Attack surface management
Attack surface management (ASM) is a cybersecurity process focused on the continuous identification, assessment, prioritization, and remediation of all potential entry points that an attacker could exploit within an organization's digital environment. This includes external-facing assets such as applications, cloud services, APIs, open ports, and network infrastructure, as well as internal systems, shadow IT, and human elements that may present security risks.
The primary goal of ASM is to maintain a comprehensive, real-time inventory of an organization's entire digital footprint and systematically reduce vulnerabilities by discovering misconfigurations, unpatched software, exposed data, and overlooked access pathways. By integrating with risk management and threat intelligence strategies, attack surface management enables organizations to prioritize security controls, make informed decisions, and strengthen their overall security posture against evolving cyber threats.