What is attack surface management (ASM)?

Attack surface management (ASM): the key to cybersecurity

Attack surface management (ASM) is a critical component of strong cybersecurity. Effective ASM helps businesses identify and minimize potential entry points for cybercriminals, making it significantly harder for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities. By continuously monitoring and managing the attack surface, organizations can strengthen their security posture and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. This makes attack surface management important for maintaining comprehensive visibility, improving cybersecurity posture, and fostering trust in business relationships.

Understanding attack surfaces

The attack surface of an organization consists of all digital and physical points that could be exploited in a cyberattack. The cyber attack surface includes various digital assets and potential vulnerabilities that must be managed to protect against cyber threats. This can be divided into four key areas:

1. Known resources

These are assets and systems your company is aware of and actively manages, such as websites, servers, and connected technologies.

2. Unknown resources (shadow IT)

Shadow IT includes unauthorized hardware, software, and IT systems that are not approved or monitored by the IT department. These untracked assets pose significant security risks.

3. Rogue resources

This includes malicious infrastructure exploited by cybercriminals, such as typosquatted domains, phishing websites, and malware-infected applications.

4. Third-party providers

Your cybersecurity isn't just about protecting internal systems—it also involves securing your supply chain. Third-party vendors can introduce vulnerabilities, making supply chain attacks a growing threat.

5. Attack Surface Components

Attack surface components refer to the various elements that make up an organization’s attack surface. These components can be broadly categorized into two main types: external assets and cloud-hosted external assets.

External Assets

External assets are internet-facing assets that are accessible to the public and can be exploited by attackers. These assets can include:

• Web applications and websites: These are often the first point of contact for users and attackers alike. Ensuring they are secure is paramount.

• APIs and microservices: These facilitate communication between different software components but can be vulnerable if not properly secured.

• Cloud storage buckets and databases: Misconfigured cloud storage can lead to data breaches and unauthorized access.

• Network devices and firewalls: These are critical for network security but can be targeted if not properly managed.

• IoT devices and sensors: These devices often lack robust security measures, making them attractive targets for attackers.

External assets are a critical component of an organization’s attack surface, as they provide a potential entry point for attackers. Security teams must ensure that these assets are properly secured and monitored to prevent unauthorized access.

Key attack surfaces in modern cybersecurity

With evolving work environments and technology, attack surfaces continue to expand. Here are some of the most vulnerable areas businesses need to monitor: Emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape require continuous monitoring and threat intelligence to proactively address new vulnerabilities.

1. Hybrid and remote work

The rise of remote work has introduced new security challenges, such as:

• Unsecured home networks

• Data sharing across personal and work devices

• Increased use of unmanaged applications

2. Cloud computing risks

Many businesses have adopted cloud services, but rapid migration has led to:

• Poorly configured cloud environments

• Unauthorized data access

• Increased exposure to cyber threats

3. Shadow IT

Unapproved applications and services used by employees can create unmonitored attack vectors. This includes:

• File-sharing between personal and work devices

• Unpatched software vulnerabilities

• Unauthorized third-party integrations

4. Internet of things (IoT) and connected devices

Smart devices improve efficiency but also expand the attack surface. Risks include:

• Weak authentication mechanisms

• Unsecured networks

• Lack of timely security updates

5. Rapid digitalization

Businesses are under pressure to innovate, which often results in:

• Rushed software development

• Insufficient security testing

• Vulnerabilities in newly deployed applications

6. Software development and security flaws

Fast-paced development cycles can lead to:

• Unpatched security vulnerabilities

• Poor coding practices

• Exposure to zero-day exploits

Cyber threats and attack surface

Cyber threats are a growing concern for organizations, and the attack surface is a critical component of an organization’s cybersecurity posture. Cyber threats can come in many forms, including:

• Malware and ransomware attacks: These malicious software programs can encrypt data or disrupt operations, demanding a ransom for restoration. Want to understand how these threats work and how to stay protected? Learn more about malware and dive into how ransomware attacks unfold.

• Phishing and social engineering attacks: Attackers use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.

• Denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks: These attacks overwhelm systems, causing disruptions and downtime. Curious about how these attacks work and how to defend against them? Discover more about DDoS attacks here.

• SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks: These exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access or manipulate data.

• Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day exploits: These sophisticated attacks target specific organizations, often remaining undetected for extended periods.

Understanding the various forms of cyber threats is essential for managing the attack surface effectively. By staying informed about these threats, organizations can better protect their digital assets and maintain a robust security posture.

Key security measures to mitigate attack vectors

Security teams must be aware of these common attack vectors and take steps to prevent them. This can include implementing security best practices, such as:

• Implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: Enhancing access controls to prevent unauthorized access.

• Keeping software and systems up to date with the latest security patches: Regularly updating systems to close security gaps.

• Monitoring for suspicious activity and anomalies: Continuously observing systems for signs of potential threats.

• Conducting regular security audits and risk assessments: Periodically evaluating security measures to identify and address vulnerabilities.

• Providing employee training and awareness programs: Educating staff on recognizing and responding to cyber threats.

By understanding the attack surface and common attack vectors, security teams can take steps to prevent cyber threats and protect their organization’s systems and data.

Why is attack surface management essential?

Managing your attack surface isn’t just about reducing the number of digital assets—it’s about understanding and securing them. Implementing an effective attack surface management process is crucial for continuously assessing and reducing cyber risk exposure. Many companies mistakenly believe that limiting the number of applications they use will improve security. However, vulnerabilities exist within the technology itself, not just in the quantity of assets.

Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities to:

• Deploy malware and ransomware

• Exfiltrate sensitive data

• Disrupt business operations

The five pillars of effective attack surface management

1. Asset discovery & inventory: Identify and document all digital assets, including cloud services, software, and hardware.

2. Classification & prioritization: Categorize assets based on risk levels and importance.

3. Threat intelligence & risk assessment: Stay informed about emerging cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

4. Continuous monitoring: Regularly assess security gaps and track changes in the attack surface.

5. Remediation & mitigation: Implement security patches, improve configurations, and reduce exposure to cyber risks.

The future of ASM: adapting to emerging cyber threats

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, requiring organizations to adapt their ASM strategies. Attack surface management solutions are essential for continuously identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities within an organization's digital landscape. As new threats emerge, ASM will remain a fundamental aspect of security, helping businesses protect sensitive data and maintain resilience against cyberattacks.

By implementing a robust attack surface management strategy, organizations can reduce the likelihood of security breaches, enhance their cybersecurity defenses, and safeguard their valuable digital assets.

Stay proactive – strengthen your attack surface before hackers exploit it.