Trends Shaping External Attack Surface Management (EASM) in 2023

Organizations often underestimate the size of their external attack surface and the vulnerabilities that may be exposed. To bridge this gap, External Attack Surface Management (EASM) is crucial. It enables organizations to gain a precise understanding of their external attack surface, address hidden vulnerabilities, and strengthen their overall security posture.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the field of EASM is also evolving. Here are some key trends that we can expect to see in the near future:

1. Increased automation

Organizations that leverage security automation can resolve security incidents up to 50% faster compared to those relying on manual processes. As EASM solutions mature, we anticipate greater levels of automation, particularly in vulnerability assessment and risk validation. This will enable organizations to manage their expanding attack surfaces more efficiently.

2. Integration with other security tools

EASM solutions will likely become more integrated with other security tools, providing organizations with a comprehensive view of their security posture. This integration may include internal vulnerability management tools, threat intelligence platforms, and security orchestration and response tools.

3. AI and machine learning

According to Deloitte, 82% of organizations report a positive financial return on their AI investment, and 88% plan to increase AI spending this year. AI and machine learning technologies will play an increasingly important role in EASM, helping to identify patterns and anomalies that could indicate potential threats. These technologies can also assist in prioritizing risks based on complex factors and predictive analysis.

4. Regulatory compliance

69% of organizations expect their regulatory burden to increase annually. As regulatory bodies become more aware of the importance of managing the external attack surface, we may see yet more regulations and standards that specifically address this area. EASM solutions will play a key role in helping organizations comply with these regulations.

5. Adoption by small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs):

While initially more common within larger organizations, SMBs are predicted to adopt EASM solutions at a faster pace as they are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. EASM can help SMBs identify and mitigate potential risks to their online presence, allowing them to protect their customers’ data, their corporate data, and their intellectual property. 

This can also help small businesses remain up to date on the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies. Additionally, EASM helps reduce their overall security costs as they can focus on preventing attacks instead of responding to them, which is vital for SMBs. Finally, it can help them ensure their compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Remote work and BYOD policies

The shift to remote work and the rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies have blurred the boundaries of organizational networks. The conventional approach of securing network perimeters is no longer sufficient. This has increased the need for effective EASM.

EASM solutions are now being designed with features to assess and manage the security of remote devices, ensuring that they meet the organization's security standards before they connect to the network.

Keep your EASM solution future-proof

In the context of modern adversaries, it’s important to keep your EASM solution agile and future-proof, predicting any potential pathways for threat actors. Besides understanding future EASM trends and predictions, organizations need to identify key capabilities to look for in an EASM solution to reduce their attack surfaces, making it harder for cybercriminals to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Download our free EASM’s Buyer Guide to assess your EASM vendor.