What is the threat to XP users from zero day forever?

Asked By Margarete S Bryson 100 points N/A Posted on - 12/24/2014

Microsoft has announced that as a result of it stopping support to the Windows XP version in  April, 2014, XP users can now be be exposed to a zero day forever risk. This threat will arise from reverse engineered security patches for its new versions. What does this mean and what is the solution for XP users?

 

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Answered By Mano Fren 0 points N/A #189364

What is the threat to XP users from zero day forever?

A zero day attack is an attack that damaged a previously unknown vulnerability in a computer application or operating system. It is called a "zero-day" because the programmer has had zero days to fix the issue. Once a patch is available, it is no longer a "zero-day exploit". It is common for individuals or companies who discover zero-day attacks to sell them to government agencies for use in cyberwarfare.

The solution is: Keeping the computer’s software up-to-date. Users need to be careful when clicking on links or opening email attachments with images or PDF files, even if the sender is someone they know.

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• Posted on - 12/29/2014
• Question Category: Misc Security