What are exploits?
In simple terms, the exploits are a code or program that identifies security vulnerabilities within a system and accesses your information. It is often confused with the term malware, but the truth is that it is not an application made to damage the system directly, but to identify security holes.
By detecting a security flaw, it can access the system and, depending on the attacker's intentions, may or may not exploit the vulnerability. Sometimes it is difficult to identify an exploit and the easiest way to avoid this type of threat is to keep your system constantly updated.
There are many exploits that have been identified and are very famous. When they are known, it is easier to take the appropriate measures to avoid it. There are also known vulnerabilities such as 0-day that were not reported and exploit to attack massively.
What are exploits used for?
Many exploits are virtually undetectable, which is why today it is the favorite threat of cybercriminals steal information by government agencies and large corporations. It can even breach entire infrastructures running on a computer, and its operation is critical.
But exploits aren't just used by hackers. Information security companies use them to find security holes of the systems of their customers. This is done to detect a possible fault before someone finds it first and takes advantage of the situation.
Another popular use is Wi-Fi password verification. IS a check that allows you to see if anyone else can connect to your home network without having to know the password. It can be very useful for preventing an attacker from entering your network and stealing private information.
Exploits are also used in the gaming world, yes chiamano cheat, patch o crack. An expert can find a bug in the system and get to play without a license or unlock special tricks via some command.
How to protect yourself from exploit attacks?
Sometimes detecting an exploit attack can become a mission impossible, even more so now that it's a favorite tool for hackers. What you can do is protect your information from future attacks taking some measures.
- Block ads on the Internet. Browsers offer extensions that allow you to block pop-up windows that run without warning. Advertisements can lead users to malicious sites containing exploits.
- Keep the operating system up to date. Operating systems constantly offer security updates to prevent system crashes. Installed programs also need to be updated to reduce the chances of attacks.
- Use operating systems with security support. Do not use versions of operating systems that no longer have support for updates from the manufacturer. Should a new threat emerge, you are at risk of attack. If your operating system is not supported, immediately switch to a newer one.
- Use only one browser. It is a way to control the risk of an attack by having only one application to access the Internet.
- Usa Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. These are applications that have known exploit detection signatures. If you have the budget to buy such a tool, it can be a good investment in protecting your data. With an exploit kit, you can scan users' web browsing in real time and detect any vulnerabilities in applications and protocols.
