{"id":15198,"date":"2023-11-27T14:18:26","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/?p=15198"},"modified":"2023-11-27T14:18:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:18:29","slug":"attack-surface","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/cyber-security\/attack-surface\/","title":{"rendered":"ATTACK SURFACE: What is It & How Do You Protect It?","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The foundation of any effective cybersecurity<\/a> plan is an in-depth analysis of the attack surface to reduce entry points. An organization’s or system’s entire vulnerable area is called its attack surface. It further consists of every point of entry that an unauthorized user could utilize to get inside the network. It can be difficult to learn how to conduct thorough external attack surface analysis and management on your own, particularly in large organizations with a variety of user permission levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attack Surface<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The attack surface measures the total number of entry points (also called “attack vectors”) through which sensitive information can be stolen from a computer system. Protection is also simpler if there is less surface area to attack. Organizations need to keep an eye on their attack vectors to spot and stop threats as soon as they emerge. To further lessen the likelihood of a successful cyberattack, they should try to reduce the attack surface area. However, this becomes more challenging as they increase their online presence and adopt cutting-edge technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the digital and physical components make up the attack surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Digital Attack Surface<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every piece of hardware and piece of software that connects to a company’s network is part of the digital attack surface area. Websites, servers, code, apps, and shadow IT\u2014where users get around IT to use unapproved software or hardware\u2014are some examples of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Physical Attack Surface<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Desktops, hard drives, laptops, mobile phones, and USB drives are all part of the physical attack surface. Therefore, there are many potential entry points for physical attackers, including lost or stolen hardware containing sensitive information, users jotting down passwords on paper, and actual break-ins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through access control and surveillance, businesses can reduce their physical attack surface. Disaster recovery protocols and policies also need to be put into practice and tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Attack Surface Vulnerabilities<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any area on a network where a data breach could occur is considered a common vulnerability. This covers both hardware\u2014such as computers, smartphones, and hard drives\u2014and human error\u2014where users reveal personal information to hackers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weak passwords<\/a>, insecure email, unprotected ports, and neglected software updates all leave users and businesses wide open to attack. Without proper web-based protocols, hackers can perform man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks and steal sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Define Your Attack Surface Area<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Define and map the attack surface before beginning any visualization. This means looking for possible weaknesses, evaluating vulnerabilities, and figuring out user roles and permission levels. Assessing a company’s exposure to risk begins with a thorough inventory of its attack surface, which can include such things as firewalls, switches, file servers, desktops, laptops, smartphones, and printers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next step is for them to classify all potential places for storing their company’s data and separate it into cloud, device, and on-premises systems. In this way, businesses can determine which employees have access to what information and resources, as well as the extent of those employees’ privileges<\/a>. By doing so, they are better able to comprehend the nuances of user and departmental behavior and to organize potential points of attack according to factors like function and risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attack Surface Management<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The term “attack surface management” describes the process of keeping an eye out for potential cyberattacks to prevent them in the future. It also maps the attack surface and reduces attack success with risk assessments, security controls, and security measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, it is critical to test for vulnerabilities and keep an eye on an attack surface’s performance after mapping it. Monitoring your online and offline resources for security flaws is also an integral part of attack surface management. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of an attack happening to you. Benefits of effective attack surface management include but are not limited to, the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n