Final answer:
The term 'attack surface' refers to all the different points where an unauthorized user can try to enter or extract data from a system. It is crucial for cybersecurity to limit and protect these points. Other related terms include defense in depth, principle of least privilege, and risk mitigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scope that a hacker can use to break into a system is referred to as the attack surface. The attack surface of a system encompasses all the different points where an unauthorized user can try to enter data to or extract data from an environment. Reducing the attack surface is essential for cybersecurity because it limits the number of possible ways an attacker can exploit a system.
Defense in depth is a strategy that involves layering security measures to protect data. The principle of least privilege requires limiting access rights for users to the bare minimum necessary to perform their work. Finally, risk mitigation refers to the process of developing strategies to manage and minimize risks to a system.