5 CTEM Myths – Debunked!

As we’ve discussed extensively in past blogs, the Continuous Threat Exposure Management framework (CTEM) is an increasingly popular proactive cybersecurity approach. CTEM’s power lies in its construct, which enables a continual assessment of how and if an organization might be impacted by cyberattacks. 

Introduced by Gartner in 2022, the framework proposes a continuous loop of five processes that together ensure organizational defenses stay ahead of threats:

1. Scoping – This initial stage identifies the most critical assets and potential business disruptions from cyberattacks. 
2. Discovery – This stage uncovers all IT assets along with their vulnerabilities – including identifying misconfigurations in systems and security controls.
3. Prioritization – Since not every issue needs immediate fixing, this stage prioritizes the threats most likely to be exploited.
4. Validation – This stage validates how attackers might exploit identified weaknesses and how security measures would respond.
5. Mobilization – The final stage of CTEM dictates action – addressing the identified vulnerabilities through a clear plan.

Despite this clear definition, CTEM suffers from multiple myths and misconceptions associated with it – any of which might discourage teams from even getting started on it. To dispel these myths and clear up some confusion, in this blog we’ll drill down into some of the most prevalent misconceptions about what CTEM is, why organizations are leveraging it, and its potential impact. 

LET’S DEBUNK SOME CTEM MYTHS!

MYTH # 1 – CTEM is a technology or tool 

TRUTH #1 – CTEM is a framework based on a continuous holistic methodology

CTEM is not a purchasable product any more than Zero Trust is. It isn’t a magic bullet software solution that instantly bolsters your defenses. Instead, it’s a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, a best practice approach and a way of thinking about security holistically. 

What’s more, CTEM can actually leverage security tools you might already own, guiding you to integrate them into a cohesive strategy. While specific software might be used within a given implementation of a CTEM program, CTEM is ultimately an ongoing process of discovery, validation, and adaptation – ensuring your defenses stay ahead of the curve.

What’s most unique about CTEM is the “C” – continuous. It’s a never ending effort of identifying attack surface, detecting and prioritizing vulnerabilities, validating findings, and preparing a response plan. 

CTEM is also unique because it aims to help security leaders see their organizations through the eyes of an attacker – when they’re used to viewing infrastructure from the defender’s perspective. To this end, Gartner suggests continuously evaluating defenses using means like attack simulations via Red Teaming and automated pentesting – instead of just relying on vulnerability data.

So, CTEM is not a technology nor a tool. It’s a risk-driven strategy that combines various tools, methodologies and technologies to enhance an organization’s security posture by actively managing exposure to threats. It’s a dynamic framework that goes beyond individual tools, emphasizing ongoing vigilance and adaptability.

MYTH # 2 – CTEM is just a new name for RBVM / BAS / Pentesting / whatever 

TRUTH #2 – CTEM is a lot more than just a repackaging of another approach

Many security teams first learning about CTEM assume it’s just a new iteration of some other flavor of Vulnerability Management (VM) solutions, such as Risk Based Vulnerability Management (RBVM), Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) or Pentesting. This is not the case.

For example, while Gartner does predict that many enterprises will replace their legacy VM programs with CTEM-like programs, this does not mean that CTEM is just new branding for legacy VM. Quite the opposite. CTEM was developed in part to overcome some of the challenges of traditional VM programs. It covers a far broader range of assets and risks – including physical, digital and human factors. And it goes beyond finding and fixing vulnerabilities by validating the efficacy of security controls and measuring the impact of remediation. That’s why when you put CTEM and traditional VM under the microscope, you find important differences of scope and a uniquely different overall paradigm. 

So, CTEM is totally not just repackaging tools or solutions – it actually represents a shift in perspective. It’s a proactive cybersecurity strategy that goes beyond individual tools – combining elements from RBVM, BAS, Pentesting and more into a new way of thinking.

MYTH # 3 – CTEM is just a security thing

TRUTH #3 – CTEM addresses a business-wide challenge. A security breach can impact the entire organization.

A common misconception surrounding CTEM (and often security in general) is that it’s solely the security team’s concern. This underestimates the true potential impact of cyber threats and the importance of a unified organizational approach to mitigating them. One of the reasons CTEM has received such a positive reception is that it pushes organizations to go beyond traditional security thinking. 

Since cyberattacks can disrupt operations, damage reputation, and result in significant financial losses, their consequences affect all departments, not just security. That’s why for CTEM to be truly effective, it requires a company-wide effort. The key is collaboration – ensuring everyone is aligned in mitigating risks and protecting critical assets, and everyone is willing to make changes in processes or modify behavior as necessary. 

So, CTEM is not just merely some technical security/IT ‘thing’ – it’s everybody’s thing. It’s a business and strategic thing. It helps organizations align security and risk management with business goals and priorities by providing a clear and comprehensive view of both exposure and resilience. And it fosters collaboration and communication among different stakeholders, including IT, security, business, and executive teams by using a common language and framework.

MYTH # 4 – CTEM is too overwhelming. If you can’t go all in, you shouldn’t even bother. 

TRUTH #4 – You can implement a CTEM program gradually – starting with a smaller scope and working your way up

CTEM is actually a very manageable undertaking. While it can indeed appear daunting, it’s essential to view CTEM as an ongoing process rather than a monolithic project. In fact, according to Gartner, implementing CTEM gradually allows organizations to manage its complexity and maximize its benefits.

CTEM is inherently scalable and easily adaptable to any size and type of organization. The program can help SMEs/SMBs improve both security posture and resilience, by enabling them to focus first on the most relevant and realistic threats to their business and operations. And CTEM can help emerging and other organizations to balance security and agility by enabling continuous testing and feedback loops.

CTEM also does not demand that existing security programs be discarded in favor of a binary switch-over. CTEM implementation actually centers around onboarding one or a few scopes at a time. This means it can be gradually implemented over the course of months or even years – with no disruption to legacy operations. CTEM doesn’t even require that you change pre-existing relationships with managed service providers. In fact, CTEM can be a framework for reframing the service partnership in a more mutually beneficial risk reduction context.

Starting small is key. Focus on high-value assets and critical systems to build a solid foundation. As confidence and expertise grow, expand the program’s scope to encompass more areas. By breaking down CTEM into manageable phases, organizations can allocate resources effectively, measure progress, and refine their approach over time. This phased implementation ensures that CTEM doesn’t overwhelm but instead becomes a strategic advantage in the evolving threat landscape. 

MYTH # 5 – CTEM is a set-it-and-forget-it solution

TRUTH #5 – CTEM is an ongoing program that requires continuous monitoring and improvement – while offering continuous benefits.

A persistent misconception surrounding CTEM is that it’s a one-time fix – a set-and-forget solution. This myth contradicts the core principle of CTEM: continuous improvement. The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving – a static approach simply won’t suffice. 

That’s why CTEM centers around a cyclical process of scoping, discovery, prioritization, validation, and mobilization. The initial identification of vulnerabilities and exposures is just the first step. CTEM requires continuous monitoring to identify new threats and ensure existing security measures remain effective. Based on ongoing assessments, CTEM necessitates ongoing adjustments to security protocols and resource allocation. 

Far from a static or episodic activity, CTEM is a dynamic and ongoing process. This is the power of CTEM – it enables organizations to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape by constantly monitoring and updating their attack surface and risk profile. What’s more, CTEM supports continuous improvement and learning by measuring security performance and progress.

CTEM: A Continuous Commitment, Not a Quick Fix

By debunking the myths surrounding CTEM, it’s possible to shed light on the true nature of CTEM. CTEM is not a product you purchase or a one-time solution.  It’s a continuous program requiring ongoing effort and adaptation.  Successful implementation hinges on leadership buy-in, a company-wide security culture, and the strategic use of multiple tools.  Ultimately, CTEM empowers organizations to proactively manage cybersecurity risks in a constantly evolving threat landscape. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s also one of the keys to achieving a truly secure cyber future.