Table of Contents
Don’t sit by and wait for network vulnerabilities to transform into cyber threats. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) provides a proactive, systematic way to address weak spots waiting to get exploited by adversaries. We all want to reduce risk by closing our security gaps. And only CTEM can give you the peace of mind needed for cyber resiliency.
What is Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)
Imagine you’re constantly monitoring your attack surface via automation. And one day, your scanning tools uncover 20 vulnerabilities and security gaps a cybercriminal could use as a vector to deliver an attack. You quickly issue priority ratings based on risk factors, then go down the list and remediate each system weakness (adding controls, patching software, updating apps, etc.).
This entire process is known as Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). It’s a method for identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities before they become a threat to your network. And without treating it as an ongoing process, businesses leave themselves susceptible to both current and emerging cyber-attacks.
CTEM often integrates into managed detection and response (MDR) services. Our MaxxMDR solution, for instance, offers CTEM for risk mitigation by proactively finding and eliminating weaknesses at their source.
The Need for Proactive Security
Reactive security measures are borderline obsolete. Responding to a cyber threat after an attack is underway means the damage could already be done:
- Altered or stolen data records
- Systems shut down or taken over
- Privileges escalated to admin levels
- Lateral movement throughout the network
- Ransomware deployed
A proactive security stance, on the other hand, keeps you ahead of adversaries. CTEM tools, for example, boost attack surface visibility and help spot vulnerabilities before a threat actor — ensuring swift remediation. The result: You can minimize damage from (or even entirely prevent) cyber-attacks.
Early threat identification is foundational to proactive security. Ask yourself, “How and where would an adversary exploit to deliver an attack?” When you have that answer, you can identify threats quickly and stop them in their tracks.
How CTEM Identifies and Mitigates Vulnerabilities
Like much of cybersecurity, CTEM relies on visibility. There are no spotting exploits if you can’t see what’s happening in your network (logins, traffic traffic, user activity, app performance, etc.). So, CTEM applies tools to continuously monitor all systems and networks — providing an endless data feed to security teams.
CTEM utilizes continual scanning of your external attack surface. Why? To systematically spot “threat exposures” — weaknesses on the attack surface that a malicious actor will most likely exploit. Next, CTEM combines those insights with threat intelligence:
- Emerging threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
- Known system security exploits
- Geopolitical events and cyber attack campaigns making headlines
- Information on current indicators of compromise (IoC)
Now, you have a pretty good idea of where the next cyber attack(s) may come from. But here comes the final piece of the puzzle: Remediation. CTEM uses automation to initiate real-time updates and patching on network components and security tools. These include operating systems (OS), detection tools, anti-malware systems, networking equipment, and many others — ultimately closing any security gaps.
Integration of CTEM with MaxxMDR
Not every MDR delivers a CTEM program to customers. But MaxxMDR can. It’s beyond a 24/7 monitoring tool. Our systems proactively detect early threats or exploits using automated tools and technology. It includes non-stop network monitoring and external vulnerability scanning to maintain a clear view of the attack surface. We’ll also monitor for IT and public domain information that an adversary could use to deliver an attack.
All these insights pass directly to our expert threat research teams, who determine exposure and risk to coordinate remediation efforts.
MaxxMDR for Seamless Threat Management and Reduced Attack Exposure
Did you know 60% of organizations are actively pursuing a CTEM program? And can those who invest in CTEM cut down data breaches by nearly two-thirds?
MaxxMDR goes beyond traditional MDR by integrating powerful CTEM capabilities. This solution empowers you to achieve true cyber resilience with:
- Automated threat identification: Eliminate manual workload and ensure all threats are swiftly identified and neutralized.
- Reduced vulnerability exposure: Proactive mitigation minimizes attack surfaces, significantly lowering the risk of breaches.
- Focus on what matters: Free up your IT resources to concentrate on core business initiatives, not constant security vigilance.
Benefits of Continuous Monitoring
There’s no question about the value continuous monitoring has on a cybersecurity program. When you’re blind, you’re exposed. But with the right systems to track network activity, spot anomalies, and deliver alerts, you can stay vigilant against incoming threats.
Combined with other CTEM activities like threat intelligence and vulnerability assessments, you can predict cyber attacks before they unfold. Even the most sophisticated cyber threats can’t outsmart a solid CTEM program. It truly is a robust way to prevent attacks and improve your overall security posture.
Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) As A Modern Security Strategy
There’s a reason so many businesses are pursuing CTEM. With solutions for continuous monitoring, automated vulnerability scanning, and patch management, CTEM is the best way to combat emerging cyber threats.
