Check that your antivirus has an anti-exploit function and activate it

An exploit represents an unethical or illegal attack that exploits vulnerabilities in applications, networks or hardware. The attack usually consists of software or code, with the aim of gaining control of a computer system or stealing data stored on a network.

Software and networks have built-in protection systems against hackers, similar to locks that prevent unwelcome guests from peeking in. A vulnerability therefore represents an open window that can be used by a thief to gain entry. In the case of computers or networks, thieves can install malicious software by exploiting such vulnerabilities (or open doors) in order to control (or infect) the system for their own purposes. Usually, this happens without the user being aware of it.

Where do they come from?

Exploits represent errors in the software development process that leave gaps in the software's built-in protection system, which cyber criminals can use to gain access to the software and, from it, to the entire computer. Exploits are commonly classified according to the type of vulnerability they exploit, such as zero-day, DoS, spoofing and XXS. Software vendors naturally release security patches to fix any vulnerabilities they become aware of, but until then, software may be at risk.

How do you recognise exploits?

Since exploits exploit security holes in software, a user has no way of knowing whether he or she has been infected until it is too late. This is why it is important to always update software and, in particular, to install security patches released by developers. If the developer has released a patch for a known vulnerability and the user does not install it, he or she will unfortunately not receive the necessary virus definitions.

How to prevent hackers from exploiting exploits

Most antivirus software comes with an anti-exploit function: check that it is active and if you are unable to find and activate it yourself ask your IT consultant for help or contact our support.