What it is
Initial access refers to the technique used by an attacker to breach an environment for the first time. This can include exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, using stolen credentials, abusing misconfigured cloud services, phishing users, or leveraging exposed remote access services. Initial access is the foundation stage of almost every cyber attack.
Why it matters
If initial access is easy, everything that follows becomes easier for an attacker. Many major breaches do not rely on advanced exploits but on simple, preventable exposures. Poor visibility into external attack surface and authentication weaknesses make initial access one of the most critical risk points.
How to reduce risk
- Continuously scan for exposed services and misconfigurations.
- Enforce strong authentication and MFA everywhere possible.
- Limit attack surface by disabling unused ports and services.
- Train staff to recognise phishing and credential harvesting attempts.