Today, technology plays a vital role in moving businesses forward. Surveys show that 90% of businesses worldwide use computers and digital technologies.
Frankly, it’s hard to imagine running a business efficiently without them. But with benefits come risks and challenges of technological advancements.
One of the most concerning threats that businesses face today is cybersecurity.
Most SMBs underestimate digital security threats and operate with weak cyber defences, which puts them at serious risk.
In fact, according to reports, 60% of small enterprises go out of business almost 6 months after a cyberattack.
This is an alarming number for businesses that want to sustain themselves in the long term.
The good news?
Threat exposure management (TEM) can significantly reduce cyberattack risks. This article will explore TEM and how it can help businesses.
What Is Threat Exposure Management (TEM)?
Threat Exposure Management (TEM) is a proactive cybersecurity approach that helps organisations identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities.
It works by putting various security tools to work to provide a real time and comprehensive view of potential threats. Today, there are even AI software available that can detect threats and warn about anticipated digital hazards. It helps businesses stay ahead of hackers and criminals.
Simply put, it’s a program companies deploy to manage their risks to cyber threats.
Every company can have different TEM protocols and needs depending on several factors, such as the nature of the business, geographic location, target audience, etc.
Why Is TEM Important And How Does It Work?
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and traditional security measures are no longer sufficient.
If you think installing a simple WordPress plugin will protect your website or just 2FA is enough to keep business data secure, then you’re wrong. Modern hackers use sophisticated techniques to exploit systems.
They even use AI to cause maximum damage.
In such cases, outdated technology is like fighting tanks with swords and stones. That is why TEM is important for businesses.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Finds Security Weaknesses In Your Network
When exposure management is used, it aims to find weak points in security before hackers do.
TEM continuously scans your systems to identify security weaknesses like outdated software, misconfigurations, and unpatched vulnerabilities.
This way, you’ll already know the weak points before hackers can find and exploit them.
2. Fixes Issues Quickly And Suggests Solutions
TEM doesn’t just identify threats and weaknesses. It also fixes the issues whenever possible — for example, automating routine tasks like updating security tools, running checks for bot traffic, etc.
3. Prevents Hackers From Exploiting Your Systems
TEM minimises the likelihood of a successful cyber attack by proactively identifying and fixing security gaps.
It integrates with existing security tools, ensures compliance with regulations, and continuously monitors for new threats, protecting your business.
All these steps strengthen your cybersecurity and prevent hackers from penetrating your systems.
4. Risk Assessment
TEM not only identifies security weaknesses but also determines which ones pose the highest risk to the business. This helps companies plan their resources and attack severe threats first.
Note – usually, the risks go down significantly after TEM is implemented, and you’ll need fewer recurring resources for your cyber protection.
Main Parts of a TEM Program
TEM is made up of several elements that help ensure comprehensive cybersecurity for businesses. As mentioned, it’s actually a plan that’s customised for every company depending on the necessary variables.
Here are the main parts that the program focuses on:
Asset Discovery
This is the initial phase where everything related to technology is assessed. It includes devices, networks, applications, data storage, and even existing security protocols.
Asset discovery is conducted to find the starting points for improvement because you can’t protect what you don’t know about.
Vulnerability Scanning
Once the information about assets is available, the next stage is to scan them for weaknesses. The goal is to highlight potential spots where hackers can try to penetrate your infrastructure.
Like checking the doors to see which ones are unlocked or can break easily.
At the end of a vulnerability scan, you will have a report that shows the weak points and where work is needed.
Threat Intelligence
Threat intelligence in TEM is to find out how hackers break systems and then prepare yourself against them. Basically, threat intelligence is used to anticipate cyber dangers and prepare you to tackle them.
Remediation Planning
Now, you have everything to work with. All that’s left is to act upon your findings.
Several factors come into play here, such as your budget, team expertise, or priorities for the TEM implementation. The safest option is to get to work immediately and fix the security leaks so hackers can’t exploit your data or cause you harm.
TEM reports also help you decide which problems to address first and which can wait.
Benefits of TEM for Your Business
We’re sure that by now, you understand how important TEM is for businesses.
Keeping hackers and cyber criminals away is one of the most significant benefits of TEM. However, there are some other pros of TEM implementation that no business should ignore:
1. Keeping Legal Troubles Away
Data breaches are sensitive areas for businesses. They can land companies in legal trouble and cause them to suffer financial losses as they try to compensate the victims.
When you operate with tight cybersecurity, you can significantly reduce the probability of lawsuits and make the business safer.
2. Cost Savings
Hacks and cyberattacks can cost you money. In fact, businesses that don’t invest in security may end up paying a lot more to recover from cyberattacks.
Imagine all the operational damages you’ll incur when the business halts while you tackle the hacks and breaches. Companies can end up paying millions to recover — it’s best to invest a part of that money and save costs in the long run.
3. Peace of Mind
TEM is like a guardian angel that’s looking out for your business at all times.
This ensures you don’t have to worry unnecessarily and can operate peacefully. That’s honestly a massive blessing for businesses that want to focus on growth rather than worrying about cybercriminals.
4. Improved Customer Trust
Customers trust and are happy to transact with businesses that invest in cybersecurity. You can also use your digital security to market your business.
By implementing TEM, you show your commitment to data protection, which can significantly boost customer confidence and brand loyalty.
5. Competitive Advantage
A strong Threat Exposure Management (TEM) strategy can set you apart from competitors.
It can open up new and more attractive opportunities for partnerships and investments from people who value data security and operational resilience.
What Would Ideal TEM Solutions Look Like For Your Business?
TEM solutions differ for each business. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here.
However, there are specific points to ensure that your business gets the right TEM solutions:
- It should let you implement security measures with the least friction and attack critical issues quickly.
- It should not hinder your collaboration with other third-party tools necessary for your business operations.
- It should give you routine updates about the cybersecurity status of your business. Ideally, it should provide you with easy-to-understand reports.
- It should offer scalable solutions and factor in your business growth.
- User-friendly interface that you can navigate for routine monitoring.
- A thorough communication policy dictates what should be done in case of a breach or a hack. This ensures a quick response and kills the attack as soon as possible.
Ensure your TEM solutions offer these, and you’re off to a great cybersecurity implementation.
Wrapping Up – How To Get Started with TEM?
The best place to get started with TEM is the following:
- Evaluate your existing security setup
- Determine the required security enhancements
- Plan for the TEM solutions you need to meet your security goals
- Set up the tool and automate your security where possible
- Implement solutions to fix the weak spots you find
- Keep scanning and improve your security
We understand that implementing TEM can involve unexpected challenges. There may even be technical requirements that are specifically relevant to your business.
If you’re keen on keeping your business safe digitally and want to learn more about TEM, then reach out right away!
