The emerging discipline of security performance management (SPM) is gaining attention as organizations seek better ways to secure their attack surfaces. Greg Keshian, Senior Vice President & General Manager of BitSight’s Security Performance Management line of business, recently discussed the status of external attack surface management and offered guidance on how to mitigate potential problems.
Keshian emphasized that understanding and managing the attack surface is critical for organizations in today’s cybersecurity landscape. The attack surface refers to all the entry points and vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to a system or network. As technology and the threat landscape evolve, the attack surface becomes larger and more complex, making it even more challenging for organizations to protect their assets.
There are several major catalysts that affect the size and complexity of an organization’s attack surface. First and foremost is digital transformation. As organizations adopt new technologies and move their operations online, they inadvertently create new entry points that hackers can exploit. This includes everything from cloud services and remote work environments to internet-connected devices and applications.
Another catalyst is the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Hackers are constantly evolving their tactics and techniques, finding new ways to infiltrate systems and networks. This means that organizations must continually adapt and improve their security measures to keep pace with these rapidly changing threats.
Additionally, regulatory compliance is a key driver of attack surface management. Organizations are subject to various state and federal laws that mandate certain security practices and standards. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, not to mention damage to a company’s reputation.
To address these challenges, Keshian suggests incorporating governance frameworks into attack surface management strategies. These frameworks provide a structured approach to managing and securing the attack surface, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They also help organizations prioritize their security efforts, allowing them to focus on the most critical vulnerabilities first.
Furthermore, Keshian highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and assessment of the attack surface. Organizations should regularly scan their systems and networks for vulnerabilities, using tools and technologies that provide real-time visibility into their security posture. This allows them to identify and remediate potential weaknesses before they can be exploited by hackers.
In terms of mitigation strategies, Keshian recommends a multi-layered approach. This includes implementing strong access controls, such as two-factor authentication and least privilege principles, to limit the potential entry points for attackers. Regular employee training and awareness programs are also crucial to ensure that all staff members understand the importance of cybersecurity and can identify potential threats.
Finally, Keshian stresses the need for collaboration and information sharing among organizations. Cybersecurity threats affect everyone, and by working together, organizations can collectively strengthen their defenses. This includes sharing threat intelligence, best practices, and lessons learned to improve overall resilience against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the discipline of security performance management is vital for organizations looking to secure their attack surfaces in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. By understanding the major catalysts affecting the attack surface, incorporating governance frameworks, and adopting a multi-layered approach to mitigation, organizations can better protect themselves against cyber threats. Continuous monitoring, employee training, and collaboration are also key factors in improving overall cyber resilience.