A Beginner’s Guide to Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM)
CAASM may sound like a futuristic technology, but it’s actually a cutting-edge approach to managing the complexity of modern IT environments. With the rise of cloud computing, containers, and microservices, traditional approaches to IT management are no longer sufficient. CAASM is quickly becoming a must-have tool for organizations that want to stay ahead of the curve. So, what exactly is CAASM and how can it help your organization? Let’s find out.
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Frequently asked questions
How does CAASM work?
CAASM works by analyzing the user’s behavior patterns and determining their baseline behaviors. Once the user’s baseline behaviors are established, any deviations from those behaviors can be detected and flagged as potential security threats. CAASM uses various types of data to establish a user’s baseline behaviors, including keystroke dynamics, mouse movements, device usage patterns, and other behavioral biometrics.
Machine learning algorithms are then used to analyze this data and create a unique behavioral profile for each user. This profile is used to establish the user’s baseline behaviors and detect any deviations from those behaviors. Once a user’s baseline behaviors are established, CAASM continuously monitors their behavior for any anomalies.
What is the difference between EASM and CAASM?
EASM (Endpoint Authentication and Security Monitoring) and CAASM (Continuous Authentication and Security Monitoring) are both security technologies that focus on endpoint security. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Categories | EASM | CAASM |
Endpoint Authentication | EASM typically relies on traditional authentication methods such as passwords, tokens, or certificates to authenticate users and devices. Once authenticated, EASM continuously monitors the endpoint for potential security threats | CAASM focuses on continuous authentication, which means that it continuously monitors the user’s behavior to ensure that they are who they claim to be. |
Continuous Monitoring | EASM typically focuses on monitoring the endpoint for potential security threats periodically. It may scan for malware, check for compliance with security policies, or monitor network activity at regular intervals. | CAASM provides continuous monitoring of the endpoint and the user’s behavior. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze behavioral patterns in real time and detect any anomalies or deviations from the baseline behavior. |
Risk-Based Monitoring | CAASM uses a risk-based approach to security monitoring. | EASM may rely on static security policies or rules. |
What is cyber attack surface management?
The cyber attack surface management refers to the process of identifying, monitoring, and managing an organization’s potential attack surface, which is the collection of all the digital assets, software, and networks that could be targeted by cyber attackers. The goal of cyber attack surface management is to reduce an organization’s attack surface by identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities and threats. This involves conducting regular assessments of an organization’s systems and networks, implementing security controls to mitigate identified risks, and continuously monitoring for new threats or vulnerabilities. The ultimate goal of cyber attack surface management is to improve an organization’s overall security posture and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
What are the use cases for CAASM?
CAASM (Continuous Authentication and Security Monitoring) has a wide range of use cases in various industries and sectors. Here are some common use cases for CAASM:
- Audit and compliance assessment: Provides outputs and documentation that accelerates audit and compliance assessments by offering near real-time visibility into assets and their business context. This streamlines evidence collection for compliance frameworks and eliminates the need for “point-in-time” audits with continuous testing.
- Identity & Access Management: Detects and addresses privilege boundaries by comparing attack surfaces against popular IAM systems.
- Automatic Discovery: Monitors IT ecosystems to discover and categorize assets and attack surfaces. It also provides a unified view of all assets including devices, services, apps, users, IoT, on-prem, cloud, managed, and unmanaged assets.
- Cyber Risk Quantification: Aggregates vulnerability, asset inventory, and cybersecurity data into a comprehensive risk quantification model. This provides a unified view of cyber risk and threats in business terms.
- Vulnerability management: Assesses security posture and prioritizes detected vulnerabilities based on risk appetite.
What is the difference between CAASM and CSPM?
CAASM | CSPM |
CAASM is extendable, allowing you to monitor bespoke configurations critical to your unique security architecture in addition to the fundamental cloud configuration checks. | Most CSPM tools are only focused on detecting misconfigurations that might lead to security and compliance issues. Their strategy has been to respond to a series of prepared questions. |
Provides complete visibility across assets. | Static checks restrict holistic visibility |
Offer out-of-the-box security and compliance checks. | Time and effort spent on setting up policies and alerts manually. |
Flexible querying capabilities across data types. | Ability to query limited data types. |
APIs facilitate the flow of information about changes promptly | Higher TAT for learning about a vulnerability. |