What is attack surface management?

Attack surface management (ASM) involves identifying and managing all the points of entry, vulnerabilities, and potential threats that a system or organization may face from cyber-attacks. An attack surface refers to all the ways that an attacker can target and exploit a system or application, including network protocols, web applications, mobile devices, and third-party integrations.

How is attack surface management achieved?

Attack surface management involves continuous monitoring and assessment of an organization's digital assets and infrastructure to identify and reduce vulnerabilities and risks. It involves identifying all the possible attack vectors and reducing the attack surface by eliminating or mitigating potential risks. This is achieved by implementing security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access control, and regular security audits.

Attack surface management is a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy and is essential for protecting sensitive data, preventing breaches, and minimizing the impact of attacks. Effective ASM can help organizations reduce the likelihood of a successful attack and minimize the damage caused by any successful breaches.