Achieving SOC 2 compliance can feel like an endless battle against unseen threats. The framework demands strict security controls, ongoing risk management, and robust monitoring—none of which are easy to maintain manually. This is where External Attack Surface Management (EASM) becomes invaluable. By continuously scanning for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and shadow IT, EASM helps organisations meet SOC 2’s security and compliance expectations.

Stronger Risk Management with Continuous Visibility

SOC 2’s CC3.2 requires organisations to identify and assess risks that could impact their security, availability, and confidentiality commitments. However, many businesses struggle to fully map their external attack surface—often leading to blind spots attackers can exploit.

EASM helps here by regularly scanning for unknown or unmanaged assets, such as forgotten cloud instances, exposed databases, and unsecured domains. By maintaining a near-continuous understanding of what is externally accessible, organisations can take proactive steps to address risks before they escalate. This supports compliance by ensuring that risk assessments are based on a complete and up-to-date view of the external environment.

Meeting SOC 2’s Monitoring & Detection Requirements

SOC 2’s CC7.1 states that organisations must establish detection and monitoring procedures to identify vulnerabilities and security events. Traditional vulnerability scans—conducted monthly or quarterly—often leave gaps where threats can emerge unnoticed. EASM addresses this by providing frequent, automated scans that detect changes and weaknesses in a company’s external presence.

For instance, if a new subdomain suddenly appears or an SSL certificate expires, EASM flags it. These findings allow security teams to take action before attackers can exploit them, demonstrating a proactive approach to security monitoring that aligns with SOC 2 expectations.

Keeping Unauthorised Access in Check

SOC 2’s CC6.1 emphasises restricting logical access to systems and data, ensuring that only authorised individuals and services can interact with sensitive assets. The challenge is that external-facing infrastructure often changes without IT’s knowledge, introducing unauthorised or forgotten entry points.

EASM regularly scans for open ports, exposed services, and public-facing cloud storage that could inadvertently allow access to unauthorised parties. By identifying these exposures, organisations can quickly lock them down—showing auditors that strict access control measures are in place and consistently reviewed.

Preventing Security Breaches Before They Happen

SOC 2’s CC6.7 requires organisations to implement controls to prevent the introduction of unauthorised or malicious software. One common attack vector is misconfigured or outdated software running on public-facing assets, which attackers can exploit to inject malware or gain unauthorised access.

EASM helps mitigate this by regularly scanning for outdated technologies, default credentials, and known vulnerabilities that could be exploited. By addressing these risks swiftly, organisations strengthen their security posture and align with SOC 2’s emphasis on proactive threat prevention.

Faster Incident Response & Investigation

SOC 2’s CC7.3 requires that organisations respond to security incidents in a timely and effective manner. However, responding quickly to an incident is only possible if security teams are aware of potential threats as they emerge.

EASM enhances incident response by ensuring that security teams have up-to-date insights into their external attack surface. If a breach occurs, they can quickly identify affected assets, understand exposure points, and take corrective action. This capability helps organisations meet SOC 2’s expectations for swift and informed incident handling.

SOC 2 Compliance & EASM: A Perfect Match

SOC 2 compliance demands ongoing security vigilance, and EASM aligns naturally with its core principles. By enabling organisations to continuously scan, assess, and secure their external attack surface, EASM supports key SOC 2 requirements such as risk identification (CC3.2), monitoring (CC7.1), access control (CC6.1), threat prevention (CC6.7), and incident response (CC7.3).

Instead of approaching SOC 2 compliance as a last-minute audit exercise, EASM helps organisations maintain a state of continuous readiness—improving both security and compliance efforts at the same time.

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