(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

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Prepare for the (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Exam with comprehensive quizzes and extensive question banks. Enhance your skills with detailed explanations and practice tests designed to improve your expertise for the certification exam. Get exam-ready now!

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What is a zero-day vulnerability?

A vulnerability known to the software vendor with an available patch.
A security flaw that is being actively exploited.
A vulnerability that is unknown to the software vendor and for which no patch has been released.
A method for determining software reliability.

The correct answer is: A vulnerability that is unknown to the software vendor and for which no patch has been released.

A zero-day vulnerability refers to a security flaw that is unknown to the software vendor and for which no patch has been released. This term highlights the critical nature of the vulnerability because, from the moment it is discovered by an attacker, the software vendor has had "zero days" to address the issue. This places organizations and users at significant risk until the vulnerability is identified and a patch is developed. The urgency surrounding zero-day vulnerabilities stems from the fact that they can be exploited immediately, often without the knowledge of the affected parties. In contrast to other choices, which involve known vulnerabilities with available patches or threats that may not be newly discovered, a zero-day vulnerability represents a hidden danger that could lead to successful cyber attacks. Understanding this concept is crucial in cybersecurity, as it emphasizes the need for proactive measures and continuous monitoring to combat emerging threats.