BLOG: Understanding Your External Attack Surface

One crucial aspect that often goes overlooked is your organisation’s external attack surface. While this term might sound technical, its significance cannot be overstated. We will delve into the complexities of external attack surfaces and explain why they demand urgent attention.

In essence, your external attack surface encompasses all the points where your digital presence interacts with the outside world. It’s a dynamic landscape that encompasses everything from your public-facing websites and applications to your social media profiles, domain names, and even forgotten subdomains.

Mapping the Territory: Why It Matters

Understanding your external attack surface is akin to having a blueprint of your organisation’s vulnerabilities. By comprehending the scope and depth of your digital presence, you’re better equipped to defend against potential cyber threats. Here’s why it matters:

• Visibility Is Key: Every element within your external attack surface is a potential entry point for cybercriminals. The more you see, the more you can secure.
• Guarding the Perimeter: Just like securing the physical boundaries of your organisation, protecting your digital perimeters is crucial. Without knowing where your digital borders extend, you’re operating in the dark.
• Risk Management: Identifying all potential weak points allows you to allocate resources effectively. You can prioritise areas that are more susceptible to attacks and allocate the necessary resources to fortify them.

Unseen Vulnerabilities

The hidden vulnerabilities within your external attack surface can be more perilous than you imagine. They serve as gateways for attackers to exploit, leading to data breaches, system compromises, and reputation damage. These are the usual places where they hide:

• Forgotten Assets: Over time, digital assets like subdomains and abandoned microsites accumulate, creating potential entry points that you might have forgotten about.
• Third-Party Connections: The web of third-party vendors and integrations can expose you to vulnerabilities that exist beyond your immediate control.
• Legacy Domains: Discontinued projects and legacy systems often leave behind domains that can become easy targets if left unchecked.

Securing Your Digital Frontier

Understanding your external attack surface is crucial, it is important to take proactive measures now to protect your organisation.

• Enumeration Tools: Utilise specialised tools to scan your domain and identify all possible subdomains. This helps you get a comprehensive picture of your digital assets.
• Vulnerability Assessment: Regularly assess the security of your digital assets. Perform penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
• Third-Party Vendors: Review the security measures of third-party vendors. Ensure they adhere to your cybersecurity standards.
• Domain Hygiene: Maintain domain hygiene by monitoring and managing domain registrations. Discontinue domains associated with legacy systems to eliminate potential threats.

Your external attack surface is a dynamic and expansive realm that holds the keys to your organisation’s vulnerabilities. By acknowledging its significance and taking proactive steps to manage it, you’re not just protecting your digital assets; you’re safeguarding your reputation, data, and the trust of your stakeholders. The digital landscape may be vast, but with the right approach, you can illuminate even its darkest corners and defend against the threats that hide within.