ServiceNow
ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform that provides various IT service management (ITSM) solutions. It helps organizations automate workflows, manage incidents and requests, and improve overall IT service delivery. Some of its key features include:
Incident management: Tracking and resolving IT issues
Change management: Implementing and tracking IT changes
Asset management: Tracking and managing hardware, software, and other IT assets
Service request management: Providing a way for users to request IT services
Many organizations rely on ServiceNow to streamline their internal IT operations. However, organizations must identify and track all externally identifiable ServiceNow implementations connected to their operations for cybersecurity reasons. It includes:
Public Instances: Some organizations might have ServiceNow instances accessible through the public internet for specific purposes.
Subsidiaries and Affiliates: Different branches or connected companies could have separate ServiceNow instances, potentially creating data exchange points.
Third-Party Vendors and Suppliers: Many vendors might use ServiceNow for their internal IT service management, potentially containing data relevant to your organization.
Shadow IT: Employees might use unauthorized personal or external ServiceNow instances to manage IT-related tasks and introduce security risks.
Understanding the entire ServiceNow ecosystem is critical for cybersecurity reasons:
Attack Surface Expansion: Every connected ServiceNow instance represents a potential entry point for attackers. Vulnerabilities in a third-party's ServiceNow setup could be exploited to access your organization's data stored within the platform.
Misconfigured Access Controls: Improper access controls within ServiceNow can grant unauthorized users access to sensitive data or the ability to disrupt IT operations.
Data Security Concerns: ServiceNow instances often store sensitive information about IT infrastructure, user accounts, and potentially even confidential business data. A compromised instance can expose this data.
Compliance Issues: Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA have strict data security requirements. Organizations must know where their data resides and how it flows through connected ServiceNow instances to ensure compliance.
By comprehensively mapping their ServiceNow ecosystem, organizations can proactively manage security risks and protect their data from unauthorized access within their network and their partners.
ThreatNG fortifying your ServiceNow Ecosystem
ThreatNG, with its combined EASM, DRP, and security ratings capabilities, can be valuable in securing your organization's third-party and supply chain ecosystem, particularly concerning ServiceNow implementations. Here's how:
1. External ServiceNow Identification:
ThreatNG can scan the public internet to identify all externally facing ServiceNow instances connected to the organization, its subsidiaries, and its known vendors (third-party connections).
This includes uncovering shadow IT situations where suppliers or employees might use unauthorized personal or external ServiceNow instances.
2. Risk Assessment of ServiceNow Instances:
ThreatNG can analyze the security posture of identified ServiceNow instances. It includes looking for:
Publicly Accessible Instances: Instances accessible through the Internet pose a significant security risk.
Misconfigured Access Controls: Improper access controls granting unauthorized users access to sensitive data or IT controls.
Outdated Software: Outdated versions of ServiceNow may contain known vulnerabilities.
3. Continuous Monitoring:
ThreatNG can continuously monitor the external attack surface for changes, including new ServiceNow instances or newly discovered vulnerabilities in existing ones.
4. Integration with Security solutions:
ThreatNG integrates with various security solutions to create a holistic security posture:
GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance): Identified risks are fed into the GRC platform, triggering pre-defined workflows for third-party risk management.
Risk Management Platforms: ThreatNG shares risk data to help prioritize remediation efforts based on potential impact.
SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) solutions: ThreatNG can share details about the ServiceNow instance with the SSPM solution, which then assesses the supplier's overall security posture.
Workflow Example:
ThreatNG identifies a public ServiceNow instance: The organization receives an alert from ThreatNG about a publicly accessible ServiceNow instance used by a critical supplier that manages user accounts and IT infrastructure.
Risk Management & GRC Integration: The risk is fed into the risk management platform and triggers a high-priority workflow in the GRC system for third-party risk management.
Communication and Remediation: The organization's security team immediately contacts the supplier, notifying them of the critical security risk and requesting immediate action to secure the instance.
SSPM Integration: The organization's security team shares details about the instance with the SSPM solution, which can assess the supplier's overall security posture and identify any other potential vulnerabilities.
Continuous Monitoring: ThreatNG continues to monitor the instance for any changes or remediation efforts by the supplier.
Desired Business Outcomes:
Reduced Third-Party Risk: Organizations can hold suppliers accountable for maintaining secure IT environments by proactively identifying and assessing external ServiceNow instances.
Improved Security Posture: Continuous monitoring helps identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, preventing data breaches and disruptions to IT operations.
Streamlined Workflow: Integration with existing security solutions allows for a centralized view of security risks, facilitates a more efficient response process, and avoids siloed information.
Enhanced Compliance: Improved visibility into third-party security posture helps organizations meet compliance requirements for data protection and IT security best practices.
ThreatNG acts as the initial line of defense, uncovering external ServiceNow instances and potential security risks. It then integrates with existing security solutions to streamline the risk management process and achieve a more secure third-party and supply chain ecosystem, specifically with ServiceNow implementations.