Every modern business utilizes dozens of computers, servers, applications, and other hosts to communicate and complete their everyday tasks. Unfortunately, as the world has become more connected, it has also led to an increased risk of falling victim to a cyber attack. The primary way that cyber criminals gain access to your organization is through a security exploit or vulnerability that hasn't been addressed properly. Understanding what a security exploit is and how it can impact your security posture is important to better protect your data.
What is an Exploit?
An exploit can be a program or piece of code that can be used to gain access to a device for the purposes of installing malware, establishing control, or exfiltrating data. It's important to note that an exploit isn't the malware itself, but rather the means in which it is able to be delivered.
There are various different ways that cyber criminals can use these security exploits, but the primary way in which they're discovered is through some unaddressed security flaw or vulnerability in an application or device. Cyber criminals spend hours on end searching for a foothold or opening that developers may have missed and exploit them to inject their own malicious code or software.
Two Types of Exploits
There are two categories that exploits are put into depending on the nature of the vulnerability or how it is utilized.
Known Vulnerabilities: Known vulnerabilities are ones that have already been recognized and documented. Because these vulnerabilities are usually made public, cyber criminals can begin working on code that can be used to exploit it. The main risk that comes with known vulnerabilities is that it requires users to patch and update their applications regularly. If users aren't aware of a vulnerability on the software they're using, or are too lazy to update it, then they could fall victim to a data breach.
Zero day exploits: A zero day exploit refers to a previously unknown or undiscovered vulnerability that has the potential to be exploited in a cyber attack. These types of exploits are particularly dangerous since they require an immediate patch to avoid exploitation. The term "zero day" speaks to the fact that developers have "zero days" to find an deliver a patch for their application or device.
How to Defend Against Exploits
The best way to defend your organization from a security exploit is to make sure you have a consistent patch management plan. Using the most up to data and secure version of all your business tools is integral to protecting your private data. CorpInfoTech offers patch management solutions that manages all of your IT systems to ensure they aren't vulnerable to attack. Performing a security assessment on your organization can also help you get a better understanding of where your gaps lie and what you can do to fill them. CorpInfoTech also offers security and risk assessment that holistically scan your organization for any vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the future or have been already.
There are various different tactics you can use to protect your organization from cyber criminals, but if you aren't sure where to start you can contact CorpInfoTech today!
CorpInfoTech (Corporate Information Technologies) provides small to mid-market organizations with expert I.T. services including compliance assessment, cybersecurity penetration tests, and comprehensive business continuity planning services. CorpInfoTech can help organizations, quantify, create, refine, and mitigate the risks presented by business threatening disasters in whatever form they may be disguised.
