New Zealand under attack: The threat of zero day exploits

As a small and geographically isolated nation, New Zealand may seem like an unlikely target for cyber attacks. However, the country’s reliance on technology and interconnected systems make it just as vulnerable as any other nation to the threat of zero day exploits.

A zero day exploit is a type of cyber attack that takes advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability in software or hardware. These attacks can be particularly devastating because they occur before the vulnerability has been patched or otherwise addressed, giving hackers a window of opportunity to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive information.

One high-profile example of a zero day exploit in New Zealand was the “WannaCry” ransomware attack in 2017, which affected the country’s Ministry of Health and caused significant disruption to healthcare services. The attack exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows software and spread rapidly across the globe, affecting more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries.

New Zealand is not immune to the threat of zero day exploits, and it is essential that individuals and organizations take steps to protect themselves. This includes keeping software and hardware up to date, using strong passwords, and being vigilant about suspicious emails and websites.

While it may be impossible to completely eliminate the risk of zero day attacks, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact and protect against future threats. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, New Zealanders can help keep their country safe from the ever-present danger of zero day exploits.

Reach out to us to see how we can help you stay ahead of the game.