Businesses of all sizes face increasing cybersecurity threats. One of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of cybersecurity is External Attack Surface Management (EASM). But what exactly is it, and why does your organisation need to take it seriously?

Understanding External Attack Surface Management

External Attack Surface Management refers to the continuous discovery, monitoring, and management of all external-facing digital assets that a business owns. These assets can include websites, cloud services, email servers, remote work infrastructure, and any internet-exposed endpoints that cybercriminals could exploit.

In simpler terms, your external attack surface comprises everything an attacker could see and potentially target from outside your organisation’s network. If left unmanaged, these assets create vulnerabilities that hackers can leverage for data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats.

Why is an External Attack Surface Management Important for UK Businesses?

The UK faces a rising number of cyber threats, with businesses across all sectors experiencing increased attacks. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023, 32% of UK businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the past year. The consequences of such breaches can be financially and reputationally devastating.

EASM plays a key role in proactively identifying security weaknesses before cybercriminals can exploit them. By continuously assessing your attack surface, your organisation can:

• Reduce the risk of cyber attacks by closing security gaps before they are targeted.
• Comply with UK data protection laws, such as the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, which require organisations to take appropriate security measures to protect personal data.
• Protect sensitive data from exposure due to misconfigurations or outdated software.
• Enhance incident response by ensuring that IT and security teams are aware of all external-facing assets.

The Components of an Effective EASM Strategy

A successful External Attack Surface Management strategy involves several key steps:

1. Asset Discovery

Businesses often lose track of their digital footprint, especially when new applications, cloud services, or third-party vendors are introduced. EASM helps identify all internet-facing assets, including shadow IT (unknown or unapproved assets that employees may use without IT’s knowledge).

2. Continuous Monitoring

Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and what is secure today may be vulnerable tomorrow. Continuous monitoring ensures that new risks are detected as soon as they emerge, allowing security teams to act quickly.

3. Vulnerability Assessment

Once assets are identified, EASM scans for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and weak points that attackers could exploit. This assessment helps businesses prioritise and fix the most critical security issues.

4. Risk Prioritisation

Not all security risks carry the same level of urgency. EASM categorises risks based on their potential impact and likelihood of exploitation, ensuring that businesses address the most serious threats first.

5. Incident Response & Remediation

In the event of a security incident, a well-managed EASM strategy provides valuable insights into how the attack happened and how to prevent future occurrences. Businesses can take corrective action to strengthen their defences.

Legal & Compliance Considerations in the UK

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, businesses are legally required to implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), as well as reputational damage and loss of customer trust.

EASM aligns with UK data protection laws by helping businesses:

• Identify and mitigate security risks that could lead to data breaches.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements around cybersecurity and data protection.
• Demonstrate due diligence and accountability in protecting customer and employee data.

How to Implement EASM in Your Business

1. Conduct an External Attack Surface Audit  

Start by assessing your current external-facing digital assets. This may involve using automated security tools or working with a cybersecurity consultancy to map out your attack surface.

2. Leverage Threat Intelligence

Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics. Stay ahead of threats by using real-time threat intelligence feeds that help predict and prevent potential attacks.

3. Automate Security Assessments

Manual monitoring is inefficient for large organisations. Implement automated security scanning tools to continuously check for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

4. Regularly Patch & Update Systems

Outdated software and neglected security patches are prime targets for cybercriminals. Ensure that all systems, including third-party applications, are regularly updated.

5. Educate Employees on Cyber Hygiene

Employees play a crucial role in securing your external attack surface. Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training to prevent common security mistakes.

Final Thoughts

With cyber threats on the rise, External Attack Surface Management is no longer optional—it’s essential. By implementing a robust EASM strategy, UK businesses can reduce their exposure to cyber risks, comply with data protection laws, and safeguard sensitive information.

At Data Protection People, we help organisations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance. If you need expert guidance on securing your external attack surface, get in touch with our team today!