What is the process of securing a system by reducing its surface of vulnerability called?

The process of securing a system by reducing its surface of vulnerability is referred to as system hardening. This practice involves implementing various security measures to protect the system from potential threats. System hardening can include actions such as disabling unnecessary services, configuring security settings, applying patches and updates, and removing unused software. By limiting the number of points where an attacker might exploit vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly decrease the risk of successful cyberattacks.

Additional concepts like vulnerability assessment, incident response, and threat modeling play crucial roles in the overall security management framework but focus on different aspects. Vulnerability assessment is aimed at identifying and analyzing vulnerabilities in a system but does not necessarily involve directly hardening it. Incident response pertains to the processes and procedures followed after a security breach occurs, while threat modeling is the practice of identifying and prioritizing potential threats to a system to inform security measures. System hardening specifically addresses the proactive measures taken to minimize vulnerabilities, which is essential in maintaining a robust security posture.