What is Attack Surface?
Let's find out Attack Surface meaning, definition in crypto, what is Attack Surface, and all other detailed facts.
Attack surface contains a collection of methods in which an attacker or a manipulator can access the data and extract it from the system. Or, in other words, it is the most vulnerable area of the system. This reveals the amount of security in the environment. If the attack surface is larger, the environment can be breached more easily. In that regard, it must be considered to keep the attack surface a small area. The concept is very important for software protection.
So, in order to create systems that are secure, the attack surface should be as small as possible. There are a few ways to do this:
- The services that are employed by only a small group of individuals should be taken out. Meaning that there will be fewer attack vectors if there are fewer unnecessary features.
- There is code that is always operating within the system. By reducing the amount of it, there will be fewer attack vectors as well.
- Making fewer access points in the system will also result in fewer attack vectors.
Attack vectors are network protocol flaws, or buffer overflows. They could also be trojans, malware, adware, and other software that are based on the web. These attack vectors are within the attack surface.
If a malicious actor would attack, he could manipulate or take the data out of the system and cause damage. Usually, attackers know where are all the devices in the system as well as how they operate. This way, the weakest points can be detected and imposed upon.
However, even if you manage to reduce the attack surface, if the malicious actor did already get into the system - there is nothing you can do to prevent the incoming or already done damage. Besides, it’s enough for the attacker to discover one weak point of the system to breach in.