Glossary

Attack surface elements constitute the diverse array of internet-facing assets within an organization’s digital infrastructure that are susceptible to exploitation by cyber threats and adversaries. These elements encompass a wide range of components, including physical devices such as routers, switches, and IoT devices; networks and server infrastructure deployed on-premises or in the cloud; externally accessible websites and web applications; cloud services and platforms utilized for data storage, processing, and computing; and various other internet-facing assets that form part of the organization’s digital footprint.

As organizations expand their online presence and leverage digital technologies to drive business operations and customer engagement, the attack surface expands correspondingly, increasing the potential avenues of attack and exposure to security risks. Attack surface elements serve as potential entry points or targets for cyber attacks, exploitation, and unauthorized access, highlighting the importance of effectively managing and securing these assets to mitigate the risk of security incidents and data breaches.

Organizations must adopt comprehensive attack surface management practices to identify, assess, and prioritize attack surface elements, implement appropriate security controls and defenses, and continuously monitor and adapt to emerging threats and vulnerabilities. By proactively managing attack surface elements and bolstering the resilience of their digital infrastructure, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture, safeguard critical assets and data, and mitigate the impact of cyber threats in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic threat landscape.