What is the term for the path or route used to gain access to a target asset?

The term that defines the path or route used to gain access to a target asset is known as the attack vector. An attack vector represents the method by which an attacker exploits vulnerabilities in a system to infiltrate or compromise it. This can include various techniques such as phishing, malware, or exploiting software vulnerabilities, and it highlights the specific means of entry that attackers may take.

Understanding attack vectors is crucial for cybersecurity professionals as it enables them to identify potential weaknesses in their defenses and develop strategies to mitigate these threats. It emphasizes the importance of securing not just the asset itself, but also the pathways that could be taken to access it.

The other terminology provided reflects different concepts within cybersecurity but does not specifically denote a route or method of access. The attack surface refers to the totality of points or vulnerabilities in a system that an attacker can exploit. The term 'threat vector' is not commonly used in cybersecurity literature but can suggest a similar idea; however, it does not carry the precise meaning as attack vector. A security breach describes an incident where unauthorized access has occurred but does not refer to the method used to achieve that access.