ASR

ASR:

Attack Surface Reduction

or

Automated System Recovery

Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) refers to a set of security measures and strategies aimed at minimizing the number of potential entry points (or "attack surfaces") that cybercriminals can exploit to compromise a system or network. The concept is crucial in cybersecurity, as a larger attack surface increases the likelihood of vulnerabilities being discovered and exploited. By systematically reducing the attack surface, organizations can enhance their overall security posture and mitigate risks associated with potential cyber threats.

ASR techniques can include implementing strict access controls, eliminating unnecessary software and services, regularly updating and patching systems, and employing security tools that monitor and restrict suspicious activities. For instance, disabling unused applications and enforcing application whitelisting can significantly limit the pathways available for attackers. By focusing on reducing the attack surface, organizations, particularly in the context of SOC-as-a-Service, can create a more robust defense against cyber threats, ultimately protecting sensitive data and maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Automated System Recovery (ASR) is a feature in some operating systems that enables the automatic restoration of a system to a previous state in the event of a failure or critical error. ASR typically involves creating a backup of system settings, configurations, and essential files, allowing for a quick recovery process without significant downtime. This capability is essential for maintaining business continuity and minimizing the impact of system failures on organizational operations.

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Attack surface reduction rules target certain software behaviors, such as:

• Launching executable files and scripts that attempt to download or run files
• Running obfuscated or otherwise suspicious scripts
• Performing behaviors that apps don't usually initiate during normal day-to-day work

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction?view=o365-worldwide