has also exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Invanti and VMware software, which is used to manage devices across networks and locations—something a lot of larger businesses use, but smaller businesses might also have this software installed if their IT company uses it.

This doesn’t mean that Fortinet, Invanti, or VMware is inherently insecure; it means that lots of installations of this software likely haven’t been managed and maintained properly. The patches are out there to fix the issue, but those who maintain the network aren’t prioritizing security. 

Back in March, a nasty strain of ransomware was exploiting a Windows security flaw after Microsoft identified it and issued a security update. This left people who didn’t run their update soon enough at high risk.

AI has been making these types of vulnerabilities easier for cybercriminals to take advantage of too. Research has shown that they can use Chat GPT to quickly and autonomously hack through some common zero-day vulnerabilities with a 53 percent success rate.

Successful Ransomware Attacks Fund Zero-Day Threats

2024 has seen a massive increase in zero-day vulnerabilities being exploited, and according to some industry experts, this is likely due to cybercriminals having a lot of capital to spend on purchasing exploits on the Dark Web. This gets pretty complex, but to get down to brass tacks, cybercriminals are making a lot of money off of businesses by infecting them with ransomware, which is a type of malware that forces you to pay a large sum for the opportunity to get your data back. Ransomware attacks have been increasing exponentially over the past several years, and it’s been one of the biggest reasons why cybercrime is so lucrative and experiencing so much growth. 

When cybercriminals and threat actors have spending money, they can invest in illicit goods and services that will help them cause more harm and make more money.

The Impact on Small Businesses in Austin and Central Texas

Small businesses in Austin and Central Texas are not immune to these threats. In fact, they are often more vulnerable due to limited resources compared to larger enterprises, all while still having a lot of mission-critical technology in play.

A single zero-day exploit can cause significant financial and reputational damage. It can disrupt operations and lead to loss of sensitive data. While every exploit is different in nature and severity, some can give a cybercriminal full access to everything.

Therefore, it's crucial for these businesses to prioritize network security and stay updated on the latest threats.

Proactive Measures to Protect Your Business from Zero-Day Exploits

Patch management plays a key role in defending against zero-day exploits. It involves regularly updating software to fix vulnerabilities.

However, it's not just about applying patches. It's also about managing them effectively to ensure they don't introduce new vulnerabilities. Regular software updates are a must. They often include patches for known vulnerabilities.

Don’t rely on your end-users to keep Windows and other applications updated. It’s really not something they can do reliably or safely. Some patches and updates require reboots or configuration, most should be tested in a test environment first. It’s a big ask for people who already have full-time responsibilities.

Outsourcing your IT to a managed IT service provider like Capstone Works can ensure that security updates and zero-day vulnerabilities are handled as a priority.

Staying One Step Ahead with Capstone Works

In the world of cybersecurity, staying ahead is key. Proactive measures can save you from the fallout of a zero-day exploit. Remember, it's not just about protecting data. It's about safeguarding your business' reputation and customer trust.

Failing to keep your software updated essentially turns your network into a ticking time bomb, and the cost of being proactive is extremely nominal compared to the costs that come with a data breach or other cybersecurity issue. Let’s audit your network and handle the day-to-day IT maintenance for you, so you can focus on your business. Give us a call today at (512) 343-8891 to get started.