Zero-Day Vulnerability Best Practices

Zero-Day Vulnerability Mindset

Zero-day vulnerabilities encompass many tactics and techniques for exploiting an environment or system. The most direct way to reduce risk and remediate vulnerabilities is to ensure that all software, operating systems, and applications are consistently updated to their latest versions.

You can leverage pre-made policies in our Automation Maturity Playbook within Automox University (our free training portal) to confidently tackle and confirm you are up to industry standards.

 

Overview

Stay Up-to-Date with Software and Systems

• Your core patch policies via Automox should cover First-Party patches for each OS in your environment, with a separate policy for Third-Party Software for easier tracking and reporting.
• Schedule your core policies to run at least monthly; it is better if it's weekly. Remember, these will likely require system restarts, which can be disruptive to end-users.

Rapid Implementation of Security Patches

• Vendors frequently release security patches addressing newly discovered vulnerabilities, including those targeted by zero-day exploits.
• Your coverage and redundancy patch policies via Automox should cover web browsers (the #1 threat vector) and OS security updates.
• Schedule your coverage policies to run daily or multiple times a week. They typically don't require a system restart, so they aren't disruptive to end-users.

Scheduling Example

 

 

Additional Recommendations & Considerations

Network Segmentation for Containment

• Segment your network into secure zones with varying levels of trust and access. By limiting inter-zone access, you prevent attackers from moving laterally across your network, thereby reducing the overall impact of a successful exploit.

Consider Virtual Patching

• Virtual patching, often implemented through web application firewalls (WAFs), adds a protective layer by automatically applying security updates until a formal patch is available.

Leverage Advanced Endpoint Protection

• Use comprehensive endpoint security solutions such as next-gen antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and mitigate zero-day exploits. These systems continuously monitor for suspicious activity, blocking potential threats before they infiltrate the system.

Enforce Least Privilege Access Controls

• Restrict access rights by implementing the principle of least privilege (PoLP). By granting users only the permissions necessary to perform their tasks, you minimize the attack surface, limit the scope of potential damage, and help contain zero-day attacks more effectively.

Employee Cybersecurity Awareness

• Educate employees regularly on security best practices, emphasizing the importance of identifying phishing attempts, suspicious links, and unknown attachments. Since many zero-day attacks exploit human error, cybersecurity awareness programs are essential for defense.

Incident Response Preparedness

• Establish a detailed incident response plan tailored to zero-day threats. The plan should outline protocols for rapid detection, containment, mitigation, and recovery. Having a well-practiced response plan can significantly reduce financial, operational, and reputational damages.

Utilize Threat Intelligence and Behavioral Analytics

• Leverage threat intelligence feeds and behavioral analytics to detect and respond to abnormal patterns that could indicate zero-day activity. Combining real-time threat data with behavioral insights enhances your ability to identify potential risks early.

 

Related Topics

• Third-Party Patching Best Practices

• Automated Vulnerability Remediation Integration with Rapid7

• About Automox Vulnerability Sync