What is a "zero-day" vulnerability?

A "zero-day" vulnerability refers to a security flaw that is not yet known to the software vendor or the public, making it critical because attackers can exploit it before any patch or fix is available. The term "zero-day" indicates that the window of time for the software developer to address the vulnerability is zero, as it has only just been discovered, and they have had no time to create a remedy.

This type of vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations, as they cannot protect against or mitigate a threat that they do not know exists. Attackers often capitalize on zero-day vulnerabilities to launch attacks or spread malware, as these vulnerabilities are not yet patched or protected against by existing security measures. Hence, understanding the nature of zero-day vulnerabilities is crucial for both security professionals and organizations in order to implement effective risk management and response strategies.

In contrast, a known flaw with a patch available does not constitute a zero-day vulnerability, as it is already recognized and can be addressed. Outdated security protocols often have documented workarounds or replacements, which do not align with the definition of a zero-day vulnerability. A non-critical vulnerability with low impact, while potentially concerning, does not involve the same immediacy and lack of awareness characteristic of zero-day