The Best Free & Open-Source Attack Surface Management Tools

In the digital age, maintaining a strong security posture is crucial for organizations to protect their data and assets from cyber threats, and attack surface management and monitoring is an increasingly important aspect of this.

Obviously for larger businesses some of the solutions featured on Gartner’s list of the best paid software products from companies like IONIX. 

For others, however, free and open-source attack surface management tools can be useful in assessing online exposure so that it’s possible to implement necessary security measures. This article will explore some of the best open-source tools and discuss their features and capabilities in detail.

The Best Free & Open-Source Attack Surface Management Tools

Archerysec

Archerysec is a comprehensive and user-friendly attack surface management tool. It identifies exposed assets using various techniques like internet crawling and DNS records scanning. It also offers remediation recommendations for organizations to secure their attack surface. Archerysec’s features include:

• Integration with popular vulnerability scanners
• Reporting and analytics for better visibility
• An intuitive dashboard for easy management and monitoring

AttackSurfaceMapper

AttackSurfaceMapper is a versatile tool that helps in identifying an organization’s attack surface. Similar to Archerysec, it uses techniques like internet crawling and DNS records scanning to discover exposed assets. Key features of AttackSurfaceMapper include:

• Support for various data sources, including Shodan, Censys, and crt.sh
• Geolocation data for discovered assets
• Automatic report generation in multiple formats

Axiom

 

Axiom is a powerful attack surface management tool that aims to streamline the process of discovering exposed assets. It uses a range of methods, such as internet crawling and DNS records scanning, to identify vulnerabilities. Axiom’s main features include:

• Highly scalable and distributed scanning capabilities
• Easy-to-use command-line interface
• Integration with popular cloud platforms

CloudFrontier

CloudFrontier is a specialized tool designed to help organizations secure their cloud-based assets. By using techniques like internet crawling and DNS records scanning, CloudFrontier discovers exposed assets and offers remediation recommendations. Some of the key features of CloudFrontier include:

• Support for major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• Customizable scanning options for specific cloud services
• Comprehensive reporting and analysis capabilities

Coalitioninc

Coalitioninc is an attack surface management tool designed to discover exposed assets using various methods, such as internet crawling and DNS records scanning. Coalitioninc offers remediation recommendations to help organizations secure their attack surface. Key features of Coalitioninc include:

• Detailed asset inventory and exposure reporting
• Integration with popular vulnerability assessment tools
• Customizable scanning options for better accuracy

What is Attack Surface Management?

Attack surface management (ASM) is the practice of identifying, assessing, and managing the vulnerabilities and risks associated with an organization’s digital assets that are exposed to potential cyberattacks. ASM involves discovering and inventorying exposed assets such as servers, web applications, databases, and network devices, followed by evaluating their security posture and implementing remediation measures to minimize the risk of cyber threats.

Difference between External Attack Surface Management and Attack Surface Management

External attack surface management focuses specifically on the vulnerabilities and risks associated with an organization’s externally facing digital assets, such as public-facing web applications, servers, and network infrastructure. These are the assets that are accessible from the internet and are more prone to attacks from threat actors.

Attack surface management, on the other hand, encompasses both external and internal assets, covering a broader scope of an organization’s digital landscape. This includes not only the externally facing assets but also internal systems, databases, and applications that could be targeted in a cyberattack.

When to Choose a Paid Attack Surface Management Tool vs. Free or Open Source

The decision to opt for a paid attack surface management tool over a free or open-source tool depends on several factors:

1. Features and Functionality: Paid tools often come with advanced features, extensive integrations, and better support for various platforms, which may not be available in free or open-source tools. If your organization requires these advanced capabilities, a paid tool may be a better fit.
2. Scalability: Paid tools are generally designed to scale with an organization’s growth, whereas free or open-source tools might have limitations in terms of the number of assets they can handle or the speed of scanning.
3. Support and Maintenance: Paid tools usually come with dedicated customer support and regular updates to stay ahead of evolving threats. Open-source tools rely on community support, which might not be as responsive or consistent.
4. Compliance Requirements: Some organizations must adhere to specific regulatory requirements or industry standards, which may require the use of certified or approved tools. In such cases, a paid tool that meets these criteria might be necessary.

Ultimately, the choice between a paid attack surface management tool and a free or open-source tool depends on your organization’s specific needs, budget, and risk tolerance. Small organizations with limited resources may find free or open-source tools adequate, while larger organizations with more complex environments may benefit from the advanced features and support provided by paid tools.