Attack path management is based on the analysis of the mechanisms by which modern cyber threats manifest as identity-based and multi-step attacks, characterized by the use of multiple consecutive techniques to compromise critical business assets. This approach stems from the need to go beyond monitoring individual vulnerabilities, focusing on the discovery, visualization, and neutralization of the paths that an attacker can effectively use to move laterally within a network. Pair this overview with Virtual CISO, SOC, and this technical deep dive into attack path analysis.

What is attack path management

The concept of an attack path defines the sequence of steps or techniques exploitable by an attacker to move from the initial entry point to the final objective, which in most cases corresponds to critical data or resources. Attack path management represents a continuous process that enables the discovery, visualization, validation, and systematic elimination of these attack paths, thus distinguishing itself from traditional vulnerability management based on patching and remediating individual security flaws.

Attack path management, vulnerability management, and penetration testing: key differences

Attack path management differs from vulnerability management and vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and BAS (Breach and Attack Simulation) because it does not limit itself to identifying and fixing isolated vulnerabilities, but takes into account the entire compromise chain (chained attacks), identifying the interconnections that enable lateral movement between assets. Vulnerability management focuses on individual flaws, while penetration tests and BAS provide point-in-time snapshots rather than a dynamic and continuous view of risk. Our Network Penetration Test and Cloud Security Assessment complete the picture.

Benefits of attack path management for business

The application of a structured attack path management system leads to a reduction in cyber risk, the ability to prioritize remediation efforts on the assets and paths that are actually exposed, and the continuous measurability of an organization’s exposure level. These benefits are strategic for companies with high security requirements. You can present the results to the board using the examples provided in the case studies and by referring to the definition of cyber KPIs for the board that accompanies this approach.

Example of an attack path: phishing, lateral movement, and final compromise

A typical attack path often begins with a phishing campaign, resulting in the compromise of user credentials (identity-based attack). From this point, the attacker leverages lateral movement to acquire increasing privileges, until reaching a domain admin account that allows access to sensitive data or high-value systems. To learn more about how to map these scenarios with a structured framework, see attack path management with MITRE ATT&CK.

How to get started with attack path management: technological and organizational prerequisites

Launching an effective attack path management program requires detailed visibility into assets, accurate mapping of identities and privileges, and an organizational approach that prioritizes collaboration between IT and security teams, as well as the ability to constantly measure and update the level of cyber exposure and risk. A concrete starting point is to activate a continuous vulnerability management service that provides visibility into the assets and flaws from which attack paths originate. For those who want to structure the launch progressively, it is useful to follow a practical roadmap to implement attack path management in 90 days. ISGroup representatives refer to our ISO 9001/27001 certified governance to account for transparent KPIs.

Adopting attack path management processes allows for more effective cyber risk management, timely response to current threats, and a concrete reduction of the actual attack surface compared to traditional approaches focused on individual vulnerabilities. Complement the narrative with a Virtual CISO, SOC, and Purple Team Assessment to translate insights into implementations.

FAQ

• When does attack path management become governance?
• When you connect the analysis of attack paths to the Virtual CISO and reporting to the board, integrating it with SOC and case studies.
• What evidence should be brought to the board?
• KPI dashboards, remediation metrics, and links to updated case studies, supported by ISO certifications and the executive team.
• Which services should be linked to the strategic approach?
• Virtual CISO, Risk Assessment, SOC, and Purple Team Assessment ensure continuity and progressive improvement of the program.