EASM 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Managing Your Attack Surface

The world of cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially with the rapid pace of digital transformation. But if there’s one principle every organization needs to understand, it’s this: You can’t secure what you don’t know exists. That’s where External Attack Surface Management (EASM) comes into play.

If you’re new to EASM, this guide will break it down and show you how TRaViS can help you gain visibility, take control, and stay ahead of threats.

What is an Attack Surface?

Your attack surface is everything in your environment that’s exposed to the outside world. This includes:

• Websites
• APIs
• Cloud storage systems
• Third-party integrations
• Shadow IT (systems you don’t even know exist)

Attackers don’t just go after your known assets. They hunt for forgotten subdomains, unsecured cloud buckets, and misconfigured APIs—places you may not even realize are exposed.

Why Managing Your Attack Surface Matters

In today’s digital landscape, your attack surface is constantly evolving. New tools, services, and processes mean new risks. If you don’t have visibility into these risks, you’re effectively flying blind, leaving your organization vulnerable to:

• Data breaches
• Credential leaks
• Ransomware attacks
• Brand damage due to public exposures

EASM is about discovering, monitoring, and securing your attack surface so you can reduce risks before attackers exploit them.

How TRaViS Makes EASM Easy

TRaViS simplifies the complexities of EASM by providing a platform that does the heavy lifting for you. Here’s how it works:

1. Comprehensive Asset Discovery

The first step in managing your attack surface is knowing what’s out there. TRaViS automatically scans and discovers all your internet-facing assets, including:

• Forgotten subdomains
• Unsecured APIs
• Exposed cloud storage
• Shadow IT

You’ll receive a full map of your attack surface, giving you a clear picture of what needs attention.

2. Real-Time Monitoring

Your attack surface isn’t static. Every update, new integration, or employee initiative can create new vulnerabilities. TRaViS continuously monitors your environment for changes, detecting:

• New assets
• Misconfigurations
• Emerging threats

With real-time alerts, you’ll always be one step ahead.

3. Prioritized Risk Assessment

Not every exposure is equally dangerous. TRaViS uses advanced algorithms to rank risks based on their severity and potential impact. This ensures you can focus on the most critical issues first, saving time and resources.

4. Actionable Insights and Recommendations

TRaViS doesn’t just highlight problems—it provides clear, actionable steps to fix them. Whether it’s securing an open port, updating an outdated SSL certificate, or deactivating a forgotten subdomain, you’ll know exactly what to do.

5. Threat Intelligence Integration

Attackers don’t wait for you to find vulnerabilities—they act fast. TRaViS integrates threat intelligence to alert you to active threats targeting your industry and how they might exploit your environment.

6. Scalable for Any Organization

Whether you’re a small agency or an enterprise with complex infrastructure, TRaViS adapts to your needs. It works across all hosting environments, including:

• Traditional servers
• Cloud platforms
• Kubernetes (K8s)

7. Easy Reporting and Collaboration

TRaViS provides intuitive dashboards and reports that make it simple to share findings with stakeholders. This transparency helps you:

• Prove the value of your security efforts
• Educate your team
• Align security initiatives with business goals

Who Needs EASM?

EASM isn’t just for large enterprises or tech-heavy organizations. If you:

• Manage client websites or applications
• Use cloud-based services
• Rely on third-party integrations
• Handle sensitive customer data

…then EASM is essential. It’s the proactive approach to security every organization needs in today’s connected world.

Getting Started with TRaViS

Managing your attack surface might sound daunting, but with TRaViS, it’s straightforward and effective. Here’s how to get started:

1. Schedule a Demo: See TRaViS in action and understand how it fits your specific needs.
2. Run Your First Scan: Let TRaViS discover your entire attack surface and provide a detailed assessment.
3. Act on Insights: Use TRaViS’s prioritized recommendations to secure your environment step by step.

Final Thoughts

EASM is the cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. It gives you the visibility and control you need to protect your organization in a world where the attack surface is constantly expanding. With TRaViS, you’re not just managing your attack surface—you’re mastering it.

Ready to take control? Visit TRaViS today and start your journey toward a more secure future.