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Unmanaged Assets: A Growing Cybersecurity Concern

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, companies are facing ever-increasing cybersecurity threats, especially from unknown or unmanaged assets. A recent study conducted by Trend Micro, a front-runner in the cybersecurity sector, has revealed alarming statistics: approximately 73% of security incidents are linked to such unmanaged resources. This revelation was highlighted during the RSA Conference in San Francisco, where experts gathered to address pivotal issues in cybersecurity.

The survey encompassed insights from over 2,000 cybersecurity leaders globally, emphasizing the relevance of attack surface management—a process that involves identifying and minimizing vulnerabilities across an organization's digital footprint. Despite their recognition of the risks associated with unmanaged assets, a staggering 57% of respondents admitted to lacking processes necessary for continuous monitoring, which is crucial to mitigate risks before they impact operations.

The Rise of Unmanaged Assets

The rapid integration of generative AI and the expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in both office and home settings have contributed significantly to the complexities associated with unmanaged assets. As organizations embrace these technologies, they inadvertently increase the potential avenues for cyberattacks. The study indicates that while 91% of cybersecurity professionals acknowledge the connection between attack surface management and organizational risk, only 43% utilize dedicated tools to manage these risks effectively.

Consequences of Neglecting Attack Surface Management

The repercussions of failing to manage risks associated with exposed assets extend beyond immediate security threats. The study outlined several areas where neglect can lead to detrimental outcomes including:

• - Operational Continuity (42%): Interruptions can severely impact daily business operations.
• - Market Competitiveness (39%): Companies that cannot ensure robust cybersecurity may fall behind their competitors.
• - Customer Trust & Brand Reputation (39%): Security breaches can lead to loss of customer confidence, damaging a brand's reputation.
• - Supplier Relationships (39%): The inability to secure partnerships may arise due to concerns over data protection.
• - Employee Productivity (38%): Security incidents can lead to downtime, affecting overall employee efficiency.
• - Financial Performance (38%): Financial losses can stem from regulatory fines, remediation costs, and recovery from breaches.

Budget Allocation and Resource Management

Interestingly, while organizations recognize the severity of these risks, only an average of 27% of their budgets is allocated to managing the threat landscape. Alarmingly, more than three-quarters of the companies surveyed believe their current resources are sufficient to tackle these mounting challenges. This misalignment between perceived risk and budget allocation may leave companies vulnerable in a digital environment rife with threats.

Kevin Simzer, COO of Trend Micro, emphasized that despite widespread awareness of the dangers posed by unmanaged attack surfaces, there is a noticeable lack of proactive security strategies to combat these issues. This underscores the urgent need for organizations to prioritize continuous management of their cyber risk exposure, particularly as their digital environments become increasingly complex.

Conclusion

As cyber threats evolve, so too must the strategies to protect against them. Managing the cybersecurity landscape requires a dedicated approach to identifying and mitigating risks associated with unmanaged assets. With the findings of Trend Micro's recent study shedding light on this urgency, organizations are called to action. The implementation of rigorous attack surface management tools is no longer optional; it is essential for ensuring the safety and viability of businesses in an interconnected world.

For more insights, visit Trend Micro.