{"id":4878,"date":"2023-12-11T11:39:39","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T11:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itegriti.com\/kw022024\/?p=4878"},"modified":"2023-12-11T11:41:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T11:41:56","slug":"attack-surface-management-in-critical-infrastructure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itegriti.com\/kw022024\/2023\/managed-services\/attack-surface-management-in-critical-infrastructure\/","title":{"rendered":"Attack Surface Management in Critical Infrastructure"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Attack surfaces grow larger and more complicated daily as organizations increasingly rely on digital processes and integrate new technologies. Visibility and understanding of the attack surface are vital to any cybersecurity strategy. With attack surface management (ASM), organizations can gain insight into their systems and vulnerabilities to establish more effective security measures.<\/em><\/p>\n

One of the most fundamental requirements of an effective cybersecurity strategy is understanding the attack surface. In order to prevent cyberattacks and protect sensitive data and other critical assets, an organization must have a detailed awareness of its systems, vulnerabilities, and potential attack vectors. A company\u2019s attack surface can be extremely broad and complex due to increasing digitalization and integration of abundant third-party solutions.<\/p>\n

While it may pose a daunting task to IT and cybersecurity professionals, getting a handle on your organization\u2019s attack surface is possible. Attack surface management (ASM) can be a crucial element in a company\u2019s cybersecurity posture.<\/p>\n

Defining ASM<\/h2>\n

According to IBM<\/a>, ASM is \u201cthe continuous discovery, analysis, remediation, and monitoring of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors that make up an organization\u2019s attack surface.\u201d Naturally, this is an ongoing process that requires an awareness of the systems in use and any new developments that may occur. The continual growth of attack surfaces and constantly evolving threats mean that professionals in charge of ASM have a lot to keep an eye on.<\/p>\n

ASM is conducted from the point of view of the attacker, often via \u201cethical hacking\u201d performed by professionals trained in the tactics and behaviors of cybercriminals. By approaching the attack surface from a hacker\u2019s perspective, they can identify potential targets and analyze risk realistically based on what an attacker sees.<\/p>\n

The growth in popularity of cloud technologies and remote or hybrid working environments have made many organizations\u2019 digital footprints and attack surfaces much larger. Traditional methods of asset discovery, risk assessment, and vulnerability management struggle to handle the unstable, decentralized state of most corporate networks. Whereas processes such as penetration testing can effectively discover suspected vulnerabilities in known assets, they do not empower security professionals to identify new and evolving risks and vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n

ASM and Critical Infrastructure<\/h2>\n

What constitutes critical infrastructure<\/a> varies from country to country, but a broad definition includes \u201cphysical and virtual assets, systems, and networks that can cause loss of life\u201d and other large-scale consequences if they are attacked or compromised.<\/p>\n

These types of infrastructures are some of the top priorities for cybersecurity professionals to protect against attacks. An increased dependence on digital processes, the rapid evolution of cyberthreats and criminal tactics, and the expanding attack surface all make it more difficult for these industries to avoid catastrophic security incidents. Security breaches in critical infrastructure<\/a> are only becoming more of a danger as time goes on and more digital technology is integrated into older systems.<\/p>\n

Many operational technology<\/a> (OT) systems are at risk, threatened by the possibility of a devastating cyberattack. It can be difficult to \u201censure the security and integrity\u201d of these systems and keep up with the pace of digital interconnectivity. Understanding and managing the attack surface is an essential part of protecting critical infrastructure, making ASM not only a beneficial tool but often a vital one for organizations in critical infrastructure industries.<\/p>\n

Effective Implementation<\/h2>\n

In order to successfully implement ASM<\/a> and protect critical systems against attacks, it is important for organizations to establish a plan and best practices surrounding the process. The vital factors included in any effective ASM strategy are:<\/p>\n