What is the difference between an attack vector and attack surface?

What is the difference between an attack vector and attack surface?
A . An attack surface identifies vulnerabilities that require user input or validation; and an attack vector identifies vulnerabilities that are independent of user actions.
B . An attack vector identifies components that can be exploited, and an attack surface identifies the potential path an attack can take to penetrate the network.
C . An attack surface recognizes which network parts are vulnerable to an attack; and an attack vector identifies which attacks are possible with these vulnerabilities.
D . An attack vector identifies the potential outcomes of an attack; and an attack surface launches an attack using several methods against the identified vulnerabilities.

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

An attack vector is the method or technique that an attacker uses to exploit a vulnerability in a system or network. An attack vector can be a software, hardware, or human component that can be manipulated to gain unauthorized access, execute malicious code, or cause damage. An attack surface is the sum of all the possible attack vectors that are exposed by a system or network. An attack surface can be reduced by applying security measures such as patching, hardening, firewalling, and encrypting.

Reference: Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals (CBROPS) – Cisco, page 1-4; 200-201 CBROPS – Cisco, exam topic 1.1.c