Importance of Attack Surface Management for Startups and Medium-Sized Businesses

Intro

As a business, you need to prioritize your security. Despite the many ingenious ways to protect your assets and data, hackers are constantly finding ways to break through your security system. As a result, you need to come up with smart ways of not only eliminating threats, but identifying them. One of the best ways of doing this is through attack surface management software, according to ImmuniWeb.

These tools are designed to analyse all the sources that cyber criminals would use to launch an attack. When you identify these, it becomes easy to minimize access to sensitive data. It is an ongoing process that ensures your team identifies, prioritizes and resolves threats. This software provides a comprehensive way of looking at both external and internal systems that may contribute to cyberattacks. So why is an ASM tool important for businesses?

Finding security risks

When it comes to preventing security breaches, an ASM tool is highly effective. This tool can also prevent the most reported types of cyberattacks including phishing through constant monitoring. It ensures all systems including websites and emails are vetted in search for potential risks.

The attack surface management tools that you use should not only identify issues but provide immediate solutions. This will give you an advantage to deal with the risk. The target is to provide continuous monitoring of your network. Any issues are reported without delay.

Improved visibility

The main advantage of ASM is the extent of visibility that it provides. This allows you to identify vulnerabilities which would otherwise be unidentified. This is made possible through various techniques aimed at finding assets and systems that have been compromised.

Coverage goes beyond the devices or assets known by your team. Even unknown sources are analysed. It allows you to create a strategy on how to boost security and prevent cyberattacks in the future. This also applies to shadow IT or anything your team may not be aware of.

Better incidence response

Many companies fail to contain an attack due to lack of preparedness. But if you have an ASM, it is easier to handle an attack. That is because it can place incident reports at each potential entry point for attackers.

It means you are ready to handle an attack and contain it early. Having an incident response strategy creates a rapid way of triaging risks and allocating resources towards the most pressing vulnerability.

Meet regulatory compliance

The networks your company uses are a source of many threats. Data on these networks is always at risk. Nowadays, every industry is required to agree to standard compliance regulations. These are designed to keep data safe and ensure that customer privacy is maintained. Failure to meet data protection policies can lead to serious fines.

With attack surface management programs you can have a more effective way of meeting these requirements. Because data is kept safe, you should not have any difficulties with the set rules. All networks and systems are kept safe, therefore, ensuring customer data is kept private at all times.

Third party risk management

Working with third party organizations can put your company at risk. This is usually the case if they do not have a secure network. However, it is nearly impossible to avoid working with third party agencies.

Most offer a cost effective way of accessing certain services which may be too expensive for your company. The good thing is that you can use ASM solutions to vet vendors. They can scan the networks of other partners, allowing you to identify areas of weakness. Any potential risks will be prevented from attacking your network. Some effective way of doing this includes:

• Detecting Unauthorized Software
• Securing Data Backups
• Monitoring IT devices

Providing alerts

Another reason why small businesses should invest in ASM tools is the fact that they provide quick alerts. This gives you enough time to secure the risk and prevent an attack. Interesting enough, an exceptionally massive data leak consisting of 26B records and 12 terabytes of information from platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter was recorded in 2024. This leak is considered one of the largest ever discovered.

So anything that is deemed unusual or abnormal has to be immediately flagged as the above examples. You can also access a rapid incident report once an assessment has been carried out. Once you have resolved the issue, the tool will be able to provide another analysis. This allows your team to build the right protection systems that will handle similar attacks in the future.

Efficient resource allocation

Knowing where to direct most of your efforts when maintaining security can save you a lot of time and money. The fact is that some threats are more harmful than others. ASM allows you to understand the most imminent threat and deal with it first.

You can mobilize your resources, staff and time towards vulnerabilities that would result in more losses. Once you have sorted out these issues you may proceed to other less vulnerable threats. This saves time as well and gives you more control over your security.

Offers a competitive edge

Prioritizing your security can reinforce confidence in customers. This is also important when building relationships with partners. Anyone linked to your business wants to feel safe. Therefore, emphasising on security by using an ASM tool can be favorable.

With customer loyalty and stronger partnerships, your business has a competitive advantage over others. Showcasing good strategies will also help you to attract new partners and customers. This is crucial for business continuity.

Final thoughts

The pressure to have effective security systems is at an all time high. As the number of cyberattacks increase, businesses need to take a proactive approach to privacy and data protection. Having the right ASM tool can be effective. Attack surface management software should be part of your security stack. Instead of waiting for attacks to occur, you can fortify areas of weakness.

The tool helps you pick up both internal and external sources in your system that may be hacked. It gives you a chance to identify and eliminate risks before a full blown attack. This saves you a lot of time and is equally cost effective. To get the best results, make sure to work with a reputable company.