What is an Attack Surface?

As cyberattacks continue to increase in severity, it is crucial for organizations to be proactive in reducing their vulnerability and strengthening their systems’ security. This piece delves into the concept and meaning of attack surfaces and attack vectors, and provides guidance for security teams to identify and evaluate their own organization’s attack surfaces. It also suggests measures to mitigate the risks posed by attack surfaces.

What does the term “attack surface” refer to? An organization’s attack surface encompasses a range of weaknesses, routes, and techniques exploited by malicious individuals to carry out a cyberattack or obtain unauthorized entry to the network or confidential information. As companies increasingly transition to cloud-based operations and adopt hybrid work arrangements, their networks grow in size and complexity, leading to a larger attack surface.

It is crucial for organizations to stay alert and regularly assess their attack surfaces in order to promptly detect and prevent any potential threats. As businesses expand their online presence and implement new technologies, the task of reducing the attack surface area becomes more difficult. However, it is a necessary step to decrease the likelihood of a successful cyberattack.

What is a physical attack surface?

Unsecured physical points of contact are at risk of providing unauthorized entry to important data and other critical details. Whether it be computers, laptops, mobile devices, IoT devices, or operational equipment, any of these may be targeted by malicious individuals if left unprotected. For example, if outdated hardware is not disposed of properly, criminals can easily obtain confidential user information stored within it.

Moreover, individuals within a company who have been given permission to access sensitive data can also abuse their power to steal valuable information or install harmful software on devices. Furthermore, unauthorized individuals may illegally enter a company’s property to gain access to devices and illegally obtain confidential data. Baiting attacks are another form of physical attack where malicious software is attached to USB drives and purposely left in public spaces, luring unsuspecting users to connect them to their computers and unknowingly download malware.

What is a digital attack surface?

The digital attack surface of a company encompasses all connected applications, programs, ports, code, servers, and websites. Every hardware and software component adds to the potential risk. Malware and malicious individuals frequently aim to penetrate these attack surfaces to access confidential data or disrupt the company’s regular activities.

Outdated applications, unsecured operating systems, and software vulnerabilities are frequently exploited by cybercriminals to target digital attack surfaces. Additionally, they may utilize brute-force attacks on passwords and exploit login vulnerabilities to illicitly obtain confidential information.

Attack vector vs attack surface

Although the attack vector and attack surface are interconnected, they are distinct concepts. The attack vector refers to the method used by a hacker to carry out an attack, such as phishing emails, malicious websites, APIs, or compromised software.

The attack surface encompasses all the potential entry points in an organization, encompassing both tangible and digital elements like hardware, software, websites, and networks that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt functioning.

Defining your attack surface

The initial and crucial stage involves determining and outlining the attack surface. To assess possible security hazards, companies need to recognize every tangible and intangible object that comprises their attack surface, such as company firewalls, switches, network file servers, desktops and laptops, mobile devices, and printers.

Moreover, it is crucial to recognize the data and assets kept in the cloud, on devices used by end-users, and in in-house systems. Furthermore, assessing the individuals who have access to this data will enable companies to understand user actions and potential risks within departments.

Reducing your attack surface

With the ever-increasing complexity of infrastructures and the ongoing efforts of malicious cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in user and organizational networks, companies must take proactive measures to mitigate the threat of such attacks. These five steps will help organizations do just that:

1. Streamline the process

To protect corporate data from cybercriminals, organizations must implement effective security management and make strategic policy choices. This includes deactivating any unnecessary software and devices, as well as limiting the number of endpoints used in the network. Simplifying the IT infrastructure is key to creating a secure environment for sensitive information.

2. Implement a zero-trust framework

The zero-trust security model strengthens and ensures the reliability of infrastructure by limiting access to approved users and authorized resources. This enhances security measures and reduces the risk of network breaches, protecting against unauthorized intruders.

3. Segment the network

By implementing network segmentation, companies can decrease their vulnerability to attacks by creating obstacles such as firewalls and dividing networks into smaller sections. This strategy makes it more difficult for potential intruders to gain access to valuable information or systems through lateral movement.

4. Uncover security flaws

To achieve the highest level of security, it is essential for organizations to strive for complete visibility. This involves regularly performing network scans and analyses. By doing so, they will be able to quickly identify any potential problems and safeguard their cloud-based and on-premises systems from unauthorized entry. A thorough scan should expose any weaknesses and expose how malicious actors could‌ target endpoints.

5. Invest in employee education

Workers play a crucial role in preventing cyberattacks. Consistent training on cybersecurity will equip them to identify warning signs of an attack, such as fraudulent emails.

Conclusion

By implementing the steps outlined above, companies can significantly decrease their vulnerability to cyber attacks and defend against the growing number of threats posed by attackers. This not only safeguards important data, but also provides reassurance that all necessary security measures are being followed. With proactive measures, organizations can establish a secure environment and minimize potential risks.