Attack surface analysis and reduction is an exercise in risk reduction. The attack surface of an application represents the number of entry points exposed to a potential attacker of the software. The larger the attack surface, the larger the set of methods that can be used by an adversary to attack. The smaller the attack surface, the smaller the chance of an attacker finding a vulnerability and the lower the risk of a high impact exploit in the system. This course provides an understanding of the goals and methodologies of attackers, identification of attack vectors, and how to minimize the attack surface of an application. In this course, students will learn to define the attack surface of an application, and how to reduce the risk to an application by minimizing the application’s attack surface.
Learning Objectives
On successful completion of this course, learners should have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe what an attack surface is
- Explain how the attack surface relates to risk
- Measure the attack surface of the system
- Minimize the attack surface of the system
Framework Connections
The materials within this course focus on the NICE Framework Task, Knowledge, and Skill statements identified within the indicated NICE Framework component(s):
Specialty Areas
- Vulnerability Assessment and Management
- Risk Management
Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback on this course, please e-mail the NICCS team at NICCS@mail.cisa.dhs.gov. Please keep in mind that NICCS does not own this course or accept payment for course entry. If you have questions related to the details of this course, such as cost, prerequisites, how to register, etc., please contact the course training provider directly. You can find course training provider contact information by following the link that says “Visit course page for more information...” on this page.