ASM, or Attack Surface Management tools, embark on a voyage through your digital realm. Just as cartographers drew the first maps of unknown lands, ASM tools carefully chart your digital landscape. The first step is to identify your entire digital presence. From domains, subdomains, cloud assets, web applications, to Internet of Things (IoT) devices – no stone is left unturned.
Defining the Terrain: Domains and Subdomains
Domains and subdomains form the foundation of your online landscape. They’re your virtual real estate, your online storefront, and the frontline of your digital identity. ASM tools meticulously list these areas, ensuring they’re under your radar for any potential threats.
Pinpointing Cloud Assets
Data storage has largely shifted towards the cloud. While this provides convenience and flexibility, it also introduces a new avenue for potential cyber threats. ASM tools detect these assets, extending their protective canopy over this crucial part of your digital landscape.
Highlighting Web Applications
Web applications form the interactive face of your digital presence. As they often handle sensitive user data, they are a prime target for cyber-attacks. ASM tools outline these applications on their map, marking them for continuous monitoring and protection.
Scoping out IoT Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) has broadened the horizon of our digital terrain, incorporating everyday devices into the internet ecosystem. From smart fridges to digital thermometers, these devices could be gateways for cyber threats. ASM tools don’t overlook these digital denizens, marking their place on your digital map.
Coverage examples
Domains and Subdomains
An ASM tool will find and document all your domains and subdomains. This includes your primary website like cyberwarzone.comsupport.cyberwarzone.com or blog.. It can then monitor these sites for potential vulnerabilities, such as expired SSL certificates or unprotected login pages.cyberwarzone.com
Cloud Assets
When it comes to cloud assets, the ASM tool can identify all the servers, databases, and storage buckets hosted on services like AWS. It can then continuously monitor these assets for potential risks, such as unprotected databases or misconfigured servers. For instance, if your Amazon S3 bucket storing product images is accidentally set to public, the ASM tool would flag this as a risk.
Web Applications
For web applications, ASM tools not only identify them but also look for possible vulnerabilities. They can detect problems like outdated software, known vulnerabilities in the code, or weak login mechanisms. So if your customer support portal or e-commerce platform has a potential vulnerability, the ASM tool can alert you to this.
IoT Devices
ASM tools can discover IoT devices connected to your business network and map them out. This could be anything from smart security cameras to connected printers in your office. The ASM tool can continuously monitor these devices for vulnerabilities, such as default passwords or unpatched firmware, and alert you if these devices are potentially at risk of being compromised.
Done reading? Continue with Top 10 Power Players in Attack Surface Management (ASM).
