How to Build a Strong Attack Surface Management Program

Your attack surface is the culmination of all the potential ways a cybercriminal could target you. Attack surface management aims to reduce and control these possible entry points. That involves continually reviewing the size of your attack surface, understanding how an attacker might target it and taking appropriate steps to minimize those threats.

ASM is a critical step for businesses today because many businesses’ attack surfaces are growing faster than they’re securing them. As Joel Brenner, former National Counterintelligence Executive, suggests, modern businesses are more concerned with speed and efficiency rather than security and secrecy. Businesses implement impressive customer-facing programs and practices first and worry about any cybersecurity risks later. Combined with 89% of IT teams having some kind of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, it can be hard to know where and how you’re vulnerable, both internally and externally.

Creating a formal, organized ASM program will let you gain the visibility you need to make sure your growing connections don’t jeopardize your security.

Now that you know what an ASM plan is, here’s how you can build one.

1. Map out your current attack surface

The first step in attack surface management is getting a complete picture of your attack surface. List out every device, app and other connection with any amount of access to company systems or data. That includes work computers, employees’ personal devices, internet of things (IoT) sensors and web apps.

You may have to use asset inventory management software to get the full picture. Once you have that complete picture, map it out in an organized inventory, remembering to include what’s connected to what other systems.

2. Learn how different endpoints may be vulnerable

Next, look at your attack surface map and determine how an attacker might see each part. Vulnerability consists of two main factors: how easy something is to breach and the amount or sensitivity of other systems and data it’s connected to.

Business messaging apps are becoming increasingly popular today and connect you with many users, but they don’t give these users access to company systems, so they’re not huge risks. By contrast, smart office equipment may seem innocuous, but they typically have little built-in security and connect to other, more sensitive devices, so they’re often a big vulnerability.

3. Minimize your attack surface where possible

Once you know your attack surface and how it may be vulnerable, how you can secure it will be clearer. More specifically, it’ll be easier to see where you can reduce your attack surface. Review all the connections within your network and question whether you really need them, removing what you don’t.

A smart thermostat doesn’t need to be on the same network as company computers. Similarly, employees’ phones shouldn’t be able to access your mission-critical data backups. Segmenting your network so that each endpoint can only access what it needs to work properly will ensure a breach won’t endanger your entire network.

4. Find an ASM solution

Even after mapping and minimizing your attack surface, ASM is an ongoing, often complicated task. New devices may appear over time, and new threats may emerge. Using automated ASM software will help you keep up with these changes.

You can choose from many vulnerability management tools today, some of which conduct thousands of tests to find potential vulnerabilities. While there’s no one answer to which solution is best, you should look for a few key features. These include automated device discovery, high mean time to inventory (MTTI) scores, regulatory compliance, continuous monitoring and automatic alerts.

5. Review your ASM program regularly

Finally, remember that cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to target networks, and 61% of IT organizations say their number of endpoints is rising. If your ASM program is to be effective, it needs to grow and change alongside these shifts.

Make regular reviews a standard part of your ASM program. At least once a year, start the cycle of attack surface mapping and vulnerability analysis over again. Thankfully, this should get easier every time you do it, as you’ll gain knowledge, experience and helpful tools. While potentially time-consuming, these regular reviews will help you see where and how you can improve as your business grows.

Modern businesses need attack surface management

Agile businesses today are implementing new devices and digital tools at an unprecedented pace. Without a strong attack surface management program, that growth could be more dangerous than helpful.

Following these steps to create and sustain an effective ASM program will help you stay safe despite rising endpoints and IT sprawl. You can then enjoy the benefits of digital transformation without increasing your vulnerability.