The attack surface in a system is an indicator of the security of that system. The more the system has an attack surface, the more vulnerable it is to security attacks. If the attack surface is left small, the system is more easily secured. Network-based attack vectors, such as buffer overflows, network protocol problems, adware, and more, infiltrate the attack surface. A small vulnerability in the attack surface of a system creates a favorable environment for breaching the attack surface.
What Is Digital Attack Surface?
Organizations' cloud and on-premises infrastructures become a potential attack surface for any hacker with an internet connection.
Common attack methods on a company's digital attack surface are as follows:
- Weak passwords
- Misconfiguration
- Software, operating system (OS), and firmware vulnerabilities
- Internet-facing assets
- Shared databases and directories
- Outdated devices, data, or applications
- Shadow IT
Weak Passwords
Accounts protected by brute force attacks or predictable passwords increase the risk of cybercriminals gaining access to the network, stealing sensitive information, infecting malware, or damaging infrastructure. Therefore, having strong password policies and other security measures in place is vital for organizations to ensure account security.
Misconfiguration
Misconfigured network elements such as network ports, channels, wireless access points, firewalls, or protocols that malicious actors can use as points of entry set the stage for cyberattacks to occur.
Software, Operating System (OS), and Firmware Vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals and hackers can exploit coding or implementation flaws in third-party applications to infiltrate networks, access user directories or plant malicious software. These are bugs that can be found in operating systems and other software or firmware.
Internet-facing Assets
Web applications, web servers, and other resources for the public internet are vulnerable to attack and may harbor security vulnerabilities.
Shared Databases and Directories
Cybercriminals can target sensitive resources, such as databases and directories shared between systems and devices, to gain unauthorized access or launch ransomware attacks.
Outdated Devices, Data or Applications
Failure to consistently apply system updates is an open invitation to hackers. Updates contain important fixes and patches that increase the security of systems. Therefore, it is essential that updates are applied without interruption. Otherwise, vulnerabilities are left unclosed and easily exploitable by cybercriminals.
Shadow IT
Software, hardware, or devices that employees use without the knowledge or approval of the IT department, such as free or popular apps, portable storage devices, and unsecured personal mobile devices are referred to as "Shadow IT". These kinds of resources can violate the security policies and procedures of the business, creating a potential target for hackers.
Why Is Attack Surface Important in Cryptocurrencies?
The attack surface in cryptocurrencies is important because cryptocurrency platforms are targets for cyberattacks as they are used as a platform to store investors' cryptocurrencies through trading transactions. Cryptocurrency platforms have to take security measures due to their vulnerability to attacks.
What Should Be Done to Secure the System?
To secure the system, attack surfaces and the amount of running code must be reduced. The less the amount of code, the less the attack will occur. It is also necessary to reduce the entry points to the system. The fewer the entry points, the fewer attacks will be minimized for unauthorized users. Attack surfaces are also reduced by shutting down non-essential functions within the system.
Which Steps Should Be Followed to Understand an Attack Surface?
The first step to understanding the attack surface is to visualize a company's system. Visualization provides information by mapping all devices and networks connected to the company. The second step is to find the indicators of the attack. By looking at the map created by the visualization in the first step, the indicators of an attacked vulnerability are visible. The third and final step is to find indicators of compromise. These indicators show whether an attack was successful or not.
