87% of Cybersecurity Breaches Come from External Threats – Insights from Setu Parimi of RiskProfiler

Understanding External vs. Internal Threats in Managing Cybersecurity Risks

Parimi explained that external threats come from outside the organization, such as hackers attempting to break into a network. In contrast, internal threats stem from employees or insiders who misuse access. Although both are important, the frequency and impact of external threats require more focused solutions, especially when managing external cybersecurity risks effectively.

Why External Threat Management is Essential for Managing External Cybersecurity Risks

Parimi shared that most breaches result from external vulnerabilities. Despite this, many organizations still use fragmented tools that fail to fully address the scope of external cybersecurity risks. Drawing on his experience as a security architect at Amazon Web Services, Parimi noted that while internal security tools have evolved, external threat solutions often remain siloed and incomplete.

The Limitations of Traditional Security Tools for Managing External Cybersecurity Risks

RiskProfiler was created to fill this gap by providing an integrated platform for managing external cybersecurity risks. Traditional tools often focus on specific areas, like web application security or network ratings. However, these tools fail to address today’s complex threat landscape. Parimi explained that RiskProfiler evaluates an organization from a threat actor’s perspective, assessing everything from digital risks and brand monitoring to third-party vulnerabilities.

Addressing Third-Party and Shadow Asset Risks in External Cybersecurity

Parimi highlighted the importance of addressing third-party risks as part of managing external cybersecurity risks. Recent breaches caused by vulnerable vendor systems underscore the need to monitor third-party security as closely as one’s own. Additionally, he introduced the concept of “shadow assets”—unmonitored, internet-facing resources. Unsupervised shadow assets, like outdated servers, create easy entry points for attackers. Parimi cited a well-known credit agency breach due to an unmonitored asset that exposed millions of Social Security numbers.

RiskProfiler’s Unified Approach to External Threat Management

Unlike traditional tools, RiskProfiler consolidates multiple areas of threat management into a single platform. It combines threat surface management, digital risk monitoring, and third-party security. This integration reduces the time security teams spend switching between disconnected systems. As a result, analysts can track vulnerabilities more efficiently, eliminating the need to sift through uncoordinated tools and improving external cybersecurity risk management.

Quantifying and Reducing Risk

RiskProfiler assigns each organization a cybersecurity posture score, much like a financial credit score. This rating quantifies the organization’s vulnerability, allowing leaders to gauge their risk in concrete terms. Moreover, the platform’s algorithm normalizes data based on organization size, ensuring fair ratings for both small and large organizations. These automated assessments also benefit cyber insurance providers by helping them evaluate risk for potential clients.

Attack Path Mapping and Advanced Features

RiskProfiler goes beyond identifying vulnerabilities by mapping potential “attack paths”—the routes attackers could use to infiltrate an organization. By linking data from various sources, such as third-party vendors, dark web leaks, and network assets, the platform visualizes how attackers might exploit multiple weaknesses. This insight allows companies to address the highest risks first, maximizing their external threat management efforts.

Simplifying Security for Busy Teams

Parimi noted that analysts using RiskProfiler save an average of 17 hours per week. With features like automated compliance questionnaire validation, RiskProfiler reduces time spent on repetitive tasks, enabling teams to focus on critical security improvements. Additionally, the platform integrates cloud attack surface management, which supports companies as they migrate to the cloud.

Building a Safer Digital Future by Managing External Cybersecurity Risks

For RiskProfiler, the goal is to be the go-to platform for managing external cybersecurity risks. With future innovations on the horizon, including expanded cloud security modules, RiskProfiler aims to provide businesses with comprehensive defenses against evolving external threats. Parimi concluded, “We want RiskProfiler to be the first solution companies think of for external threats.”

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For businesses aiming to strengthen their external cybersecurity defenses, RiskProfiler offers a tailored solution for today’s needs. To learn more, connect with Setu Parimi on LinkedIn or visit RiskProfiler to explore how to better protect your organization.