Gartner’s New CTEM Categories Explained

Lilu Anderson
Photo: Finoracle.net

Understanding Gartner's CTEM Categories

Gartner's Latest Framework: Gartner recently introduced new categories in its Hype Cycle for Security Operations report to enhance Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). These categories help organizations manage their ever-expanding attack surfaces by structuring exposure management technologies into three main areas.

Key CTEM Categories

1. Threat Exposure Management (TEM): This encompasses the overall technologies and processes under a CTEM program to manage threats effectively.

2. Exposure Assessment Platforms (EAP): This new category combines vulnerability assessment and prioritization to streamline management and boost efficiency. EAPs utilize threat intelligence and asset criticality information for contextualized insights.

3. Adversarial Exposure Validation (AEV): Merging Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) with automated pentesting, AEV provides continuous, automated evidence of exposure. It challenges IT defenses using real-world attack techniques.

How CTEM Framework Benefits Enterprises

Improved Security Posture: CTEM helps businesses proactively identify and address critical risks, making attack surfaces more manageable. EAPs reduce dependency on basic scores like CVSS by offering richer context.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: AEV automates adversarial tests, reducing the burden on security teams and allowing red teams to focus on priority areas.

Reduced Risk: EAPs and AEVs enable enterprises to focus on vulnerabilities that pose significant business risks, rather than merely exploitable ones.

Challenges and Recommendations

Mind Shift Required: Security needs to move beyond compliance mindsets, focusing instead on the exploitability and impact of vulnerabilities.

Integration of Tools: For AEV, integrating BAS and penetration testing capabilities is crucial. Opt for agentless technologies that replicate attacker techniques while minimizing operational demands.

Final Thoughts: The CTEM framework's evolution underscores the importance of a proactive approach to reducing risk exposure. The new categories reflect product maturity and operationalization of CTEM, guiding enterprises in their cybersecurity strategies.

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Lilu Anderson is a technology writer and analyst with over 12 years of experience in the tech industry. A graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science, Lilu specializes in emerging technologies, software development, and cybersecurity. Her work has been published in renowned tech publications such as Wired, TechCrunch, and Ars Technica. Lilu’s articles are known for their detailed research, clear articulation, and insightful analysis, making them valuable to readers seeking reliable and up-to-date information on technology trends. She actively stays abreast of the latest advancements and regularly participates in industry conferences and tech meetups. With a strong reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, Lilu Anderson continues to deliver high-quality content that helps readers understand and navigate the fast-paced world of technology.