Cyber Bytes: What is a Zero-Click Attack?

Zero-click threats are cyberattacks where the criminal gains access to your device without interacting with you, hence the term “zero-click.” The attacks are embedded in multimedia files, videoconferencing sessions, authentication requests, phone calls, or messages sent over social media and messaging applications.

Zero-click threats are common to eavesdropping and spyware.

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Eavsdropping versus spyware

Eavesdropping involves gaining unauthorized access to private conversations, most commonly on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices.

Spyware is software that collects information about a person without their knowledge, subsequently passing it to unauthorized entities.

Both attacks appeal to hackers because they provide them with personal information like private conversations and images.

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How a zero-click attack works

Crafty hackers find ways into your apps, especially ones without tight security. They sneak their harmful code into an app. Then the app, not knowing any better, carries it to your device. This could happen with something as simple as a missed call notification or a picture.

Once this harmful code is inside, it spreads to different parts of your device. From there, hackers can control your phone. They could turn on your microphone and listen in on conversations or steal the personal information stored on your phone.

These security weak points are like an open backdoor for cybercriminals to walk through. The worst part is it can happen without you doing anything, making it extremely hard to spot.

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Zero-click attacks in real life

Hackers recently exploited a cybersecurity flaw that allowed them to inject spyware into Apple devices. All they had to do was send a text message through iMessage.

A similar exploit involved a security flaw in the messaging app WhatsApp. Attackers hid spyware on the data that automatically passed from the app to the device after a missed call. Criminals knew about the automated data exchange and turned it into a vehicle for their bad code.

In both cases, the companies released patches to correct the vulnerability. But there are more code vulnerabilities where those came from.

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Why hackers use eavesropping software or spyware

If the data sells or gains leverage over another person or entity, it’s worthwhile to a cyberattacker. Installing spyware or eavesdropping software to track activities or swipe data is appealing for many reasons, like:

• Identity theft
• Phishing scams
• Exploitation of financial information
• Extortion
• Stalking and harassment
• Corporate espionage
• Sponsored spying

In other words, the driving factor behind each hack varies based on the cyberattacker’s intention or the service they’re providing.

Zero-click threats are complex and sophisticated attacks, highlighting the need for strong preventive measures.

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Tips for thwarting zero-click exploits

Most zero-click attacks target phones and the apps they use. Try some of these security strategies to protect your devices against zero-click attacks:

• Update your operating systems regularly. Updates include necessary security patches. These remedy known vulnerabilities that a zero-click threat could exploit.
• Use a reliable cybersecurity suite. Invest in comprehensive security software that detects and removes malicious software on all your devices and phones.
• Restrict unnecessary permissions on your apps. Monitor app permissions and limit their access to your data and device’s functionality. Uninstall apps that require questionable data access.
• Use trusted sources for downloading apps. Only install applications from trusted platforms with rigorous security checks to help avoid malicious apps. Consider apps with end-to-end encryption for another layer of security.
• Reboot your device regularly. Some zero-click attacks are erased when the device reboots. The National Security Agency’s mobile device best practices recommend rebooting your device at least weekly to hinder these attacks. Rebooting won’t prevent reinfection if the attack is from a compromised app, but it will slow it down.
• Disable automatic media downloads. Zero-click attacks use embedded malware in multimedia messages. Turning off automatic file downloads in your messaging apps can minimize threats.
• Monitor device behavior. Significant battery drain and unexpected crashes could be indications of an ongoing attack.
• Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Hackers can exploit these technologies to gain access to your device without interaction.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Use a reputable virtual private network (VPN) instead.
• Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication. Protect your device with strong, unique passwords. Use biometric security such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition for added security.
• Check for unknown applications. Periodically scan your device for applications you didn’t download and remove them.
• Enable remote wipe. If your phone is lost or stolen, this function can erase all your data remotely and prevent data theft.
• Encrypt your data. Android and iOS offer encryption options. Encryption means if someone gains access to your phone, they won’t be able to read your data without the encryption key.
• Use caution with QR codes. Only scan codes from trusted sources and preview the links before you visit them.

The stealthiness of zero-click attacks can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic. No method can guarantee 100% security against zero-click threats, or any threat. But having a strategy can significantly lower your risk.

Use a multifaceted approach and control what you can, like updating your device’s operating system, rebooting often and removing sketchy apps. Stay cybersafe out there!