exploit Hear it!

exploit Definition

ex·ploit (eks′plo̵it′; also, and for v.usually, ek splo̵it′, ik-)

noun

an act remarkable for brilliance or daring; bold deed

Etymology: ME & OFr esploit, an exploit, action < L explicitum, neut. pp. of explicare: see explicate

transitive verb

  1. to make use of; turn to account; utilize productively
  2. to make unethical use of for one's own advantage or profit; specif., to make profit from the labor of (others) without giving a just return
  3. Advertising to stir up interest in; promote to exploit a product

exploit Related Forms
ex·ploit′·able adjective ex·ploit′er noun
exploit Synonyms

exploit

n.

deed, venture, escapade; see achievement 2.

exploit Synonyms

exploit

v.

  1. To make use of

    utilize, capitalize on, turn to account, employ; see use 1.

  2. To make unfair use of

    take advantage of, impose upon, misuse, overwork; see abuse 1.

Exploit Hacker Definition
A software program taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software. An exploit can be used by crackers for breaking security or for otherwise attacking a host over the network.

During the second week of May 2005, crackers shut down Japan’s major price-comparison Website, Kaku.com Inc. After investigating the cause, the company discovered alterations in its software programs and a virus that, company officials feared, may have been transmitted to some users’ computers. The online company said that it would likely lose 40 million yen in revenue as a result of the exploit.

See Also: Black Hats; Cracking; Security.

Shimbun, A. Websites Get Costly Lesson in Security. [Online, May 18, 2005.] The Asahi Shimbun Company Website. http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/ TKY200505180108.html; Symantec Security Response. Glossary. [Online, 2004.] Symantec Security Response Website. http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/refa.html.
exploit Usage Examples

Object

  • vulnerability: Consultants should not exploit vulnerability or ignorance or abuse trust.
  • synergy: Exploiting platform synergies The organizations that successfully use several digital channels in a complementary fashion will unlock the full value of digital marketing.
  • flaw: That worked by exploiting a flaw in the Windows NT operating system.
  • weakness: Enemies will exploit these weaknesses no matter what we decide about fighting at one level or another.
  • potential: Clearly, significant portions of the voluntary sector are failing to exploit the informational potential of ICTs.

Converse of object

  • follow: This time, however, the series will follows the exploits of Bomber Command during the war.

Subject

  • attacker: These could exploited by attackers to access sensitive information or run arbitrary code on an affected machine.

Adjective modifier

  • daring: Many dream of doing a wide range of daring exploits or emulating famous sports men.
  • legendary: Henry V is a celebration of Hal's almost legendary exploits in France, culminating in the great reversal of the odds at Agincourt.

Modifying Another Word

  • commercially: The program was retained in the BBC archives, but never commercially exploited in terms of either a DVD or VHS release.
  • ruthlessly: According to the legend, King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham were tyrannical rulers, ruthlessly exploiting the poor people of Nottingham.
  • cynically: Worse still perhaps, thousands of young people are cynically exploited as combatants.
  • sexually: With children and young people who are sexually exploited.
  • fully: Also, there is not time to fully exploit the opportunities to improve which are often found on the way Return to FAQ.
  • shamelessly: We in Scotland have already seen how they will shamelessly exploit anything they believe can further their extremist cause.

Noun used with modifier

  • goalscoring: To say that his goalscoring exploits have surprised virtually everyone involved in football would be an understatement.
  • cup: The day after our successful cup exploits, David May, the ex-Rover, arrived on a one season deal at the Turf.

Present participle complement

  • exist: Should a professional attacker attempt to exploit existing vulnerabilities through a more targeted worm, the costs to American corporations could be astronomical.

Preposition: by

  • attacker: These could exploited by attackers to access sensitive information or run arbitrary code on an affected machine.
exploit Quotes

He seemed For dignity composed and high exploit: But all was false and hollow; though his tongue Dropped manna, and could make the worse appear The better reason.

—Milton,John

Promiscuous reading is necessary to the constituting of human nature. The attempt to keep out evil doctrine by licensing is like the exploit of that gallant man who thought to keep out the crows by shutting the park gate.

—Milton,John