What does attack surface analysis aim to evaluate?

Attack surface analysis focuses on identifying and evaluating all potential attack vectors and entry points that a malicious actor could exploit to compromise a system or network. This comprehensive assessment is crucial for understanding where vulnerabilities may exist within an organization’s infrastructure and helps in prioritizing security measures to mitigate risks effectively.

By examining the attack surface, cybersecurity professionals can determine how many points of exposure there are, such as network access points, internet-facing services, software applications, and human factors. This insight is instrumental in fortifying defenses and reducing potential threats, enabling organizations to protect sensitive data better and maintain operational integrity.

Other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not involve the systematic identification and analysis of vulnerabilities or entry points associated with an organization's cybersecurity posture. Employee productivity pertains to workforce performance, software licensing compliance relates to adhering to legal standards regarding software use, and the effectiveness of security training evaluates how well personnel are prepared to respond to threats, but none directly address the evaluation of attack vectors in the same way that attack surface analysis does.