Is it Zero Day Yet?

Um, I have bad news. It's always Zero Day. Sorry. Bad guys look for ways into your computer through security vulnerabilities- basically the weak spot of your software programs. When they find the weak spot they attack. That is Day Zero.  When the developer of the software program becomes aware of the hole in their program, the race begins. They want to release a fix to their customers right away, but they have to develop and test before it can be released. When they finally release a fix, then it's no longer Zero Day.

What does this mean for computer users? It means you are unprotected against new attacks! Smart web surfing is always in order.

To avoid zero-day attacks:

• Don't purchase new Operating systems or programs until hackers have had a chance to exploit them. Wait until all the holes are patched before you buy it.
• Don't surf the web using an administrator account. If you are logged on with admin privileges you can accidentally install malicious software. If you are logged on with a limited account, the program can't install and you buy time to research whatever is going on to see if it is legit or not.
• Always update security patch right away and make sure Windows Update is set to update automatically.
• Be suspicous of attachments. Scan them before opening. If you don't know a person, don't open an attachment in an email from them. Opening an attachment may be giving them your usernames and passwords. You wouldn't give user names and passwords to a stranger, but that is what you may be doing by opening up their attachments. Be paranoid about this.
• Be careful about which Adobe Flash ads you click on, which plugins you install in your browser, and which websites you visit.