Cybersecurity Glossary

Cyber Reconnaissance

Cyber reconnaissance is a cybersecurity term built from the French word “reconnaissance,” which means “surveying” and adapted from the military practice of reconnaissance, conducting an exploratory survey of enemy territory.

Attackers use cyber reconnaissance techniques to identify the easiest digital entry points into their targets. Reconnaissance can include passive activities where an attacker searches for information without compromising the target. Reconnaissance can also be active, where the attacker gains unauthorized access and engages to gather information. Many attacks include both types.

When conducted defensively, cyber reconnaissance helps organizations to understand where and how cyberattackers could gain access to their networks.

See Also
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Discovery

A dynamic asset inventory, built using natural language processing and advanced analysis of open source intelligence (OSINT), at your fingertips.

Resources > Learning Center
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Attack surface discovery can help cybersecurity posture by reducing cybersecurity risks. Learn the top methods to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Resources Datasheets
Discovery and Contextualization

Learn how you can uncover your full organizational structure with high accuracy, enterprise scale, details, and evidence so that you can properly understand who owns and manages each digital asset exposed to the internet.

Resources Solution Briefs
Discover and Contextualize

Download this brief to learn about the common problems that exist today within asset discovery and contextualization and how CyCognito can be implemented as a solution.

Platform > Products
Attack Surface Management

Scalable, continuous, and comprehensive testing for all external assets, all the time.

CyCognito Report

State of External Exposure Management, 2024 Edition

State of External Exposure Management Report

Critical vulnerabilities often hide in plain sight—especially in your web servers.

The report is a must-read for understanding today’s external risks and how to prioritize them effectively. Download the report to stay ahead of emerging threats and strengthen your security posture for 2025.

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