Z is for Zero-Day
In PC security ‘Zero-Day’ can refer to two things. One is a new virus that is unknown to anti-virus software developers and may be able to bypass anti-virus software. This is because, traditionally, anti-virus software relies on a database of known viruses in order to recognise a virus. A new virus will not be in the database so would be unrecognised as a virus and be allowed to infect the PC. To combat zero-day viruses PC security software such as Kaspersky or PC Tools include an analyser that can catch such ‘Zero-Day’ viruses.
‘Zero-Day’ also refers the exploitation of a bug or flaw in an application as soon as it has been discovered. Once a bug or flaw in software becomes known hackers or malware writers try to take advantage or exploit the flaw before the software developers can release a patch or update to fix it. If the vulnerability is particularly critical then a third party, such as Kaspersky or PC Tools, may issue an update to their software to spot such exploitation and stop it before it does any damage to the PC system.
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