Exam 200-201 topic 1 question 82 discussion

B. is attack vector not attack surface. C is the correct answer. An attack surface is the total sum of vulnerabilities that can be exploited to carry out a security attack. Attack surfaces can be physical or digital. The term attack surface is often confused with the term attack vector, but they are not the same thing. The surface is what is being attacked; the vector is the means by which an intruder gains access.

My opinion: a - this is the Threat b - Correct Answer (only may be incorrect wording) c - Vulnerabilities d - Threat Actor According to the Cisco "Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals" course the "B" should be the right answer. One of the test question in this topics: Q: What best describes an attack surface? A: The sum of the different points ("attack vectors") in a given computing device or network that are accessible to an unauthorized user ("attacker")

source: https://contenthub.netacad.com/legacy/CyberOps/1.1/en/index.html#6.1.1.1 Vulnerability and Attack Surface – A weakness in a system or its design that could be exploited by a threat. An attack surface is the total sum of the vulnerabilities in a given system that is accessible to an attacker. The attack surface describes different points where an attacker could get into a system, and where they could get data out of the system. For example, your operating system and web browser could both need security patches. They are each vulnerable to attacks. Together, they create an attack surface the threat actor can exploit.

The best answer is "B. the sum of all paths for data into and out of the environment." An attack surface refers to the sum of all paths through which an attacker can gain access to a system or environment to carry out an attack. This includes not only the hardware and software components of the system but also the interfaces, networks, and protocols that allow data to enter and leave the system. A vulnerability, on the other hand, is an exploitable weakness or flaw in a system or its design that can be used by an attacker to compromise the system's security and gain unauthorized access. Vulnerabilities can exist in hardware, software, network configurations, or even in human behavior. In summary, while a vulnerability is a specific weakness or flaw that can be exploited by an attacker, an attack surface is the sum of all possible avenues an attacker can use to gain access to a system or environment and carry out an attack.

B. Attack surface: The sum of all paths, entry points, and vulnerabilities through which an attacker can access an environment, system, or application.

From the book CCNA cybersecurity Operations Companion Guide.: Recall that a vulnerability is a weakness in a system or its design that could be exploited by a threat. An attack surface is the total sum of the vulnerabilities in a given system that is accessible to an attacker. The attack surface can consist of open ports on servers or hosts, software that runs on Internet-facing servers, wireless network protocols, and even users.

for me answer C seems to talk about 1 thing but option B talks abou many so I think B is the one here

because it's a surface