A Digital Bomb Threatens Global Cybersecurity: Zero Time Between Vulnerability & Exploitation, Leaving No Chance to Defend

 An illustration of cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence

Zero-day attacks: A digital time bomb threatening global cybersecurity

In a world where technology is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, cyberattacks are evolving at the same speed, and perhaps even faster. Among the most dangerous of these are "zero-day attacks," which are like a digital time bomb capable of penetrating the largest institutions and systems around the world without warning. What are these attacks? Why are they the most dangerous? And how can they be countered?

Why are they the most dangerous type of cyberattack?

In a world where technology is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, cyberattacks are evolving at the same speed, and perhaps even faster. Among the most dangerous of these attacks are "zero-day attacks," which are like a digital time bomb capable of penetrating the largest institutions and systems around the world without warning. 

What are these attacks? Why are they the most dangerous? And how can they be countered? Dr. Mohamed Mohsen Ramadan, Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Studies, told Al-Arabiya.net/Al-Hadath.net: “A zero-day attack exploits an undisclosed or unknown security vulnerability, meaning there are no updates or patches available for the system or software developers. 

It's called a 'zero-day' attack because the time between discovering the vulnerability and exploiting it is zero, leaving no opportunity for defense or response. Once the attack reaches the system, the organization is completely helpless before it can even begin to react.”

Why are they considered the most dangerous type of cyberattack?

Dr. Ramadan pointed out that the danger of zero-day attacks lies in the fact that they infect systems before the vulnerability is even discovered. They are typically classified as highly sophisticated cybercrimes and are often perpetrated by organized or intelligence entities.

 These attacks can persist for extended periods undetected, allowing attackers to collect sensitive data, conduct espionage, or plant malware. He explained that historically, countries have used zero-day attacks in cyber warfare, such as the Stuxnet attack that targeted the Iranian nuclear program in 2006. In 2010, a zero-day vulnerability in Windows systems was exploited.

Common Forms of Zero-Day Attacks

Dr. Mohsen Ramadan continued: "Zero-day attacks come in several forms, most notably exploiting vulnerabilities in applications and programs such as operating systems, web browsers, and email applications; social engineering attacks to implant a hidden vulnerability; tricking the user into opening a file or link that allows the attacker to access the system.

 advanced attacks on networks and infrastructure targeting industrial control systems (ICS), data centers, and servers of large enterprises; and exploiting vulnerabilities in smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) such as cameras, routers, and smartwatches."

The Dangers of Zero-Day Attacks on Individuals and Institutions

For his part, Major General Abu Bakr Abdel-Karim, former Assistant Minister of Interior for Media and Public Relations in Egypt, stated in an exclusive interview with Al-Arabiya.net/Al-Hadath.net: “Zero-day attacks are not merely a technical threat; they have become a weapon in modern warfare and a source of threat to national security. 

Therefore, it has become essential for both governmental and private institutions to invest in cybersecurity and analytical artificial intelligence to detect vulnerabilities before they occur. Prevention in this era is not an option, but rather a matter of digital survival.”

Major General Abdel-Karim pointed out that the forms and dangers of these attacks on individuals and institutions include breaching sensitive systems and stealing data, planting spyware, monitoring user activity, remotely controlling devices and executing commands without the victim's knowledge, disrupting services or destroying digital infrastructure, and causing significant financial losses and damage to the reputation of institutions. 

He noted that, according to reports from global cybersecurity companies, the cost of exploiting a zero-day vulnerability on the black market can exceed one million dollars per vulnerability, given its value in the world of cybercrime.

How to Protect Yourself from Zero-Day Attacks Zero Day?

The former Egyptian Assistant Minister of the Interior explained that while it is difficult to completely counter such threats, following a set of procedures significantly reduces the risks. 

These include continuously updating systems and applications, with each update often containing patches for new vulnerabilities; using anomalous behavior detection solutions that monitor system behavior and detect breaches even if they are not known; conducting regular penetration testing to discover vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them; adopting a cybersecurity policy within organizations; training employees in security awareness and prevention of social engineering; and using encrypted backup systems to recover data in case of a breach.