Page 185 - Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2023

The role of attack path management in cyber defense

The role of attack path management in cyber defense cannot be overstated. Attack path management
takes a contextual and holistic approach to protecting critical assets in a way that traditional security
solutions do not. While continuous security testing evaluates controls in place, attack path management
takes a more comprehensive view to identify an organization’s most critical assets and networks.

Attack path management can help organizations understand their business operations deeply, identifying
the most vulnerable areas requiring more security measures. By pinpointing areas within a network where
sensitive data, such as PHI or PII, may exist, attack path management can help organizations identify
and eliminate risky pathways that attackers can use to target valuable assets. This is particularly
important in today’s environment, where the interconnectivity of networks makes identifying and
mitigating potential attack paths incredibly challenging.

While continuous security testing plays a vital role in cybersecurity by evaluating the effectiveness of
security controls, sometimes the testing can miss vulnerabilities or gaps in the network. Attack path
management fills this gap by providing context to your security environment, allowing a more complete
and accurate assessment of your defense mechanisms.

To embrace attack path management in your organization without causing harm to your system’s
environment, Cyber Guards suggests platforms like XM Cyber for Attack Path. It’s important to note that
organizations should not test in a production environment without permission.

Attack path management and continuous security testing complement each other effectively. By adopting
both methodologies, organizations can assess their vulnerabilities comprehensively, eliminate potential
attack paths, and fine-tune their defense mechanisms confidently. Ultimately, this will help organizations
improve their cyber defense posture, reduce the risk of successful attacks, and protect their critical assets
and data.

Embracing Innovation: Approaches for Comprehensive Cybersecurity

Embracing continuous cybersecurity testing can help organizations stay one step ahead of threat actors
by ensuring no gaps in their understanding of their security posture, making it much more difficult for
attackers to find and exploit security weaknesses. Furthermore, complementing continuous testing with
attack path management allows organizations to take a contextual approach to protect their critical
assets, fine-tuning their defense mechanisms and reducing the paths attackers might use to target
valuable assets. By exploring innovative approaches beyond traditional methods to safeguard against
potential security breaches, organizations can confidently navigate the ever-changing landscape of
cybersecurity and mitigate risks more comprehensively.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – December 2023 Edition 185
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