An attack vector is the specific path or method that a malicious actor uses to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, network, application, or data. It serves as the conduit through which threats are delivered, whether through software vulnerabilities, misconfigured hardware, exposed network services, or human weaknesses exploited via social engineering techniques like phishing. Understanding attack vectors is essential for identifying potential entry points that adversaries might exploit to compromise an organization's digital assets.

Cybersecurity professionals continuously assess and analyze various attack vectors to strengthen defensive measures and allocate security resources effectively. By mapping these pathways, organizations can proactively patch vulnerabilities, implement targeted controls, and fortify their infrastructure against evolving threats. Modern threat intelligence plays a critical role in revealing new attack vectors and sophisticated tactics, enabling security teams to maintain operational resilience and protect critical assets from unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions.