What is Zero Day Exploit?
Zero Day Exploit Definition: An attack that targets a vulnerability not yet known to the software vendor or unpatched, leaving no time for defenders to respond.
Understanding Zero Day Exploit
A Zero Day Exploit refers to an attack that targets a previously unknown vulnerability in software or hardware—one that hasn't been patched yet because nobody (except the attacker) knows it exists. These are particularly dangerous because even organizations with good security hygiene have no defense against them. The term 'zero day' comes from the fact that developers have had exactly zero days to address and patch the vulnerability. When these exploits are discovered in critical systems, it often triggers a mad scramble as security teams work to implement mitigations before widespread damage occurs. The black market values these exploits highly, with prices often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for particularly effective ones targeting widely-used systems. Government agencies are known to stockpile these for intelligence purposes, which remains controversial in security circles.