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