What is Attack Surface Management (ASM)

What is Attack Surface?

The attack surface refers to all potential entry points or vulnerabilities through which an attacker could gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or compromise the security of a system, network, application, or organization. In essence, it represents all of how a system could be targeted or exploited by malicious actors.

What is Attack Surface Management?

Attack Surface Management (ASM) refers to identifying, analyzing, and managing the various points of vulnerability in an organization's digital infrastructure that cyber attackers could exploit. It involves assessing all the potential ways an attacker might target or breach a system, application, or network.

How does Attack Surface Management Work?

Here's how Attack Surface Management works:

● Discovery: Professionals identify all the entry points – this includes software, hardware, network connections, user interfaces, third-party services, and more. Basically, make a list of all the doors and windows.

● Analysis: After discovery, examine each entry point to understand its potential risks. Is the door properly locked? Are there any weak points in the window frame? Similarly, assess the vulnerabilities associated with each digital entry point.

● Prioritization: Not all entry points are equally important or risky. Some doors might lead to sensitive areas, while others are less critical. Prioritize which vulnerabilities must be addressed first based on potential impact and likelihood of exploitation.

● Mitigation: Now, take action to secure or reduce the vulnerabilities. It is like fixing a broken lock or reinforcing a weak window frame. This could involve applying patches, updating software, changing configurations, or implementing security measures.

● Monitoring: Attack Surface Management (ASM) is not a one-time thing. Just like you would regularly check your locks and windows at home, it continuously monitors and updates security measures. Keep an eye out for new vulnerabilities that might arise.

Types of Attack Surface Management

There are two types of attack surface management (ASM): External Attack Surface Management (EASM) and Internal Attack Surface Management (IASM).

● External Attack Surface Management (EASM) focuses on identifying and managing the assets that are exposed to the public internet. This includes assets such as websites, web applications, and exposed network ports. EASM can help organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their exposed assets and prevent attackers from exploiting those vulnerabilities.

● Internal Attack Surface Management (IASM) focuses on identifying and managing assets that are not exposed to the public internet. This includes assets such as internal networks, databases, and file shares. IASM can help organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their internal assets and prevent attackers from gaining access to those assets.

CISSP with InfosecTrain

Attack Surface Management (ASM) involves identifying and minimizing vulnerabilities in an organization's digital infrastructure that attackers could exploit. InfosecTrain’s CISSP certification training course covers a wide range of topics, including identifying and analyzing attack surfaces, conducting vulnerability assessments, utilizing tools for risk mitigation, and implementing proactive security measures. Participants will develop practical skills and knowledge to efficiently manage their organization's attack surface and reduce potential risks.