How does Defender PAM help in reducing the attack surface?

The reduction of the attack surface is a critical goal in cybersecurity, and limiting the accounts capable of accessing sensitive systems is an effective strategy in achieving this. Defender PAM (Privileged Access Management) helps in this regard by ensuring that only a select number of authorized accounts can interact with sensitive systems and data. This minimizes the opportunities for malicious actors to gain access and exploit vulnerabilities.

By enforcing strict access controls and privilege management, Defender PAM effectively narrows the pool of potential entry points for attacks. This approach not only protects sensitive resources but also limits the exposure of systems to threats that could arise from excessive user permissions. It's a proactive measure to ensure that only users who absolutely need access to perform their roles are provided with that access, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or insider threats.

In contrast, increasing the number of accounts with access would heighten the attack surface, as there would be more potential targets for attackers. Utilizing open-access protocols can expose systems to additional vulnerabilities, while relying solely on enhancing password complexity does not address the broader issue of account access and privilege management. Therefore, limiting accounts capable of accessing sensitive systems is a fundamental aspect of a robust security strategy that directly contributes to a reduced attack surface.