As it is the case with any operating system, the parsing of data files is prone to security breaches, which makes them the primary target for exploitation.

And since zero-days hit Fedora and Ubuntu, users became more aware of the potential security issues on their operating systems.

Usually, this is counteracted via sandboxing techniques, but since the zero-days hit Fedora and Ubuntu, it was discovered that sandboxed media parsing wasn’t the entry point for the issue.

It is true that the majority of zero-days attacks won’t function on the majority of Linux servers, but they have the power to negatively impact almost all desktop versions of Linux.

Therefore, let’s see up next how to identify a zero-day attack and what could you do to prevent it.

How to identify a zero-day attack on Fedora and Ubuntu open desktops
Due to their nature, zero-day attacks are almost impossible to spot. Yet there are a few approaches that might make you aware of such situation:

• Using statistic-based detection can determine machine learning to identify data from similar exploits, which will establish a baseline for safe system behaviour. The downside of this method is its potential to lead to false positive results.

• Using signature-based detection can use data like pre-existing databases of malware, as a reference while scanning for threats.

• Using behaviour-based detection can identify malware via its manner of interacting with existing software, which in the ends determines if a behaviour is malicious or not.

• Using hybrid detection gets you access to all three methods of identifying threats, which ultimately increases their advantages, and lowers their weaknesses.

Keep an eye for advanced persistent threat attack

And advanced persistent threat attacks or APT represents an attack campaign designed to create unauthorized, long-presence on a system to collect sensitive data. The results of such attacks include:

• Stealing intellectual property
• Stealing personal data
• Stealing credit card data
• Credential thefts
• Sabotage of vital infrastructure
• Lateral movement attacks

Overall, cybersecurity has become during the recent years an important aspect that organizations worldwide try constantly to tackle.

To prevent zero-days attacks or APTs requires several security protocols in place, along with constant testing and analysing of data in regards to weaknesses present in a system.

Even though Linux was perceived a wile back as the safest to use and shield yourself against zero-days attacks, the security events that proved otherwise make user reconsider their position.

Still, attacks can be prevented if a strict protocol is followed.