Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) Explained

The evolution of cyber threats and the ingenuity of cyber criminals require organizations to address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. However, it’s not realistic to patch every exposure and traditional approaches often miss the unpatchable attack surfaces like SaaS applications. Failure to address these security vulnerabilities can expose critical assets and operations to malicious actors. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) has emerged as an approach to better validate and prioritize the vulnerabilities that have the most strategic impact to the organization. 

What Is Continuous Threat Exposure Management? 

CTEM goes beyond traditional vulnerability management by aligning exposure assessments with specific business risks and threat vectors, regardless of whether they are patchable or unpatchable. By aligning the scope of CTEM with business objectives, organizations can effectively communicate the relevance of security measures to senior leadership and key stakeholders. This alignment enhances the security posture and maximizes organizational success.

Because the typical attack surface extends far beyond what patch management can cover on its own, an effective CTEM program takes an attacker’s view to validate which vulnerabilities are actually exploitable and what the consequences of that exploit are from a business perspective. This helps organizations direct their attention to the most relevant exposures first. The more automated these assessments become, the more consistent and truly continuous the CTEM program can be.

Implementing CTEM with Thrive Managed Security Services

Thrive Managed Security Services offers comprehensive expert solutions to help organizations implement CTEM seamlessly. With quarterly or monthly testing options, Thrive’s team of experts ensures that your security posture remains resilient against evolving threats. For organizations embarking on their CTEM journey, Thrive offers a first-in-class tailored solution for your business, including:

• Vulnerability Management: Building upon traditional vulnerability assessments, Thrive helps organizations identify and prioritize exposures based on their potential impact on critical operations.
• Autonomous Penetration Testing: Through cyber attack simulations, Thrive assists in evaluating the exploitability of vulnerabilities within your network and security context, enabling informed decision-making.
• Patch Management: Through structured and continuous patching processes, Thrive reduces the attack surface, allowing IT teams to focus on addressing complex vulnerabilities effectively.
• Managed Detection & Response: Recognizing the expanding attack surface, Thrive monitors SaaS accounts like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, ensuring comprehensive security coverage.

CTEM represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity with a key emphasis on aligning proactive risk mitigation with business imperatives. With Thrive as your partner, organizations can navigate the complexities of CTEM effectively, bolstering their defenses against emerging threats and safeguarding critical assets. Contact Thrive today to embrace CTEM to elevate your security posture and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Learn About Gartner’s Approach to CTEM

Download your copy of the Gartner® Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2024: Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) report for insights into a modern, systemic approach to managing your organization’s attack surface and security posture in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Get your copy of the Gartner CTEM report today!