What is an Attack Surface?

An organization’s attack surface refers to the collective vulnerabilities, pathways, or methods—sometimes known as attack vectors—that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the network or sensitive data, or to perpetrate a cyberattack.

As organizations increasingly adopt cloud services and hybrid work models (combining on-premises and remote work), their networks and associated attack surfaces are expanding and becoming more intricate with each passing day. According to Randori’s The State of Attack Surface Management 2022, 67% of organizations have witnessed the growth of their attack surfaces over the past two years. Industry analyst Gartner has identified attack surface expansion as the top security and risk management trend for 2022.

Security experts divide the attack surface into three subcategories: the digital attack surface, the physical attack surface, and the social engineering attack surface.

Digital attack surface

The digital attack surface exposes an organization’s cloud and on-premises infrastructure to any hacker with an internet connection. Common vulnerabilities within an organization’s digital attack surface include:

• Weak passwords: Easily guessed or crackable passwords increase the risk of cybercriminals compromising user accounts to access the network, steal sensitive information, spread malware, or cause infrastructure damage.
• Misconfiguration: Improperly configured network components such as ports, channels, wireless access points, firewalls, or protocols serve as entry points for hackers. For instance, man-in-the-middle attacks exploit weak encryption protocols on message-passing channels to intercept communications between systems.
• Software, OS, and firmware vulnerabilities: Hackers exploit coding or implementation errors in third-party applications, operating systems, or firmware to infiltrate networks, access user directories, or deploy malware. In 2021, cybercriminals exploited a flaw in Kaseya’s VSA platform to distribute ransomware disguised as a software update to Kaseya’s customers.
• Internet-facing assets: Web applications, servers, and resources exposed to the public internet are vulnerable to attack. Hackers can inject malicious code into unsecured APIs, causing them to improperly expose or destroy sensitive information in associated databases.
• Shared databases and directories: Hackers exploit shared databases and directories to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources or launch ransomware attacks. For instance, in 2016, the Virlock ransomware spread by infecting collaborative file folders accessed by multiple devices.
• Outdated or obsolete devices, data, or applications: Neglecting updates and patches exposes security risks. Notably, the WannaCry ransomware exploited a Microsoft Windows operating system vulnerability for which a patch was available. Similarly, obsolete endpoints, data sets, user accounts, and applications create unmonitored vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
• Shadow IT: Shadow IT refers to unauthorized software, hardware, or devices used by employees without IT department knowledge or approval. Because it remains unmonitored by IT or security teams, shadow IT introduces serious vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Physical attack surface

The physical attack surface exposes assets and information that are typically accessible only to users with authorized access to the organization’s physical office or endpoint devices (such as servers, computers, laptops, mobile devices, IoT devices, or operational hardware).

Potential threats include:

• Malicious insiders: Employees or users with malicious intent, whether disgruntled or bribed, may exploit their access privileges to steal sensitive data, disable devices, plant malware, or engage in other harmful activities.
• Device theft: Criminals may steal endpoint devices or gain access to them by breaking into an organization’s premises. Once in possession of the hardware, hackers can access stored data and processes. They may also use the device’s identity and permissions to reach other network resources. Endpoints used by remote workers, employees’ personal devices, and improperly discarded devices are common targets for theft.
• Baiting: Baiting involves leaving malware-infected USB drives in public places, aiming to deceive users into plugging these devices into their computers and inadvertently downloading the malware.

Social engineering attack surface

Social engineering manipulates individuals into compromising their personal or organizational assets or security through various means, including:

• Sharing sensitive information improperly.
• Downloading unauthorized software.
• Visiting malicious websites.
• Sending money to fraudulent entities.

Because it exploits human weaknesses rather than technical vulnerabilities, social engineering is often dubbed “human hacking.”

An organization’s social engineering attack surface refers to the number of authorized users who are susceptible to or unprepared for social engineering attacks.

The most well-known and widespread social engineering tactic is phishing. In phishing attacks, scammers send emails, text messages, or voice messages attempting to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information, downloading malicious software, transferring money or assets to the wrong parties, or taking other harmful actions. These phishing attempts are carefully crafted to mimic communications from trusted sources, such as reputable companies, government agencies, or even individuals known to the recipient.

What Is Attack Surface Management and Why Is It Important?

Once an attack surface has been mapped, it’s vital to conduct vulnerability tests and maintain ongoing monitoring of its performance. Attack surface management plays a pivotal role in recognizing both present and future risks, yielding the following advantages:

• Pinpointing high-risk zones requiring vulnerability assessments
• Detecting alterations and new attack vectors that may have emerged during the process
• Establishing the accessibility levels for different user types across the system
• Implementing measures to counter targeted cyberattacks

Government’s Role in Attack Surface Management

The U.S. government plays a critical role in attack surface management. For instance, federal agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with other partners, have launched the StopRansomware.gov website. This initiative aims to offer a comprehensive resource to individuals and businesses, equipping them with information to prevent ransomware attacks and mitigate their impact if they become victims.

Moreover, the DOJ is actively engaged in combatting broader cybercrime, including collaborating with international agencies to dismantle major illegal Darknet marketplaces and disrupt groups like REvil involved in ransomware. The agency is intensifying its efforts against ransomware and cryptocurrency-related crime through the establishment of new entities like the Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, the National Cryptocurrency Exploitation Unit, and the Virtual Asset Exploitation Unit.

Attack Surface Reduction

As infrastructures become increasingly complex, cybercriminals are employing more sophisticated methods to exploit weaknesses in both user behavior and organizational systems. These five steps are essential for organizations to mitigate such risks:

• Implement zero-trust policies: The zero-trust security model ensures that only authorized individuals have the appropriate level of access to specific resources at designated times. By enforcing this model, organizations fortify their entire infrastructure and reduce potential entry points for cyber threats.
• Simplify complexity: Unnecessary complexity in systems can lead to management difficulties and policy errors, creating opportunities for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations should streamline their networks by disabling redundant software and devices, as well as reducing the number of endpoints in use. Complex systems often result in users having access to resources they don’t require, thus expanding the attack surface for potential hackers.
• Conduct vulnerability scans: Regular network scans and analysis are crucial for promptly identifying potential security issues. It’s imperative to have comprehensive visibility of the attack surface to address vulnerabilities in both cloud-based and on-premises networks. A thorough scan should not only pinpoint vulnerabilities but also demonstrate how endpoints could be exploited.
• Implement network segmentation: Network segmentation enables organizations to reduce their attack surface by erecting barriers that impede attackers. This involves deploying tools like firewalls and employing strategies such as microsegmentation, which divides the network into smaller, more manageable units.
• Provide employee training: Employees serve as the frontline defense against cyber threats. Offering regular cybersecurity awareness training equips them with the knowledge of best practices and enables them to recognize signs of potential attacks, particularly through phishing emails and social engineering tactics.

FAQ’s

What is an attack surface?

An attack surface refers to the collective vulnerabilities, pathways, or methods that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to networks, sensitive data, or carry out cyberattacks within an organization.

Why is attack surface management important?

Attack surface management is crucial for identifying and mitigating current and future risks within an organization’s infrastructure. It helps pinpoint high-risk areas, detect new attack vectors, determine user access levels, and implement measures to counter targeted cyberattacks.

What are the main categories of attack surfaces?

Attack surfaces are divided into three main categories: the digital attack surface, the physical attack surface, and the social engineering attack surface.

What are some common vulnerabilities within the digital attack surface?

Common vulnerabilities within the digital attack surface include weak passwords, misconfigurations, software, OS, and firmware vulnerabilities, exposure of internet-facing assets, shared databases and directories, outdated or obsolete devices, data, or applications, and shadow IT.

How can organizations reduce their physical attack surface?

Organizations can reduce their physical attack surface by implementing measures to prevent malicious insiders, safeguarding against device theft, and educating employees to avoid falling victim to baiting tactics.

What is social engineering, and how does it exploit human weaknesses?

Social engineering manipulates individuals into compromising their personal or organizational assets through tactics such as sharing sensitive information, downloading unauthorized software, visiting malicious websites, or sending money to fraudulent entities. It exploits human weaknesses rather than technical vulnerabilities, earning it the nickname “human hacking.”

What role does the U.S. government play in attack surface management?

The U.S. government, through agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), plays a critical role in attack surface management. Initiatives like the StopRansomware.gov website provide resources to individuals and businesses to prevent ransomware attacks. Additionally, the government collaborates with international agencies to combat cybercrime and establishes specialized units to counter ransomware and cryptocurrency-related crimes.

How can organizations reduce their attack surface to mitigate cyber risks?

Organizations can reduce their attack surface by implementing zero-trust policies, simplifying complexity in their systems, conducting regular vulnerability scans, implementing network segmentation, and providing employee training in cybersecurity awareness.

Conclusion

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, effective attack surface management is critical for organizations. By addressing vulnerabilities across digital, physical, and social engineering attack surfaces and implementing proactive measures, such as zero-trust policies and employee training, organizations can enhance their security posture. Collaboration between governments, international agencies, and private entities is essential in combating cybercrime. With diligent attention to attack surface management, organizations can better defend against cyber threats and protect critical assets.