Abstract
Zero-day vulnerabilities are critical security risks that exploit previously unknown flaws in software systems, making them difficult to detect and defend against. As such vulnerabilities are discovered by attackers before the software vendor is aware of them, they provide a significant advantage to malicious entities. The exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities is a major concern for both individuals and organizations, as it can lead to unauthorized data access, loss of information, and compromised systems. This paper aims to explore the nature of zero-day vulnerabilities, their discovery and exploitation, and the current strategies for mitigating these risks. By reviewing existing literature and case studies, the research identifies the core challenges in addressing zero-day vulnerabilities, discusses existing countermeasures, and evaluates the potential future direction of cybersecurity techniques aimed at reducing exposure to these threats. The study highlights the need for continuous software monitoring, rapid patch deployment, and enhanced awareness in the security community to mitigate zero-day risks effectively.