The
term
“zero-day
threat”
may
sound
like
the
title
of
a
hit
film,
but
it’s
definitely
not
that
kind
of
thriller.
A
zero-day
threat
or
attack
is
an
unknown
vulnerability
in
your
computer
or
mobile
device’s
software
or
hardware.
The
term
is
derived
from
the
age
of
the
exploit,
which
takes
place
before
or
on
the
first
(or
“zeroth”)
day
of
a
security
vendors’
awareness
of
the
exploit
or
bug.
This
often
means
there
is
no
known
immediate
security
because
software
or
hardware
manufacturers
are
just
learning
of
the
vulnerability
and
have
had
zero
days
to
address
and
patch
the
vulnerability.
It’s
like
discovering
a
new
species
in
the
wild.
It’s
brand
new
and
might
not
even
have
a
name
yet.
In
the
past
the
viruses
that
the
hackers
released
were
meant
to
cause
annoyance
and
disruptions
and
were
done
for
notoriety
and
fun.
They
could
do
a
number
of
different
things
to
wreak
havoc
on
your
computer
from
scrolling
profanity
across
the
screen,
or
crashing
it,
but
mostly
it
could
be
a
pain
and
a
huge
time
sink.
Nowadays,
with
the
proliferation
of malware,
hackers
have
developed
much
more
sophisticated
ways
to
trick
you.
But
the
main
difference
now
is
that
hackers
are
using
malware
and
viruses
as
a
way
to
make
a
profit,
whether
that
is
by
holding
your
device
and
data
hostage,
or
tricking
you
into
revealing
your
personal
information
so
the
hacker
can
access
your
financial
accounts.
That’s
what
makes
zero-day
threats
so
dangerous
for
us
today.
Hackers
can
exploit
zero-day
vulnerabilities
through
different
means,
but
traditionally
web
browsers
have
been
the
most
common,
due
to
their
popularity.
Attackers
also
send
emails
with
attachments
or
you
might
click
a
link
in
the
body
of
an
email
that
automatically
downloads
malware.
All
of
these
could
now
be
putting
you
at
risk.
So
what
can
you
do
to
protect
yourself?
Studies
have
shown
that
while
zero-day
attacks
make
us
all
vulnerable,
where
they
are
most
dangerous
is
long
after
a
security
patch
is
made
available–because
not
everyone
updates
their
systems.
Here
are
some
tips
to
help
you
stay
protected:
-
Update
your
browser,
operating
system
and
applications –
Patches
fix
the
vulnerabilities
in
your
software
and
operating
systems,
strengthening
your
resistance
to
malware. -
Use
only
essential
applications –
The
more
software
you
have,
the
more
vulnerabilities
you
have.
You
can
reduce
the
risk
to
your
network
by
using
a
minimum
of
applications. -
Don’t
click
on
links
in
attachments –
This
is
a
good
rule
of
thumb
in
general,
but
it
can
definitely
help
you
protect
against
zero-day
attacks. -
Be
careful
what
sites
you
visit –
Use
a
safe
search
tool,
like
McAfee® SiteAdvisor® which
comes
with
all
McAfee
security
products
that
will
warn
you
of
risky
sites
in
our
browser
search
results
and
prevent
you
from
going
to
malicious
sites. -
Make
sure
all
your
devices
are
protected
– Invest
in
a
comprehensive
security
solution
like McAfee
LiveSafe™ service
that
includes
antivirus,
but
also
protects
the
identity
and
data
of
you
and
your
kids
for
ALL
your
devices.
We
all
need
to
be
vigilant
in
our
fight
against
cybercrime.
Stay
safe!
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