Windows: How to close the zero-day gap

This practical tip shows you what a zero-day gap or 0-day gap is under Windows and how you can close it.

Zero day gap - what is it?

This is a vulnerability in the operating system that allows attackers to take full control of the PC.
This often happens with a manipulated file. As soon as this is carried out, the attackers have access.
Since there is often no official patch for this vulnerability, there is a zero-day gap.
Because: Microsoft has no time to develop a patch before the vulnerability is known and must therefore act quickly.

Follow the instructions below to close the current zero-day gap (as of 10/25/14).

There is currently no official patch against this gap.
Microsoft has created a Fix-it, which you can download here.
Especially if you use Office programs frequently, you should run this Fix-it as soon as possible.
Just download the tool and run it.
To ensure additional security, you should check whether the Windows User Account Control is activated in the Control Panel.

The following applies to all zero-day gaps: Find out about the latest news on the Microsoft homepage.
You should also use Windows Update to check whether there are updates for your operating system.
If this is the case, we recommend installing it immediately.
Also keep all of your computer's security programs up to date, such as the firewall or anti-virus program.
Here you should also make sure that the Windows user account control is activated and thus helps to protect the PC.

This practical tip is based on Microsoft Windows 7. We have put together important security tips for Windows 8 in our next practical tip.