An asset inventory is a comprehensive, continuously updated record of all valuable resources within an organization's operational environment. In cybersecurity, it systematically identifies and categorizes every piece of hardware, software application, data repository, network device, cloud service, and other critical component that could be targeted by cyber threats. This foundational security process is essential for understanding an organization's complete attack surface.

Without an accurate asset inventory, effective risk management becomes severely compromised. Security teams rely on this documentation to detect unauthorized or unmanaged assets (shadow IT), prioritize protective measures based on criticality, apply appropriate security controls, and ensure regulatory compliance. During incident response, an up-to-date inventory provides immediate context on potentially compromised systems, enabling faster and more effective remediation while helping organizations strategically allocate resources to mitigate risks.