The Times Australia
The Times Technology News

.

Spotlight On Devices This Cyber Security Awareness Month: Businesses Need Complete Attack Surface Visibility To Protect Assets

  • Written by Zak Menegazzi, Cybersecurity Specialist, ANZ, Armis

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is encouraging every individual and organisation this Cyber Security Awareness Month to take action to secure their accounts and devices from cyber threats.

They have outlined four simple steps for all Australians to improve their cyber security – turn on multi-factor authentication; keep devices and software up to date; use strong and unique passwords and recognise and report phishing.

The spotlight on individual responsibility is encouraging and helps to address the expanding attack surface created by the ever-increasing number of devices, which in turn introduces a multitude of potential vulnerabilities. In fact, research from Armis revealed that tablets, media players, personal computers and mobile phones were among the top 10 device types with the highest number of attack attempts.

Expanding attack surface

While adopting MFA and strengthening passwords are non-negotiable in today’s threat environment, ongoing security updates and patching discovered weaknesses are equally vital. Consumers must also be educated on the threats posed by their devices through lax security protocols, standardised product class passwords and insecure use. Each unsecured device adds another layer to the expanding attack surface.

Businesses too are under threat, as devices move between personal and corporate environments, potentially encountering unsecure networks. As the proliferation of connected devices continues, it becomes imperative for organisations to monitor and manage them. They are increasingly inundated with a growing mass of devices connecting to their business-critical data and infrastructure. Nearly every business now relies on these devices for many processes through managed devices. As a result, organisations end up not knowing what or how many assets they have.

The cornerstone of effective cybersecurity for businesses is visibility

To achieve true resilience against ever-evolving cyber threats, a proactive approach is needed. This includes comprehensive identification and real-time monitoring of all connected devices, along with the ability to identify and swiftly mitigate vulnerabilities across the entire attack surface.

Just like you can’t fix a problem you don’t know exists, you can’t protect assets you can’t see. The first step is achieving complete attack surface visibility. This means identifying all connected devices, including known and unknown physical and virtual assets, that are connected to the network.

While eliminating all risks is impossible, prioritisation and continuous monitoring are crucial. By investing in real-time asset intelligence, vulnerability analysis, AI-powered threat detection and remediation, organisations can proactively mitigate and manage their cyber risk exposure.

Furthermore, organisations must keep cyber exposure front of mind. This means using AI-powered platforms to help see, protect and manage all their assets in real time against potential threats.

Doing so ensures they can proactively mitigate risks, remediate vulnerabilities, block threats and protect their entire attack surface.

Times Magazine

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

The Times Features

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...