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28. June 2025
Us Zero-Day Market Collapses Amid National Security Crisis
The Business of Zero Day Exploits in the US is Broken
A recent study by the Atlantic Council has revealed that the United States’ supply chain for zero-day vulnerabilities has reached a critical breaking point. Zero-day exploits, which take advantage of previously unknown vulnerabilities in software, have become a significant threat to national security and economic stability. The study’s findings highlight the need for urgent reform and investment in the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Atlantic Council’s research team analyzed the US supply chain for zero-day exploits, examining the various actors involved in the development, sale, and exploitation of these vulnerabilities. They discovered that the current system is plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and inadequate regulation, making it difficult to effectively address the threat posed by zero-day exploits.
One of the primary concerns raised by the study is the lack of effective oversight and regulation in the industry. The US government has limited authority to intervene in the development and sale of zero-day exploits, leaving a regulatory vacuum that allows malicious actors to operate with relative impunity. This lack of oversight has led to the proliferation of zero-day exploits, which are often sold on the black market to the highest bidder.
The study also highlights the significant role played by foreign governments in the development and exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities. Russia, China, and other nations have been accused of using their cyber capabilities to steal sensitive data, disrupt critical infrastructure, and gain an economic advantage over their rivals. The US government has long been concerned about these activities, but the lack of effective regulation and oversight has limited its ability to respond effectively.
Many essential systems, including those used in healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure, rely on outdated or insecure software and hardware that can be easily exploited by malicious actors. This lack of investment in cybersecurity has left these systems vulnerable to attacks, which can have devastating consequences for individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
The study’s authors argue that the US government must take immediate action to address the broken supply chain for zero-day exploits. They recommend increasing funding for the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), which tracks vulnerabilities in software and hardware, and improving collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners to share threat intelligence and best practices.
The US should prioritize the development of more effective cybersecurity tools and technologies, including investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging technologies that can help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Increased support for cybersecurity research and development, particularly in areas such as quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography, is also essential.
The business of zero-day exploits is a lucrative one, with malicious actors selling access to these vulnerabilities on the black market for millions of dollars. This has created an incentive structure that encourages the exploitation of vulnerabilities, rather than their disclosure or remediation. The study’s authors argue that this approach is unsustainable and that the US government must take bold action to disrupt the market for zero-day exploits.
In recent years, the US government has taken steps to address the issue of zero-day exploits, including the creation of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). However, more needs to be done to effectively address this threat. CISA must be given greater authority and resources to coordinate national cybersecurity efforts and share threat intelligence with industry stakeholders.
The study’s findings have significant implications for US policymakers, who must now confront the reality of a broken supply chain for zero-day exploits. The report’s recommendations offer a roadmap for reform and investment in the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, but will require bold action from government leaders to implement.
Investing in cybersecurity is crucial for ensuring a safe and secure digital economy that supports American businesses, individuals, and national security interests. This includes prioritizing investments in cybersecurity tools and technologies, as well as reforms aimed at disrupting the market for zero-day exploits. By taking immediate action, the US can mitigate the threat posed by zero-day exploits and protect its citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure from devastating cyberattacks.
The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) provides critical information for cybersecurity professionals and policymakers, tracking vulnerabilities in software and hardware. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has long been concerned about the risks associated with zero-day exploits, publishing a report in 2014 highlighting these threats. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), created in 2018, coordinates national cybersecurity efforts and provides critical infrastructure resilience.
A significant portion of the US supply chain for zero-day exploits is controlled by foreign governments, which use their cyber capabilities to steal sensitive data, disrupt critical infrastructure, and gain an economic advantage over their rivals. The lack of effective regulation and oversight has limited the US government’s ability to respond effectively to these activities.
The consequences of inaction are severe. Zero-day exploits can have devastating consequences for individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole. Investing in cybersecurity is essential for mitigating this threat and protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
A national cybersecurity strategy that prioritizes investments in cybersecurity tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging technologies, is necessary to address the broken supply chain for zero-day exploits. This includes increased support for cybersecurity research and development, particularly in areas such as quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography.
The US government must take bold action to disrupt the market for zero-day exploits. This includes increasing funding for the NVD, improving collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners to share threat intelligence and best practices.
Investing in cybersecurity is crucial for ensuring a safe and secure digital economy that supports American businesses, individuals, and national security interests. By taking immediate action, the US can mitigate the threat posed by zero-day exploits and protect its citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure from devastating cyberattacks.
A national cybersecurity strategy that prioritizes investments in cybersecurity tools and technologies is necessary to address the broken supply chain for zero-day exploits. This includes increased support for cybersecurity research and development, particularly in areas such as quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography. The US government must take bold action to disrupt the market for zero-day exploits.
The lack of effective oversight and regulation in the industry has led to the proliferation of zero-day exploits, which are often sold on the black market to the highest bidder. This has created an incentive structure that encourages the exploitation of vulnerabilities, rather than their disclosure or remediation.
A national cybersecurity strategy that prioritizes investments in cybersecurity tools and technologies is necessary to address the broken supply chain for zero-day exploits. This includes increased support for cybersecurity research and development, particularly in areas such as quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography. The US government must take bold action to disrupt the market for zero-day exploits.
The business of zero-day exploits is a lucrative one, with malicious actors selling access to these vulnerabilities on the black market for millions of dollars. This has created an incentive structure that encourages the exploitation of vulnerabilities, rather than their disclosure or remediation.