adware
Adware is a type of software that displays unwanted advertisements on a computer, typically in the form of pop-up windows. Adware can be bundled with legitimate software, or it can be installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge.
Adware is usually less harmful than malware, but it can be annoying and can slow down a computer. In some cases, adware can collect personal information, such as web browsing habits, and sell this information to third parties.
There are a few ways to avoid adware. When installing new software, be sure to read the user agreement carefully. If an agreement includes an opt-out for installing adware, make sure to uncheck that box.
It’s also a good idea to install an antivirus program and run regular scans. Some adware is difficult to remove, so it may be necessary to reinstall your operating system.Original Article
zero-day exploits
A zero-day (zero-hour or 0-day) vulnerability is a security flaw that is unknown to the software developer or vendor. This type of flaw is especially dangerous because the developer or vendor has had no time to address or patch the security flaw. As a result, attackers can exploit the flaw to gain unauthorized access to data or systems.
In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile zero-day attacks, including the Sony Pictures hack, the Panama Papers leak, and the WannaCry ransomware attack. While zero-day attacks are often associated with major incidents, they can be used in smaller attacks as well. For example, a zero-day vulnerability in WordPress was exploited in a website hack that took down several high-profile sites, including the New York Times, BBC, and CNN.
While zero-day vulnerabilities can be found in any type of software, they are most commonly found in web browsers and browser plugins, such as Adobe Flash Player and Oracle Java. This is because these types of software are widely used and have a large attack surface. In addition, these types of software are often not updated as frequently as other types of software, which gives attackers more time to exploit the flaw.
zero-day attacks are not new, but they have been on the rise in recent years. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of hacking tools and the growing number of people with the skills to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities. In addition, the interconnectedness of systems and the reliance on software make it easier for attackers to spread their attacks.
Zero-day vulnerabilities can have a significant impact on organizations. In addition to the direct impact of the attack, such as data loss or system downtime, zero-day attacks can also lead to reputational damage and loss of customer trust. Zero-day attacks can also be costly to remediate, as organizations may need to invest in security patches or workarounds.
Organizations can take a number of steps to protect themselves from zero-day attacks. These steps include keeping systems up-to-date, implementing security controls, and monitoring for suspicious activity. In addition, organizations should have a incident response plan in place in case of a zero-day attack.
Despite the dangers of zero-day attacks, they are often unavoidable. However, by taking steps to protect their systems and data, organizations can minimize the impact of these attacks.
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