Exposure assessment platforms promise to become a GPS for security pros

COMMENTARY: Remember back when we used to print out Google Map directions to get to our destinations? Except now we can toss in an address to our car’s GPS or phone app, making for a more seamless and faster navigating experience.

Similarly, in the cyber realm, security teams face an overwhelming influx of alerts, outdated reports, and often lack the real-time visibility of emerging threats. This kind of traditional vulnerability management has fallen short, like trying to drive to an unfamiliar destination without any directions. It’s a frustrating and inefficient journey, leaving organizations exposed to unnecessary risk.

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Queue in exposure assessment platforms (EAPs) — the GPS systems for cybersecurity. Just as a GPS dynamically recalculates routes based on real-time traffic conditions, EAPs continuously assess risk by factoring in new vulnerabilities, active threat intelligence, and business context. They don’t just indicate where threats exist; they promise to help security teams prioritize the risks that demand immediate action and offer guidance for the best way forward.

EAPs are designed to support security teams in several, practical, ways:

Instead of being reactive, waiting for the inevitable damage to occur, by offering this level of real-time insight, EAPs can help organizations navigate cybersecurity threats proactively.

 Handling emerging threats: The unexpected detours

Even with a well-planned route, unexpected road closures and accidents can derail a trip. Similarly, cyber threats evolve quickly, requiring that security teams are ready for unforeseen challenges: zero-day vulnerabilities or fast-moving exploits.

According to Gartner, by 2026, organizations that prioritize security investments based on continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) programs will experience two-thirds fewer breaches. That’s a huge difference. EAPs make this possible by keeping a constant pulse on the threat landscape, pinpointing which vulnerabilities are being actively exploited and helping security teams zero-in on what matters most.

With EAPs, security isn’t just about reacting to incidents as they happen. Organizations can proactively strengthen their security posture by addressing high-priority risks before they become exploited entry points. This ongoing cycle of exposure assessment, remediation, and risk reduction transforms an organization’s security posture from a simple defensive function into a strategic advantage.

 Keep leadership in the loop

Cybersecurity has become a business-critical issue that demands executive visibility. But many security teams struggle to present risk in a way that resonates with leadership. The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) 2024 survey found that 74% of board members now consider cybersecurity risk dashboards essential. Yet, only 27% of organizations have a mature, real-time cyber risk visualization capability.

EAPs bridge this gap by offering clear, contextualized insights into an organization’s security posture. They aggregate data from various security tools, presenting a comprehensive risk landscape that’s understandable at both the technical and executive levels.

Think of it this way: while security teams need turn-by-turn navigation, executives require a high-level overview of the journey. EAPs offer both, ensuring that CISOs can effectively communicate where the organization is headed, what risks lie ahead, and how they are being mitigated.

EAPs will continue to become more intelligent, functioning as predictive engines that identity risks and also recommend action plans and trigger automated remediation processes. Similar to self-driving cars, these platforms will reduce the burden on security teams by autonomously handling known threats while allowing human analysts to focus on strategic priorities.

Ultimately, EAPs won’t just forecast tomorrow’s threats — they will help businesses choose the safest, most efficient path forward. For CISOs navigating the complex cyber terrain, these platforms offer an essential GPS that ensures they stay on course, avoid unnecessary risks, and reach their destination securely.

Oren Koren, co-founder and CPO, Veriti

SC Media Perspectives columns are written by a trusted community of SC Media cybersecurity subject matter experts. Each contribution has a goal of bringing a unique voice to important cybersecurity topics. Content strives to be of the highest quality, objective and non-commercial.