An integration component is software that connects two or more systems, such as APIs, message brokers, sync jobs, middleware, or custom adapters. It moves data and requests between services so business applications can work together, but it also creates a wider trust boundary because each connection can carry authentication, data, and privilege assumptions from one system into another.
In cyber security, integration components matter because attackers often target them to pivot between environments, harvest credentials, or abuse overly broad permissions. If one connected service is weak, exposed, or poorly documented, the connector can become a path into internal tools and adjacent systems. Defenders should inventory integrations, limit privileges, rotate secrets, validate inputs, and monitor connector logs and failures. Reviewing integration design is especially important when source code or technical documents are leaked, because they can reveal how systems are linked and where trust is being extended.