Security Strategies
Why is Attack Surface Management Important?
Sam Capper
September 20, 2024
Summary
This blog is a guide to what attack surface management is and why its so important for businesses to protect against cyber attacks. Listen to our ThreatBite about this topic.

What is Attack Surface Management?

Attack Surface Management (ASM) is a set of processes and activities that monitor, protect and reduce an organisation’s attack surface. It is a proactive approach to identifying potential security risks before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The goal is to reduce the chances of successful attacks through reduction of vulnerabilities in an organisations attack surface area.

Why Is Attack Surface Management Important?

Attack surface management is important because it helps to reduce the risk of successful attacks. It helps to identify potential vulnerabilities and then take proactive steps to protect against them. By reducing the attack surface, organisations are able to better protect their data, systems, and assets from malicious actors. Attack Surface Management also provides visibility into an organisation’s security posture so that they can quickly  react to any new threats. By implementing ASM, organisations can ensure that their systems are secure and protect against potential security risks.

How Does Attack Surface Management Protect From Cyberattacks?

Attack Surface Management reduces the attack surface by identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities. Through comprehensive monitoring, ASM can detect any anomalous activity or suspicious behaviour that may indicate an attempted cyberattack. It also provides visibility into what assets are accessible within an organisation’s network and external environment to ensure that only authorised personnel have access. By reducing the attack surface and implementing effective security measures, organisations can better protect themselves from potential cyberattacks.


Attack Surface Management Benefits

Attack Surface Management provides organisations with a number of benefits:

  • Improved security posture
  • Reduced risk of a cyber attack
  • Helps to identify potential weaknesses in an organisation’s attack surface area
  • Provides visibility into their security posture so that they can act quickly when faced with new threats.

By reducing the attack surface, organisations can better protect their data, systems, and assets from malicious actors.

Conclusion

Attack Surface Management is an important tool for organisations to protect themselves from potential cyber threats. It helps to identify potential vulnerabilities and then take proactive steps to reduce the attack surface area. By implementing ASM, organisations can ensure that their systems are secure and have visibility into their security posture in order to quickly respond to any new threats. Have a listen to our ThreatBite below to find out more.

Sam Capper

Sam Capper is an OSINT researcher at DarkInvader, specialising in identifying and analysing public threats to help clients protect their assets through open-source intelligence. With expertise in monitoring digital vulnerabilities and uncovering risks across the surface and deep web, Sam transforms data into actionable insights. Their work ensures businesses stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a strong security posture in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

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