ASM vs CASM: understanding the key differences

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There is a pressing need to protect an organisation’s digital assets against cyber-attacks and it has never been more critical. The increasing complexity and dynamic nature of IT environments mean that traditional security measures often fall short. This has led to the emergence of new defensive approaches, such as attack surface management (ASM) that proactively safeguard against cyber threats. However, ASM has limitations which is why JUMPSEC have recently devised a new defensive strategy – Continuous Attack Surface Management (CASM).

But what sets these two strategies apart? This article explores the key differences between ASM and CASM, highlighting why continuous management is becoming essential for organisations aiming to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

What is attack surface management?

To grasp the differences between ASM and CASM, it’s essential to first understand what attack surface management (ASM) entails. ASM is a security practice focused on identifying, assessing and managing the vulnerabilities within an organisation’s IT infrastructure. These vulnerabilities, collectively known as the attack surface, include all potential entry points that a cybercriminal could exploit. This might range from exposed servers and cloud instances to overlooked third-party integrations.

Traditional ASM involves periodic assessments where organisations analyse their attack surface at set intervals—typically quarterly or annually. The goal is to gain a clear understanding of the current security posture, allowing the organisation to address any identified weaknesses. However, this approach, while valuable, can leave gaps in protection, especially in today’s fast-moving digital environments.

The limitations of traditional ASM

While ASM offers a comprehensive overview of an organisation’s security risks, its periodic nature presents significant limitations. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and new vulnerabilities can emerge at any time. A static approach to ASM means that any changes in the attack surface that occur between assessments can go unnoticed, leaving organisations exposed to potential breaches.

Moreover, the manual processes often involved in traditional ASM can lead to inefficiencies and delays. The time between assessments can create windows of opportunity for attackers, as the organisation’s security posture may not accurately reflect the current state of its infrastructure. This lag in response time is one of the primary drivers behind the shift towards more dynamic solutions like continuous attack surface management.

What is Continuous Attack Surface Management (CASM)?

Continuous Attack Surface Management (CASM) builds upon the foundations of traditional ASM by introducing a continuous, real-time monitoring approach. Rather than relying on periodic assessments, CASM ensures that an organisation’s attack surface is constantly monitored, providing up-to-the-minute insights into vulnerabilities and risks.

CASM platforms utilise advanced technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence, to continuously scan an organisation’s digital environment. This proactive approach enables security teams to detect and respond to emerging threats much more quickly than with traditional ASM. By maintaining an always-on view of the attack surface, CASM minimises the chances of undetected vulnerabilities persisting over time.

The benefits of CASM over traditional ASM

The primary advantage of CASM is its ability to offer real-time visibility into an organisation’s attack surface. This continuous monitoring enables security teams to identify and address vulnerabilities as soon as they arise, significantly reducing the window of exposure to potential threats.

  1. Proactive threat detection
    CASM’s continuous monitoring allows for proactive threat detection. By identifying vulnerabilities in real-time, security teams can mitigate risks before they are exploited by attackers. This contrasts sharply with the reactive nature of traditional ASM, where issues are only addressed during scheduled assessments.
  2. Enhanced security posture
    By providing constant insights into the state of an organisation’s attack surface, CASM enables a more robust and resilient security posture. Organisations can maintain a more accurate understanding of their security landscape, allowing them to make informed decisions about risk management and resource allocation.
  3. Automation and efficiency
    The automation capabilities of CASM platforms reduce the burden on security teams by eliminating many of the manual processes associated with traditional ASM. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error, which can be a significant factor in security breaches.
  4. Adaptation to dynamic environments
    IT environments are constantly changing. New assets are added, and old ones are retired; cloud services are scaled up or down and third-party integrations evolve. CASM’s continuous approach is particularly well-suited to these dynamic environments, ensuring that any changes are promptly reflected in the organisation’s security posture.

The role of an attack surface management platform in CASM

A key component of CASM is the use of an advanced attack surface management platform. These platforms are designed to provide comprehensive, real-time visibility into an organisation’s attack surface. They often include features such as automated scanning, risk prioritisation and integration with other security tools, making them indispensable for effective CASM.

When selecting an attack surface management platform, it’s important to consider factors such as scalability, ease of integration and the ability to provide actionable insights. A robust platform will not only identify vulnerabilities but also offer guidance on how to mitigate them, ensuring that security teams can act quickly and effectively.

How CASM enhances overall security strategy

Integrating CASM into an organisation’s cyber security strategy can significantly enhance its overall effectiveness. By providing a continuous, real-time view of the attack surface, CASM allows organisations to stay ahead of potential threats and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.

Furthermore, CASM’s automation capabilities free up valuable resources within security teams, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks rather than being bogged down by manual processes. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures that security efforts are more aligned with the organisation’s broader objectives.

Choosing CASM: a strategic decision for modern enterprises

For modern enterprises, choosing between traditional ASM and CASM is not merely a matter of preference but a strategic decision that can have far-reaching implications for their security posture. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the need for a proactive, real-time approach to attack surface management has never been more apparent.

CASM represents the future of attack surface management, offering organisations a more resilient and adaptive security strategy. By continuously monitoring the attack surface, CASM ensures that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of breaches and ensuring that the organisation remains secure in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

For organisations looking to enhance their security strategy, adopting a CASM approach is a logical step forward. By embracing continuous attack surface management, they can not only improve their security posture but also stay ahead of emerging threats, ensuring that their digital assets are always protected.

To learn more about how continuous attack surface management can benefit your organisation, see our CASM offering.

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Sean Muran

Sean Moran

Sean is a cyber security researcher and writer with a particular interest in the impact of geopolitics and ransomware extortion within the cyber security industry.

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