Achieving ISO 27001 accreditation is no small feat. It demonstrates a robust commitment to information security and positions an organisation as a trustworthy custodian of data. But let’s be honest: maintaining compliance is a constant endeavour. One of the rising stars in the toolkit for ISO 27001 accreditation and upkeep is External Attack Surface Management (EASM). Intrigued? Let’s dive into how EASM platforms align with the ISO 27001 framework and make your compliance journey smoother.

First, a quick overview. EASM is a proactive approach to managing your digital footprint. It identifies, assesses, and monitors all your external-facing assets—web applications, servers, APIs, and anything else connected to the internet. But EASM doesn’t stop at discovery; it also flags vulnerabilities, monitors for threats, and ensures everything is visible to your security team.

Now, where does ISO 27001 fit into all of this? If you’re familiar with ISO 27001, you’ll know it’s built around the establishment, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of an information security management system (ISMS). To put it simply, it’s about keeping data secure and demonstrating you’re doing so. Within this framework, certain clauses pair naturally with EASM capabilities.

Take Clause 6.1.2—Information Security Risk Assessment, for instance. This clause requires organisations to identify risks, assess their likelihood and impact, and determine how to address them. EASM platforms are essentially tailored for this. By continuously mapping and assessing your external attack surface, an EASM tool identifies risks—like an exposed database or a forgotten subdomain—that could otherwise fly under the radar. You’re not just ticking a box; you’re building a dynamic risk management process.

Then there’s Clause 9.1—Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis and Evaluation. This one mandates organisations to measure the effectiveness of their ISMS. Here’s where EASM really shines: it provides measurable data about the security posture of your external assets. Metrics like the number of vulnerabilities detected and the time taken to remediate them can feed directly into your compliance reports, showcasing how well you’re protecting your digital perimeter.

Clause 8.2—Information Security Risk Treatment deserves a mention too. Once risks are identified, they must be addressed in line with the organisation’s risk appetite. EASM simplifies this by not only pointing out issues but also offering remediation guidance. For example, if an EASM tool flags a misconfigured cloud bucket, it’ll likely provide steps to secure it, enabling quick and effective risk treatment.

A particularly valuable aspect of EASM for ISO 27001 is how it supports Clause A.12.6.1—Management of Technical Vulnerabilities in Annex A. This clause specifies the need to obtain timely information about vulnerabilities, evaluate their impact, and take appropriate measures. An EASM platform automates this process. It continuously scans for vulnerabilities across your external assets, keeping you informed and helping you act quickly to mitigate risks. That’s compliance with speed and efficiency.

One of the lesser-talked-about benefits of EASM is how it aids in demonstrating compliance to auditors. Let’s face it: audits can be nerve-wracking. But with an EASM platform, you have a clear, up-to-date view of your external-facing systems and their security posture. You can show auditors real-time reports that map directly to the ISO 27001 clauses, making it easier to prove you’re not just compliant on paper but in practice.

And let’s not overlook the maintenance aspect. Staying compliant with ISO 27001 isn’t a one-and-done deal. The standard requires continuous improvement, which is much easier with a tool like EASM in your corner. By providing ongoing visibility into your digital landscape and highlighting new risks as they arise, EASM platforms keep you ahead of the curve. It’s like having an always-on compliance assistant.

In short, EASM aligns beautifully with the core principles of ISO 27001. It enhances risk management, streamlines vulnerability management, and provides the data needed to monitor and improve your ISMS. Plus, it’s an invaluable ally when the auditors come knocking. Whether you’re working towards your first ISO 27001 accreditation or ensuring you maintain it year after year, EASM is a game-changer.