Best External Attack Surface Management (EASM) Tools

Overview of EASM Tools

External Attack Surface Management (EASM) tools are a category of cybersecurity software that aids organizations in identifying, categorizing, reducing and managing their digital assets and vulnerabilities. They play a crucial role in enhancing an organization's security posture by providing them with ongoing visibility into their attack surface.

An attack surface refers to the array of points where unauthorized access can be obtained in a system. It comprises all the network devices, software, digital systems, information resources, and even IoT devices that might be susceptible to attacks from hackers or malicious entities. An external attack surface includes all those potential entry points visible to external attackers such as web servers, email systems, mobile applications, domain names, etc.

EASM tools help companies understand what their external assets look like from an attacker's perspective. These tools work by continuously scanning and mapping an organization's digital presence across on-premise networks as well as cloud environments. They discover unsecured databases, insecure APIs or third-party applications which could potentially act as entry points for attackers.

Once these potential vulnerabilities are identified, EASM tools also aid in assessing the risks associated with each vulnerability based on various factors like the importance of data at risk or how easy it would be for a hacker to exploit this weakness. This information is then used to prioritize remediation efforts such that the most critical threats are addressed first.

EASM tools come equipped with automated capabilities which eliminates the need for manual tracking of thousands or more digital assets. They provide real-time alerts about new risks or changes to existing ones enabling organizations to react promptly before any damage takes place.

Moreover, these tools also offer insightful reports highlighting trends and metrics concerning an organization’s cyber risk over time. This allows businesses to monitor their progress towards improving their security posture and make informed decisions regarding future cybersecurity investments.

A good EASM tool should be able to accurately detect all types of threats ranging from unpatched systems and misconfigurations to malware infections and anomalies in system behaviors. It should be capable of integrating with existing security infrastructures and live up to the specific requirements of an organization.

But it's not all about technology. The human factor also plays a significant role in managing the attack surface. Even with the best EASM tool, without employees being educated about safe cyber practices and adhering to them, organizations can stay vulnerable to attacks.

Remember, although EASM tools are powerful, they do not eliminate all threats. No single cybersecurity solution can guarantee total safety from all kinds of cyberattacks. Other fundamental security measures like installing a good antivirus software, enforcing strong password policies, securing network connections among others should also be practiced along with using an EASM tool for optimal protection.

Masterfully managing your external attack surface means regularly scanning it for vulnerabilities and promptly taking remediation actions when necessary. By leveraging EASM tools that provide visibility into your digital assets and potential vulnerabilities across various environments, you will be decidedly more prepared to manage risks effectively and safeguard your valuable data against malicious entities.

What Are Some Reasons To Use EASM Tools?

EASM tools have become increasingly important as the cyber threat landscape evolves. These tools help businesses identify, manage, and minimize their external attack surface - the cumulative vulnerabilities in a business's network that could potentially be exploited by malicious hackers intent on stealing data or causing disruption.

1. Comprehensive Visibility: EASM tools provide companies with comprehensive visibility into all their publicly exposed assets across all environments (cloud, on-premises). This helps to ensure no blind spots which can serve as entry points for attackers.
2. Continuous Monitoring: Cyber threats are not static; they constantly evolve as hackers devise new techniques and exploit fresh loopholes. EASM tools offer continuous monitoring to detect new risks as they emerge. They allow businesses to stay ahead of potential threats rather than being caught off guard.
3. Risk Prioritization: Every vulnerability does not pose an equal risk. Some weaknesses may open doors for minor disruptions while others can lead to catastrophic breaches with significant financial and reputational damage. EASM tools prioritize these vulnerabilities based on potential impact so that remediation efforts can be effectively directed towards the most significant threats first.
4. Automation: Manual tracking of external assets is labor-intensive and error-prone given the scale and complexity of modern IT landscapes characterized by hundreds or even thousands of systems and applications spread globally across multiple domains. EASM solutions automate this process, making it more efficient and reliable.
5. Compliance Reporting: Many industries have regulatory requirements concerning cybersecurity practices with stringent penalties for non-compliance. The use of an EASM tool can help ensure compliance by providing detailed reports demonstrating diligent management of vulnerabilities within an organization’s infrastructure.
6. Enhanced Incident Response: In case a breach occurs, rapid response is critical in mitigating its impact on a business’s operations or reputation among customers and stakeholders alike—proactive surface management aids incident response teams in quickly identifying where an intrusion occurred, what information was affected, and how to prevent further access.
7. Vendor Risk Assessment: EASM tools can also assess risks posed by third-party partners. This is important since a company's security posture can be as vulnerable as its weakest link, which often tends to be an external partner with less stringent security measures.
8. Cost Effective: By detecting and addressing vulnerabilities proactively before they are exploited, EASM tools help organizations avoid the potential financial costs related to data breaches, system downtimes, regulatory fines and reputation damage associated with cyber-attacks.
9. Competitive Advantage: Besides protecting against cyber threats, effectively managing your external attack surface contributes to building trust with customers and stakeholders. This commitment towards cybersecurity can serve as a key differentiator in today’s business landscape where data breaches and privacy concerns are increasingly shaping consumer behavior.
10. Business Continuity: The use of EASM tools ensures that businesses continue their operations smoothly without any disruption. They help minimizing downtime during attacks by early detection of vulnerabilities.

Employing External Attack Surface Management tools is an essential strategy for companies looking to fortify their IT landscapes against the relentless onslaught of cyber threats prevalent in today's digital age.

Why Are EASM Tools Important?

EASM tools play a crucial role in enhancing an organization's cybersecurity strategy. These tools perform the critical function of identifying and analyzing potential areas that can be exploited by cybercriminals to infiltrate an organization’s network.

The principal reason why EASM tools are important is that they provide increased visibility into an organization's security position. Companies often have numerous endpoints like servers, workstations, mobile devices, and IoT devices connected to their network. Each of these endpoints represents a potential point of entry for hackers. Without proper oversight and protection mechanisms in place, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage these points effectively. EASM tools aid businesses in monitoring their complex digital ecosystems by continuously scanning and identifying any vulnerabilities or weaknesses that may exist.

EASM tools also help ensure regulatory compliance which has become paramount for businesses operating across different sectors such as finance, healthcare, etc., due to stringent laws related to customer data privacy and protection against cyber threats. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in hefty penalties for organizations besides causing reputational damage.

Moreover, with the increasing trend towards digital transformation - where companies are adopting technologies like cloud computing at an unprecedented rate - managing external attack surfaces has never been more challenging yet crucial. Businesses need adequate solutions that can help them track and secure vast amounts of data spread across numerous cloud platforms and services. This is another area where EASM tools prove invaluable; ensuring all systems interconnected within the company's network adhere to the best cybersecurity standards.

Remember that attackers only need one successful attempt at exploiting a vulnerability on your external attack surface to potentially cause significant harm; hence routine checks using EASM tools are integral part of proactive defense strategy against modern cyber threats. By taking a proactive stance towards securing the external attack surface using state-of-the-art management tools, companies can avoid falling victim to damaging breaches while safeguarding their valuable resources from unauthorized intrusion attempts.

EASM tools are indispensable to the smooth, safe operation of modern businesses. They provide a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity that goes beyond mere perimeter defense by enabling continuous discovery, assessment, and mitigation of vulnerabilities in real-time. This empowers organizations with visibility into their digital environments, compliance with regulatory mandates, scalability during digital transformation initiatives, and resilience against persistent cyber threats. The investment in such advanced solutions is well justified considering the grave financial and reputation risks associated with potential security breaches.

Features Provided by EASM Tools

1. Vulnerability Identification: EASM tools scan and identify vulnerabilities in the system's external interface. This includes any weak points where attackers could gain unauthorized access, such as open ports, unsecured network protocols, or outdated software applications. The tool performs regular scans to keep track of new potential vulnerabilities that might arise due to system changes.
2. Asset Discovery: These tools discover all external assets associated with an organization. Assets can include websites, servers, IoT devices or cloud-based applications that are publicly accessible over the internet. The ability to identify all assets is crucial because even an overlooked asset can provide a path into protected areas if it is compromised by an attacker.
3. Threat Intelligence Integration: EASM solutions often possess integrated threat intelligence feeds that provide real-time updates about new threats and attack strategies seen globally across different sectors. This feature allows businesses to stay informed about emerging cybersecurity threats and take proactive action accordingly.
4. Risk Assessment: Once vulnerabilities and assets have been identified, these tools perform risk assessment by evaluating the severity of each vulnerability based on its potential impact on business operations if exploited by attackers.
5. Prioritization of Vulnerabilities: After performing the risk assessment, EASM tools prioritize reported vulnerabilities based on their severity level and potential damage they could cause if left unresolved. This feature helps organizations allocate resources effectively towards fixing critical issues first.
6. Reporting and Analytics: EASM tools come armed with reporting capabilities for enhanced visualization of security posture through dashboards and other relevant metrics like risk scores, etc., which aids administrators in making data-informed decisions.
7. Ticketing System Integration: To streamline remediation procedures after discovering threats or vulnerabilities, many EASM tools integrate with existing ticketing systems already deployed within organizations.This integration ensures immediate assignment of discovered issues to appropriate teams for resolution without delay.
8. API-Based Integration Support: Many modern EASM solutions offer API-support for more robust integrations with additional cybersecurity products within your security suite. This allows for a more comprehensive and unified approach to cybersecurity, rather than operating separate, siloed tools.
9. Continuous Monitoring: These tools constantly monitor an organization's external attack surface, tracking changes over time and immediately alerting the administrators about potential security issues that may arise.
10. Compliance Management: EASM tools also assist with maintaining compliance with various industry regulations by providing features like proactive scanning against established benchmarks and reporting capabilities that aid in demonstrating due diligence for regulatory audits.
11. Real-Time Alerts: In addition to continuous monitoring, these tools also provide real-time alerts about any detected vulnerabilities or attacks on the system which helps organizations act quickly to counter potential threats, thereby reducing damages.

EASM tools provide a comprehensive solution for managing external risks efficiently while integrating seamlessly within pre-existing IT environments. They offer a proactive method of staying ahead of threats by continuously monitoring all externally facing assets associated with your organization and applying modern threat intelligence to identify and prioritize significant risks in real-time.

Types of Users That Can Benefit From EASM Tools

• Large Corporations: Large corporations can particularly benefit from EASM tools because they typically have vast digital infrastructure, spread across multiple locations and countries. It's challenging to monitor every single asset manually. EASM tools provide visibility into their external attack surface, identifying vulnerable points in their network architecture before attackers can exploit them.
• Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs often lack the resources necessary for robust internal cybersecurity teams. By using EASM tools, these businesses can level the playing field against larger competitors and ensure that they aren't an easy target for cybercriminals while saving costs on hiring a large in-house security team.
• Government Agencies: These organizations usually handle sensitive data, making them an attractive target for hackers. Implementing EASM tools allows government agencies to maintain ongoing awareness of their external vulnerabilities and respond promptly to potential attacks, thus protecting critical national infrastructure and citizens' data.
• Healthcare Institutions: With patient records being among the most sought-after types of personal information by cybercriminals, healthcare institutions must secure their systems effectively. Comprehensive analysis provided by EASM tools helps these institutions identify loopholes in their existing security measures and patch them up before a breach occurs.
• eCommerce Businesses: Since online retailers process numerous transactions daily involving customers' financial details, it’s crucial to maintain robust security protocols. An external attack surface management tool keeps track of the organization's internet-facing assets around the clock and alerts when new risks are detected —ensuring data breaches do not occur.
• Educational Institutes: Universities and schools now rely heavily on technology for educational activities creating significant potential exposure to cyber threats; theft of research data is also a concern. They can benefit enormously from securing their network through updated threat intelligence via EASM tools.
• Financial Institutions: Banks are often targeted by sophisticated cyber-attacks aimed at stealing funds or sensitive customer information; such breaches can lead to massive losses and erode customer trust. EASM tools allow financial institutions to proactively survey, manage, and secure their sprawling digital infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity Consulting Firms: These firms provide security solutions to various businesses. They can use EASM tools to offer real-time threat intelligence and vulnerability management services for their clients, improving the effectiveness of their consulting work significantly.
• Remote Workforces: With the rise of remote working, companies' attack surfaces have considerably expanded outside the traditional business perimeter. Using EASM tools can help organizations monitor remote employees' devices effectively ensuring they are not an entry point for attackers.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Even though these entities may not seem like typical targets for cyber-attacks, they often handle sensitive donor data that must be protected. Non-profit organizations often operate under tight budgets; therefore, an affordable EASM tool offers a cost-effective way to maintain robust cybersecurity measures.
• Data Centers and Cloud Service Providers: These entities require top-level security as they host crucial business operations data or personal information on behalf of other businesses. Increasingly sophisticated threats demand that these service providers utilize advanced techniques such as those available via EASM tools to protect client assets.

Remember that while all these different groups can benefit from implementing external attack surface management tools within their environment, each group's specific needs will vary depending on its structure and nature of operation.

How Much Do EASM Tools Cost?

The cost of EASM tools can vary considerably based on a variety of factors, which include the size of your organization, the nature and complexity of your network environment, and the types of vulnerabilities you are looking to manage.

Typically, these solutions are priced on an annual subscription basis. Smaller businesses may find EASM tool costs ranging from about $10,000 to $20,000 per year. However, for larger organizations or those with more complex IT infrastructure, software solutions could run into six figures annually.

Let's break it down:

1. Size: Providers often price their services according to the size and complexity of business operations. Larger businesses with vast external-facing assets would need more comprehensive coverage than smaller companies with limited online presence. This directly impacts how much EASM tools might cost.
2. Levels/Parts: Some vendors offer tiered pricing models where each level offers a different set of features or service components — such as automated vulnerability scanning, threat intelligence feeds or intrusion detection systems — at various price points.
3. Special Features: Certain functionalities can result in additional charges beyond a base subscription rate for general EASM services like real-time monitoring and incident response support.
4. Implementation Costs: Depending upon the complexity and specific requirements of your organization’s setup process — such as data migration from old systems – there might be extra implementation fees included in overall investment in EASM software solution.
5. Training Fees: Some vendors also provide training to help users understand how best to use their tools effectively which is often billed separately.
6. Technical Support/Maintenance Fees: Most EASM providers charge an additional fee for technical support which covers immediate responses during breakdowns or system failure events.
7. Renewal Expenses: Yearly renewals will also add up over time; it is prudent not only to factor in initial purchase price but also future costs associated with retaining these tools/services.

While it's difficult to pin down an exact cost due to these variables, a ballpark estimate would be between $20,000 and $100,000 per year for most businesses. For Fortune 500 companies or similar large enterprises with vast networks and risk exposure, the price can reach several hundred thousand dollars per year.

Remember that while EASM tools are undeniably an investment, they also offer substantial value in terms of protecting your company from potential breaches and cyber threats - which could prove significantly more costly in the long run. The return on investment is often seen through improved security posture, decreased downtime due to incidents, and peace of mind knowing your organization’s attack surface is being proactively managed.

EASM Tools Risks

EASM tools are integral in today's digital environment where businesses need to understand and manage their exposed digital footprint. The goal of these tools is to discover, monitor, manage, and mitigate the risks associated with an organization's external digital exposure. However, like any other technology solution, EASM has its potential risks as well.

• Inaccuracy of Data: One significant risk associated with EASM tools is the potential for inaccurate data. No automated system can guarantee 100% accuracy at all times. There may be false positives or negatives that could mislead security analysts about a company's real exposure level.
• Dependence on Automation: While automation speeds up many processes, over-reliance on it can lead to some vulnerabilities being overlooked. For instance, there could be threats that automated tools miss but a manual review by a seasoned IT professional would catch.
• Complexity in Integrations: EASM tools often need to integrate with existing systems for comprehensive cyber threat management. These integration complexities might create loopholes and weak links that attackers can exploit.
• Data Privacy Issues: Depending on how the tool collects and stores data regarding your network infrastructure or monitored assets, there might arise data privacy concerns. If not properly secured and encrypted, this information could fall into the wrong hands during transit or while stored.
• Resource-Intensive Operation: Monitoring a large digital surface area continuously for threats can consume considerable resources such as CPU power, memory usage, etc., potentially affecting other operations.
• Cost Considerations: Implementing an EASM tool requires substantial investment: initial purchase cost of software - hardware if necessary - training personnel amongst others. Post-implementation costs include maintenance fees & regular updates which might strain smaller business budgets significantly without providing adequate ROI if not managed well.
• Overconfidence in Automated Tools: An over reliance on these tools could lead to complacency among cybersecurity staff members. They might ignore or downplay the importance of manual checks and continuous learning, which is critical in cyber threat prevention.
• Misinterpretation: There's also a chance that data from EASM could be misinterpreted by security analysts leading to inappropriate response strategies. For instance, an analyst may interpret minor threats as major ones resulting in unnecessary measures being taken.
• Software Vulnerabilities: Like any other software, EASM tools are not immune to system vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers who gain unauthorized access damaging the credibility & efficiency of your cybersecurity strategy.
• Regulatory Compliance Issues: Depending on the jurisdiction where your business operates, use of certain EASM tools might contravene local privacy laws exposing your company to potential fines - legal action if it collects/stores sensitive data inappropriately.

In light of these risks, organizations should thoroughly evaluate any potential EASM solution prior to implementing it within their IT infrastructure. It's crucial they weigh these risks against benefits offered so they implement a robust external attack surface management strategy that strengthens overall cybersecurity posture without compromising operational efficiency or regulatory compliance.

What Software Do EASM Tools Integrate With?

There are various types of software that can integrate with EASM tools to enhance security. First, there is data analytics software which helps evaluate the data collected by EASM tools, identify patterns, make predictions and generate comprehensive reports.

Next is vulnerability scanning and assessment software; these scan an organization's systems for weak points and vulnerabilities that might be exploited by threat actors. This information can then be used by the EASM tools to help prioritize threat responses.

Also, incident response and management platforms play a crucial role in integrating with EASM tools. They ensure immediate action upon detection of potential threats or attacks.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is another important type of software that can work hand-in-hand with EASM tools. SIEM aggregates log data generated across the organization’s network infrastructure from multiple sources and uses this information to identify unusual activities or trends that may signify a cyber-attack or breach in progress.

In addition, network monitoring tools can also integrate seamlessly with EASM systems. These monitor networks for failures or unusual activity and detect whether the security of a system has been compromised.

Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) could be integrated as well since it gathers raw data about emerging threats from various sources which aids in providing context-rich actionable intelligence to understand sophisticated threats better. All these integrations aim at automating processes between systems and streamlining workflows for efficient cybersecurity management.

What Are Some Questions To Ask When Considering EASM Tools?

1. What is the scope of the tool's capabilities? The first question should be about the breadth and depth of the EASM tool’s features. Does it have a comprehensive coverage that can satisfy all your business requirements? Can it scan, identify, categorize, and remediate vulnerabilities across all your external attack vectors — web applications, APIs, cloud storage, IoT devices, mobile apps and such?
2. How does the tool identify vulnerabilities? Understanding precisely how an EASM solution identifies vulnerabilities will give you insight into its effectiveness. Does it include both automated scanning and manual checks to ensure maximum vulnerability detection? Does it utilize artificial intelligence or machine learning technology for a more robust identification process?
3. How accurate are the detection results? False positives can waste precious time in cybersecurity management processes. You need to ask how effective the tool is at reducing them; you also want minimal false negatives to avoid overlooking crucial risks.
4. How does this tool manage discovered vulnerabilities ? Once a risk is identified, what steps will be taken by the tool to mitigate these threats? Ask whether areas like patch management and configuration issues are addressed.
5. What type of reporting capabilities does this tool offer? Effective reports can make understanding security positions simpler for both technical staff and non-technical stakeholders in your organization.
6. Is there support for compliance regulations relevant to my business or industry? Many businesses must adhere to specific data protection and cybersecurity standards based on their industry or location (like GDPR or HIPAA). Enquire if the tool supports managing regulatory compliances relatedly.
7. Is there integration with other existing tools in my environment? An external attack surface needs integration with other systems – like threat intelligence platforms or SIEM solutions – within your organization's IT ecosystem for optimal performance.
8. What type of customer support is offered by this platform vendor? Excellent customer service is essential when problems arise during implementation or maintenance phases.
9. Can this solution scale as my business grows? Cybersecurity solutions should not only satisfy your present requirements but also be able to keep pace with future growth.
10. What is the total cost of ownership (TCO) of this tool, including the initial investment, maintenance costs, training costs and such? Carefully consider whether it fits into your budget or not before making a final decision.
11. How frequently does the tool update to keep pace with evolving threats and technologies? Regular updates are necessary due to rapidly changing cybersecurity threats and techniques.
12. Can I have a trial period or demo for better understanding the usability of this solution in my particular environment? It's often beneficial hands-on experience before outright purchase.
13. Has this product undergone third-party testing or certification to vouch for its effectiveness? Objective reviews from credible sources can add confidence in making an informed decision about investing in this tool.
14. Are there any client references available where I could potentially gain insights about their experiences using this solution?
15. Finally, what differentiates this offering from other competitors in EASM market space? Understanding unique selling propositions helps evaluate if it aligns well with your specific needs and demands.