A zero-day attack happens when a hacker finds a vulnerability before the software developer does, leaving the developer with zero days to apply a patch to secure the application. Hackers then exploit this weakness and use it to infiltrate your business, tapping into classified documents and databases before you even become aware of the exploit.
Once damaged, businesses are forced to bring in professionals for an expensive and time-consuming clean-up operation. Can your business afford to be found wanting?
The attack on the Big Guns
As recently as late 2021, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, IBM, Microsoft and Cisco were all affected by the Log4j flaw and resulting attacks. Log4j is a popular piece of open-source code used by many developers to keep track of errors and log other noteworthy events.
The attack has given hackers a way to insert malicious code into a wide range of programs and acts like a virus, spreading from one user to another when they connect on games like Minecraft or through cloud storage.
Even Zoom was compromised just at the time when the platform was gaining popularity in 2020 and, hackers discovered they could break into a PC if the user ran the video conferencing program on an outdated operating system.
The issue goes much deeper than what the average business owner or in-house IT team can handle. If these industry leaders can find themselves on the back foot, what chance do small and medium-sized enterprises have to protect themselves?
Prevention is better than cure
Software developers continuously make tweaks through security patches and upgrades in their attempt to stay one step ahead of hackers at all times so, never underestimate the power of keeping all operating systems and software up to date.
Take these essential steps today to ensure that your network is secure and your business is protected:
- Update your operating system.
- Ensure you have installed the most recent software patches.
- Set up a firewall and activate anti-virus software to detect potential threats.
- Establish best practices for safe system behaviour – it makes it easier to recognise anything unusual.
- Stay vigilant and pay attention to unexpected traffic and any suspicious activity.
Zero-day attacks come from all angles and require that we keep up to date with the latest news to ensure that we have the best protection, however, it can be a full-time job.
When you partner with Numata, you can rest assured that your cybersecurity is prioritised. We monitor emerging threats and roll out system patches before hackers have even thought about attacking your business, protecting your business, people, and profits from a security breach. We focus on a multi-layered approach to ensure maximum security across your organisation’s network and reduce your risk of a human error-induced data breach.
Get in touch with Numata today for more information about our cybersecurity-specific offerings for a water-tight, proactive system to keep your business safe.
