An attack surface is defined as the total number of all possible entry points for unauthorized access into any system. It includes all vulnerabilities and endpoints that can be exploited to carry out a security attack. The attack surface is also the entire area of an organization or system that is susceptible to hacking.
For most modern businesses, the attack surface is complex and massive. The large number of devices, web applications and network nodes create many potential cybersecurity threats.
What are the different types of attack surfaces?
- Digital attack surfaces encompass applications, code, ports, servers and websites, as well as unauthorized system access points. Vulnerabilities left by poor coding, weak passwords, default operating system settings, exposed application programming interfaces or poorly maintained software are all part of the digital attack surface.
- Physical attack surfaces comprise all endpoint devices, such as desktop systems, laptops, mobile devices and USB ports. Improperly discarded hardware that may contain user data and login credentials, passwords on paper or physical break-ins are also included.
What is attack surface management?
Attack surface management refers to the continuous surveillance and vigilance required to mitigate all current and future cyberthreats. It includes all risk assessments, security controls and security measures that go into mapping and protecting the attack surface, mitigating the chances of a successful attack.
How can the attack surface be limited?
- Access control. Organizations should limit access to sensitive data and resources both internally and externally. Physical measures, like locking, access cards, biometric systems and multifactor authentication (see video below), can be used.
- Complexity elimination. Unnecessary or unused software can result in policy mistakes, enabling bad actors to exploit these endpoints. All system functionality must be assessed and maintained regularly.
- Regular scanning. Digital assets and data centers must be scanned regularly to spot potential vulnerabilities.
- Network segmentation. Tools like firewalls and strategies like microsegmentation can be used to divide the network into smaller units.
Contact Sinority to help you reduce your attack surface and improve your overall security posture
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