#United States #Cybersecurity #North Carolina #MCNC #Attack Surface Monitoring

MCNC Expands Access to Attack Surface Monitoring in North Carolina

In an era where digital threats loom larger than ever, MCNC is stepping up the game by broadening its Attack Surface Monitoring (ASM) technology to organizations throughout North Carolina. This proactive cybersecurity solution aims to tackle the vulnerabilities that emerge as institutions expand their digital footprints rapidly.

As organizations increasingly integrate new cloud services and remote connections, they inadvertently create blind spots that cybercriminals may exploit. Recognizing this challenge, MCNC is offering its ASM solution to various community institutions, including municipalities, private colleges, and universities. This expansion supports entities that might not be directly connected to MCNC's extensive network, emphasizing the organization's commitment to boosting the overall cybersecurity posture of North Carolina.

The ASM acts akin to a digital radar, continuously mapping the external network of an organization to identify overlooked vulnerabilities, misconfigured assets, and potential threats. Combining advanced threat intelligence with state-of-the-art external discovery tools, the service enables IT teams to secure their systems proactively, preventing possible breaches.

James Nester, Chief Marketing Officer at MCNC, remarked, "You can’t protect what you can’t see. As your network expands, your risk of breaches increases due to hidden digital assets." With many IT departments operating with limited resources, ASM serves as a crucial auxiliary support system that enhances security measures without overwhelming the operational efforts of existing IT personnel.

MCNC's ASM platform specializes in automating the identification of shadow IT, orphaned domains, and exposed ports, streamlining alert prioritization based on actual threat levels. This efficiency allows IT teams to concentrate on rectifying significant vulnerabilities rather than sifting through noise. A recent incident showcased this advantage when a school district, while adjusting its firewall settings, unwittingly exposed internal vulnerabilities. Thanks to ASM, the exposure was detected in real-time, allowing IT staff to address the issue immediately and preventing a potential data breach.

Chris Beal, Chief Information Security Officer at MCNC, highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring: "Imagine overseeing security for a vast campus where new digital entry points are frequently added without updated blueprints. Our ASM solution acts as that essential tool that continuously maps the organization's external digital landscape, pinpointing vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Having this kind of visibility is critical, especially following any accidental misconfigurations."

Furthermore, the ASM service not only helps organizations identify vulnerabilities but also provides hands-on support for remediation efforts. This service complements MCNC's growing portfolio of cybersecurity offerings by assisting customers in closing security gaps and fostering long-term governance. It presents a valuable opportunity for institutions to engage with MCNC and develop more resilient cybersecurity strategies tailored to their specific needs.

To explore MCNC's Attack Surface Monitoring or to arrange a consultation, interested organizations can visit mcnc.org/solutions/attack-surface-monitoring. This initiative reflects MCNC's ongoing mission to empower North Carolina’s educational and community institutions with the necessary tools to protect against the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.

In conclusion, as digital transformation accelerates, it's crucial for organizations to adopt proactive security measures. Through its enhanced ASM service, MCNC is making strides toward ensuring that North Carolina's institutions can face cyber threats head-on, fostering an environment of safety and trust across the digital landscape.