External attack surface management (EASM) means finding and keeping track of things your business has online, like websites or cloud systems, that could be seen or misused by hackers. It helps you understand how secure your online systems are.
Many problems happen because of simple mistakes, like setting up cloud systems the wrong way or not knowing enough about security. Fixing these setups and adding proper protections can help keep your systems safe from hackers or accidental errors.
Streamlining Risk Management with Effective EASM Tools
First, the organization needs to figure out all its business and IT connections, including partnerships and companies it has bought. It’s also important to find all cloud systems being used. The tricky part is identifying less obvious IT systems that are exposed to the internet and linking them to other assets.
A good EASM tool keeps scanning for exposed systems, risks, and weaknesses, giving security teams the details they need to fix them. While not all EASM tools prioritize risks, doing so can save a lot of time for teams managing thousands of systems. By quickly showing which problems need fixing first, security teams can focus on the most critical threats.
Why is EASM Important?
With businesses using more cloud services, websites, and online tools, their “attack surface” keeps growing. The attack surface is everything that hackers could potentially access. Without knowing what’s exposed, it’s almost impossible to keep everything secure. Here are a few reasons why EASM is critical:
✅Finding What’s Exposed: EASM helps organizations discover all their internet-facing assets, including ones they might not even know about.
✅Preventing Hacks: By identifying vulnerabilities (weak spots), EASM helps fix them before hackers can exploit them.
✅Reducing Risks from Mistakes: Sometimes, misconfigurations or errors in setting up systems create openings for attackers. EASM highlights these so they can be corrected.
✅Saving Time and Effort: Security teams can focus on the most important risks instead of being overwhelmed by thousands of potential issues.
Related reading: The Role of EASM in Third-Party Risk Management
How Does EASM Work?
EASM works in a few simple steps:
1. Discover All Online Assets
The first step is to identify everything your organization has online. This includes:
- Websites
- Cloud services (like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure)
- APIs (tools that allow different systems to communicate)
- Third-party tools or partnerships
It’s not just about the obvious things; EASM also finds the less noticeable ones, like old servers, forgotten accounts, or systems left open after a project ended.
2. Scan for Weak Spots
Once all assets are identified, EASM tools scan them for vulnerabilities. These could include:
- Outdated software
- Misconfigured cloud setups
- Exposed login credentials
- Publicly available sensitive information
3. Prioritize Risks
Not all risks are equal. Some are more dangerous and need to be fixed right away, while others are less urgent. EASM tools often help security teams prioritize which issues to tackle first. For example, if a system contains sensitive customer data, it’s a higher priority to secure than an old marketing website.
4. Fix the Issues
Once the risks are identified and prioritized, the next step is to fix them. This might involve updating software, tightening security settings, or shutting down unused systems.
5. Continuous Monitoring
The internet is always changing, and new risks can pop up anytime. A good EASM tool keeps scanning and updating so organizations stay protected over time.
Benefits of EASM Tools
EASM tools are like having an extra set of eyes on your digital security. Here’s how they help:
✅Automation: Instead of manually searching for risks, EASM tools automate the process, saving time.
✅Risk Context: These tools don’t just tell you there’s a problem; they explain how serious it is and what could happen if it’s not fixed.
✅Ease of Use: EASM tools present information in an easy-to-understand way, even for people who aren’t cybersecurity experts.
✅Validation of Fixes: Some advanced tools, like Hadrian, automatically check if the fixes applied actually resolved the problem.
Related Reading: How to Implement EASM in Your Organization
Challenges with EASM
While EASM is powerful, it’s not magic. Organizations still need to:
👉Keep Track of Assets: Regularly update the list of what’s online.
👉Act Quickly: Identifying risks is only helpful if action is taken to fix them.
👉Integrate with Other Tools: EASM works best when combined with other cybersecurity measures, like firewalls and employee training.
Conclusion
External Attack Surface Management (EASM) is an essential tool for keeping businesses safe in the digital age. By helping organizations discover, monitor, and fix their online weak spots, EASM reduces the risk of cyberattacks and makes it easier for security teams to stay on top of threats.
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, investing in EASM can save you from costly breaches and protect your reputation. Remember, in cybersecurity, knowing your risks is the first step to managing them.
