Sophos Expands Managed Risk Capabilities with Internal Attack Surface Management

Sophos, a prominent name in the cybersecurity arena, has recently taken significant steps to enhance its Managed Risk offerings. The latest addition is Internal Attack Surface Management (IASM), a new feature that utilizes technology powered by Tenable. This development aims to help organizations better protect themselves against cyber threats by closing critical gaps in their cybersecurity posture.

Unveiling the Cybersecurity Blind Spots

Many businesses struggle with unseen vulnerabilities that can leave them exposed to cyberattacks. According to the Sophos State of Ransomware 2025 report, a startling 40% of organizations that experienced a ransomware incident last year did so because they were unaware of vulnerabilities in their systems. Recognizing this challenge, Sophos has expanded its Managed Risk capabilities to offer insights into both internal and external risks. This dual approach provides a clearer picture of an organization’s security landscape, empowering them to identify weaknesses that cybercriminals might exploit.

A Holistic View of Cyber Exposure

Rob Harrison, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Sophos, emphasized the importance of understanding risks from an attacker’s perspective. “With Sophos Managed Risk, organizations gain an attacker’s-eye view to identify and prioritize remediation of risks before adversaries can exploit them,” he stated. The solution not only highlights vulnerabilities but also outlines actionable steps for remediation, allowing organizations to focus their resources on the most pressing issues.

Unauthenticated Internal Scanning

A standout feature of the updated Sophos Managed Risk is its capacity for unauthenticated internal scanning. This approach assesses a system as an external attacker might, without requiring user credentials or privileged access. By doing so, organizations can pinpoint high-risk vulnerabilities—such as open ports and misconfigurations—that could be easily exploited. This proactive measure can significantly enhance an organization’s overall cybersecurity readiness.

Key Features of IASM

The introduction of IASM brings with it several valuable features aimed at improving vulnerability management:

• Comprehensive Vulnerability Management: This feature allows for regular automated scans that reveal weaknesses within the network. Keeping assets secure requires constant vigilance, and this capability helps ensure that vulnerabilities are not overlooked.

• AI-Powered Prioritization: Sophos employs advanced algorithms to intelligently assess which vulnerabilities pose the highest risk. This insightful prioritization enables organizations to allocate their patching and remediation efforts more efficiently.

• Industry-Leading Technology: By leveraging Tenable Nessus scanners, Sophos enhances its ability to detect vulnerabilities inside the network and determine their severity. This collaboration ensures organizations benefit from top-tier scanning technology.

• The Sophos Advantage: Unlike many vendors that treat External and Internal Attack Surface Management as separate entities, Sophos offers an integrated managed service. This holistic approach combines advanced Tenable technology with one of the industry’s leading Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.

Collaboration Between Teams for Enhanced Security

The new IASM capabilities are an integral part of Sophos Managed Risk, which is tied closely to its MDR services. The team behind Sophos Managed Risk consists of professionals certified by Tenable, working in tandem with Sophos MDR to provide crucial insights. They focus on gathering essential information about zero-day threats and vulnerabilities, further enabling organizations to assess potential risks in their environments.

In this rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, organizations must continuously adapt their strategies to safeguard their assets. With its expanded Managed Risk capabilities, including the latest IASM features, Sophos aims to deliver solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead of potential cyber risks. By giving companies the tools to understand their vulnerabilities better, Sophos is helping them bolster their defenses against ever-changing cyber threats.