Attack Surface is the total sum of all vulnerabilities, entry points, and pathways--digital, physical, and human--that an unauthorized user can exploit to enter, steal data from, or disrupt an organization's systems. It includes everything from websites, servers, and APIs to employee devices, shadow IT, and social engineering risks.
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Attack Surface is the total sum of all vulnerabilities, entry points, and pathways--digital, physical, and human--that an unauthorized user can exploit to enter, steal data from, or disrupt an organization's systems. It includes everything from websites, servers, and APIs to employee devices, shadow IT, and social engineering risks.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Attack Surface. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/attack-surface
Sources
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High consensus
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Disputed
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