
Your Attack Surface Is Growing: Here’s How to Secure It
Your attack surface isn’t just growing – it’s exploding.
Consider this: according to Jupiter One’s 2023 State of Cyber Asset Report, cloud attack surfaces have grown by a staggering 600% annually. That’s six times more opportunities for hackers to break in and cause chaos.
If you’ve been keeping up with cybersecurity trends, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. From IoT devices and SaaS applications to the rise of remote work and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, the number of potential entry points into your business is skyrocketing. And hackers? They’re loving it.
But here’s the good news: you can take control of your attack surface with a practice called Attack Surface Management (ASM). Let’s break it down in simple terms and actionable steps.
What Is an Attack Surface?
Your attack surface is every possible point where a hacker could gain access to your organization. Think of your attack surface like a fortress – every door, window, or weak spot in the wall is part of your attack surface.
This includes:
- Digital assets: Anything connected to the internet, like servers, websites, or applications.
- Devices: Hardware such as laptops, phones, or even office printers.
- Employees: Social engineering threatens your employees through phishing emails, scam calls, or ransomware attacks.
The larger your attack surface, the harder it is to protect – and hackers are quick to exploit the weakest link.
Let’s explore these attack surface categories in more detail:
Digital Attack Surface
This includes all assets exposed to the internet. Examples include:
- Servers
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Databases
- Websites and web applications
Each of these assets can be a potential entry point if not properly secured. For instance, outdated software on a server or an unsecured database can provide an easy way in for hackers.
Device Attack Surface
Beyond digital assets, your physical devices also play a critical role. Examples include:
- Mobile devices and tablets
- Printers and copiers
- Security cameras
- Routers
A compromised device could allow a hacker to bypass digital defenses entirely. Think about an unencrypted mobile phone connected to your network or an outdated printer firmware.
Social Engineering Attack Surface
This category is unique because it targets people rather than technology. Hackers rely on psychological manipulation to trick employees into handing over sensitive information. Examples include:
- Phishing emails
- Fraudulent phone calls
- Scam websites
- Ransomware attacks
Each of these techniques preys on human error, making awareness and training critical parts of your defense.
How Does an Expanding Attack Surface Impact Your Business?
Attack surfaces are ballooning, and the impact is undeniable. According to Randori’s State of Attack Surface Management 2022, 67% of organizations reported significant growth in their attack surface between 2020 and 2022. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are not exempt – in fact, they’re often targeted because they may lack the resources for robust cybersecurity.
The question is: How can you defend something so massive and constantly evolving?
How Does ASM Help?
Attack Surface Management is like hiring a locksmith and a security guard for your digital fortress. It’s a continuous process of identifying, monitoring, and fixing vulnerabilities. Here’s how ASM works:
- Think like a hacker: ASM starts by examining your systems the same way a hacker would, searching for weak spots like old software, unsecured devices, or easy-to-guess passwords.
- Ethical hacking: Experts, sometimes called ethical hackers, simulate attacks to uncover vulnerabilities.
- Continuous defense: ASM doesn’t stop after one scan – it’s an ongoing process to keep up with new threats and changes in your system.
Why Do SMBs Need ASM?
If you’re thinking, “Do small businesses really need this?” the answer is yes.
Here’s why:
- Your attack surface is bigger than you think. Shadow IT – unauthorized devices or software used without your IT team’s knowledge – creates hidden vulnerabilities.
- Hackers work fast. Using automated tools, they can scan for and exploit weaknesses within hours.
- The risks are real. Half of all organizations have already faced attacks on unknown or unmanaged assets, according to MIT Technology Review Insights.
In short, you can’t protect what you don’t know exists.
4 Steps to Attack Surface Management
ASM involves these key steps to keep your systems safe:
1. Discovery
Your IT team or managed service provider (MSP) scans your systems to identify every asset – known, unknown, or rogue. Examples include:
- Known assets: Devices and systems already managed by your IT team.
- Unknown assets: Shadow IT devices or software connected to your network without approval.
- Rogue assets: Malicious assets like phishing websites or malware discovered in your environment.
2. Classification
Once assets are identified, they’re categorized based on function, connectivity, and potential risk. For example:
- What is the asset’s purpose?
- Does it connect to other devices or systems?
- Is it business-critical?
3. Prioritization
Assets are ranked based on their risk level. High-risk assets, like unsecured databases or outdated software, are addressed first. Prioritization considers:
- Ease of recovery: Can this asset be quickly restored after an attack?
- Ease of exploitation: How easily could hackers breach this asset?
- Attacker priority: Is this asset a likely target for cybercriminals?
4. Remediation
Finally, vulnerabilities are fixed. This might involve updating software, strengthening passwords, or removing unnecessary devices from your network.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Business
While ASM is critical, there are steps you can take today to reduce your attack surface:
- Minimize devices: Only use the hardware and software essential for your operations.
- Keep everything updated: Regularly update your devices, software, and applications. Updates often include critical security patches.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to logins.
- Train your team: Educate employees about phishing scams and other social engineering tactics. Awareness is key.
- Assume zero trust: Adopt a mindset where no one gets access without verification. This “verify-everything” approach helps stop unauthorized access.
Your Next Step
Your attack surface isn’t going to shrink – it will only get bigger as your business grows. The good news is you don’t have to tackle this alone.
Partnering with an MSP like The 20 MSP gives you expert support to manage and secure your attack surface. We’ll help you set up an ASM strategy, keep your systems monitored, and stay ahead of potential threats.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out today to take the first step in securing your business.
Stay safe out there!
About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, providing each one with white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth. To learn more, visit the20msp.com.