External Attack Surface Management

In cybersecurity, an attack surface is the collection of physical or digital points within an IT network where malicious actors may exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a system. Attack surfaces include endpoint devices and users along with vulnerabilities within software and connected hardware.

Attack surface management is the practice of visualizing an IT environment as well as the vulnerabilities within it and taking steps to mitigate vulnerabilities, eliminate human error and establish security controls to protect the network.

External cybersecurity threats to your infrastructure are simply cyber-related intrusions from outside an organization. These include threats like hacking, malware, ransomware, phishing, DDoS attacks, and espionage, specifically targeting the digital systems of critical infrastructure.

Attack surface analysis is the process of identifying and evaluating all potential points of entry or vulnerability within a system, network, or application that could be exploited by an attacker. It involves examining the various components, interfaces, and interactions of the system to understand its exposure to potential threats.

A cyber asset refers to any digital resource, component, or entity within an organization's information technology infrastructure that is essential for the operation, management, or security of its systems and data. This can include hardware, software, networks, databases, applications, and information assets.

Asset inventory in cybersecurity involves creating and maintaining a comprehensive catalog or database of all the digital assets within an organization's IT environment. This includes hardware devices, software applications, data repositories, network resources, and other components. Asset inventory is crucial for effective cybersecurity management, as it helps organizations identify and prioritize security measures and assess their overall risk exposure.

Attack surface discovery is the initial phase of assessing and mapping out the various elements and entry points that comprise an organization's attack surface. This process involves identifying all potential vulnerabilities, weak spots, and exposure points within the system, network, or application. Attack surface discovery is essential for understanding the scope and complexity of potential threats and for developing effective security strategies and defenses.