In the modern digital landscape protecting your organisation by utilising External Attack Surface Management is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data. The external attack surface includes all internet-facing assets such as web applications, servers, APIs, and network devices. While advancements in cyber security continue, attackers are also evolving their tactics, making external attack surface management (EASM) a crucial aspect of an organisation's security arsenal. The following blog will explore four major challenges in EASM; misconfigured systems, outdated software and infrastructure, typosquatting, and weak or stolen credentials.
1. Misconfigured Systems
Understanding the Threat
Misconfigured systems are a significant threat to any organisation's external attack surface. These misconfigurations can occur in various components such as cloud services, databases, firewalls, and network devices. Common Misconfigurations can include open ports, default credentials, excessive permissions, and improperly secured APIs.
Why It Matters
Misconfigured systems can provide an easy access point for malicous third parties. For example, an open port can allow unauthorised access to sensitive data. At the same time, default credentials are widely exploited to gain control over critical infrastructure. Misconfigurations can lead to data breaches, unauthorised access, and potential data loss.
Mitigation Strategies
- Regular Audits And Assessments
It is key to conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and rectify misconfigurations.
- Automated Tools
Utilise automated tools and scripts to scan for common misconfigurations and to ensure compliance with security policies.
- Configuration Management
Implement a robust configuration management practice, including maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all assets and their configurations.
- Employee Training
Train IT staff on secure configuration practices and the importance of adhering to security guidelines.
2. Outdated Software and Infrastructure
Understanding the Threat
Outdated software and infrastructure are major vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. These vulnerabilities arise when software and hardware are not regularly updated with the latest security patches and upgrades. Attackers often target known vulnerabilities in outdated systems to gain unauthorised access or execute malicous activities.
Why It Matters
Unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated systems can lead to major issues within your infrastructure such as data breaches, malware infections and system compromises. For instance, the 'WannaCry' ransomware attack exploited a known vulnerability in outdated Windows systems. This attack leads to widespread disruption as well as financial losses.
Mitigation Strategies
- Patch Management
Establish a robust patch management process to ensure all software and systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches.
- Asset Inventory
Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all software and hardware assets to track and manage their update status.
- Vulnerability Scanning
It is crucial to execute regular vulnerability scans to identify outdated software and prioritise remediation efforts.
- End-of-Life Planning
Develop a strategy for upgrading or replacing software and hardware that have reached end-of-life and no longer receive security updates.
- Develop a strategy
for upgrading or replacing software and hardware that has reached end-of-life and is no longer supported by security updates.
3. Typosquatting
Understanding the Threat
Typosquatting, also known as URL hijacking is a malicious practice where attackers register domains that look very similar to the legitimate companies' domains, these domains often contain comment typographical errors or use characters that may look similar to the authentic domain. For example, an attacker might register "gooogle.com" instead of "google.com" These fake domains are used to deceive users into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware.
Why It Matters
Typosquatting can lead to significant security incidents, including phishing attacks, data theft, and malware distribution. Users who mistakenly visit a typosquatted site may be tricked into entering their login credentials, which attackers can then use to access the legitimate site.
Mitigation Strategies
Implement domain monitoring tools to detect and alert newly registered domains that are similar to your organisation's domain.
- Domain Monitoring
Implement domain monitoring tools to detect and alert newly registered domains that are similar to your organisation's domain
- User Awareness
Educate employees and users about the risks of typosquatting and encourage them to double-check URLs before entering sensitive information.
- Legal Actions
Take legal action against typosquatting domains when possible and contact the registrar to shut down malicious domains and protect your brand.
- DNS Security
Use Domain Name System (DNS) security extensions to enhance the integrity and authenticity of your domain name resolutions.
4. Weak or Stolen Credentials
Understanding the Threat
Weak or stolen credentials are a major security challenge for organisations. Weak credentials, such as easily guessable passwords, can be quickly compromised by attackers using techniques like brute force attacks. Stolen credentials, often obtained through phishing attacks or data breaches, can provide attackers with direct access to sensitive systems and data.
Why It Matters
Credential-based attacks can have drastic consequences, including unauthorised access to critical systems, data breaches, financial losses and reputational damage. Once attackers gain access using valid credentials, they can move laterally within the network, escalate privileges, and cause extensive damage.
Mitigation Strategies
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security and reduce the risk of an unauthorised login, even if the credentials have been leaked.
- Strong Password Policies
Enforce a strong password policy that requires complex and unique passwords, and regularly prompt users to change their passwords.
- Credential Monitoring
Monitor for compromised credentials on the dark web and other sources to quickly detect and respond to credential theft.
- Employee Training
Educate employees about the importance of password security and the dangers of phishing attacks.
Conclusion
Effective External Attack Surface Management is an essential practice for safeguarding an organisation's digital assets and maintaining a robust security posture. By addressing challenges such as misconfigured systems, outdated software and infrastructure, typosquatting, and weak or stolen credentials. Organisations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to external threats. Implementing comprehensive security measures, regular audits, and employee training are crucial steps towards protecting the external attack surface and ensuring the integrity of organisational data and systems. In today's rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape staying vigilant and proactive is key to maintaining effective external attack surface management. By understanding and mitigating these top challenges organisations can defend against external attacks and maintain a strong security posture.
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