What every business should know about Attack Surface Mapping (ASM)

What is Attack Surface Mapping (ASM)?

Attack surface mapping is the process of identifying and assessing the potential vulnerabilities and attack points of an organization's networks, systems, and assets. It is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity that helps organizations understand and manage the risks associated with their digital infrastructure.

An attack surface refers to all the potential entry points or vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit to gain access to an organization's networks and systems. These entry points could be physical or digital, and may include software vulnerabilities, unsecured networks, weak passwords, and outdated software.

Attack surface mapping helps organizations identify these vulnerabilities and attack points, as well as the potential risks associated with them. It allows organizations to understand the potential impact of an attack and take proactive measures to prevent or mitigate the risks.

Shadow IT:

One of the key benefits of attack surface mapping is that it can help organizations discover "shadow IT," or systems and applications that are not approved or managed by the IT department. These systems can pose a significant risk to an organization's security because they may not be properly secured or updated, and they may not adhere to the organization's cybersecurity policies and standards.

Shadow IT can emerge for a variety of reasons, such as employees using personal devices or apps for work purposes, or departments using unauthorized software or services to meet their needs. In some cases, employees may not even be aware that they are using shadow IT, as they may have downloaded an a

pp or software without realizing it was not approved by the IT department.

Discover critical vulnerabilities:

Another key benefit of attack surface mapping is that it enables organizations to prioritize their cybersecurity efforts. By identifying the most critical vulnerabilities and attack points, organizations can focus their resources on addressing the most pressing risks first.

Attack surface mapping is also important because it allows organizations to stay ahead of potential threats. As the digital landscape evolves, new vulner

abilities and attack points may emerge, and attack surface mapping helps organizations stay abreast of these developments and take appropriate measures to protect their networks and systems.

In summary, attack surface mapping is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity that helps organizations identify and assess their vulnerabilities and attack points, prioritize their cybersecurity efforts, and stay ahead of potential threats. It is an essential tool for any business that wants to protect its assets and operations in the digital age.