What is Attack Surface?

Attack surface refers to all the possible points where an unauthorized user could try to enter data or extract data from a system. Reducing the attack surface is a fundamental security practice that limits potential vulnerability exposure.

Attack Surface Components

Digital Attack Surface

Open ports and services
Web applications
APIs
User interfaces
Code vulnerabilities

Physical Attack Surface

Hardware access points
USB ports
Network jacks
Physical security gaps

Social Attack Surface

Employee vulnerabilities
Phishing susceptibility
Social engineering targets
Third-party relationships

Attack Surface Categories

Network

Internet-facing services
Internal network services
Wireless access points

Software

Operating systems
Applications
Libraries and dependencies
Configuration weaknesses

Human

Credential management
Security awareness
Insider threats

Reducing Attack Surface

Minimize Exposure

Close unnecessary ports
Remove unused software
Segment networks

Harden Systems

Patch management
Secure configurations
Least privilege access

Monitor and Assess

Regular scanning
Attack surface management tools
Continuous assessment