How CTEM is changing cyber risk management in 2025

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As we move further into 2025, the cyber threat landscape is becoming increasingly complex, and the speed at which threat actors are adapting is staggering. The recent UK cyber attack on a major energy firm, attributed to a sophisticated state-backed actor, underscores the vulnerabilities present in both critical infrastructure and private enterprise. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, organisations must evolve their security strategies to stay ahead of these threats. For many, Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) is the critical next step in securing their digital assets and infrastructures.

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What is CTEM and Why is it Necessary?

CTEM is an ongoing, real-time approach to monitoring and managing cyber security threats across an organisation. Rather than relying on sporadic, once-a-year risk assessments, CTEM creates a dynamic, continuous flow of visibility into the organisation's risk posture. With threats constantly evolving—driven by the rise of AI, automated attacks, and increasingly interconnected ecosystems—traditional security measures simply can’t keep pace. The reality is that cyber resilience can’t be achieved by looking in the rearview mirror; organisations need to take action in the present to prepare for future threats.

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What we’re hearing from our partners—particularly in the Financial Services (FS) and Professional Services sectors—is that CTEM isn’t just about plugging gaps in the security infrastructure. It’s about aligning people, processes, and technology to create a more holistic, resilient security posture. For these sectors, the consequences of a breach are far-reaching, from regulatory scrutiny to reputational damage. As a result, a shift toward a continuous risk management approach is becoming indispensable. It’s no longer enough to react to an attack once it’s happened—security leaders need to actively manage risk on an ongoing basis.

The Real Value of CTEM

What exactly is the value of CTEM for organisations, particularly in the IoT and OT (Operational Technology) spaces? It goes beyond just identifying vulnerabilities.

• Early Detection and Prevention: With real-time monitoring, CTEM provides early detection of potential threats, allowing organisations to take action before attackers can exploit vulnerabilities.
• Prioritisation Based on Business Risk: CTEM helps security leaders shift from a one-size-fits-all vulnerability patching approach to a targeted, risk-based approach. Not all vulnerabilities are created equal—CTEM helps organisations focus on the risks that matter most to their specific operations.
• Continuous Compliance: In industries like FS, organisations are under constant pressure to meet regulatory requirements. CTEM helps organisations maintain continuous compliance, making it easier to pass audits and meet ever-changing regulations without scrambling at the last minute.
• Improved Incident Response: By integrating threat intelligence into security systems, CTEM allows organisations to respond faster to incidents and reduce the time it takes to recover.
• Cost-Effective Risk Mitigation: Proactively managing vulnerabilities and exposures before they turn into costly incidents can save organisations millions of pounds. The financial burden of post-breach remediation, litigation, and reputational damage far outweighs the investment in continuous threat exposure management.

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Challenges with CTEM Adoption

Despite the clear benefits, the implementation of CTEM presents challenges. From speaking with security leaders in both FS and OT environments, it’s evident that:

• The Complexity of Existing Systems: Many organisations have legacy systems that aren’t designed to work in a real-time, integrated security framework. Rebuilding or adapting these systems can be a significant hurdle.
• Talent Shortages: CTEM requires skilled professionals who can not only understand the technology but also interpret the data and make decisions about what action to take. Many organisations are struggling to attract and retain this talent.
• Cultural Shifts: For many security teams, CTEM represents a fundamental shift in how security is approached—moving from a reactive to a proactive model. This requires organisational buy-in across departments, not just from the IT team but also from top management.
• Overwhelming Data Volume: Managing and analysing the sheer volume of data generated by continuous threat monitoring is no small feat. Without automation and AI-powered analytics, this could lead to alert fatigue and missed threats.

How we partner with organisations to achieve success?

The key to success with CTEM isn’t simply adopting the latest technology or tool. It’s about recognising that CTEM is a journey—one that requires long-term commitment across three pillars: culture, technology, and talent acquisition.

• Culture: At the heart of any effective CTEM programme is a culture of continuous improvement. Security is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing process. We work closely with our clients to foster a security-first mentality throughout their organisation, from top-level executives to frontline employees. This shift in mindset is critical for the success of any CTEM initiative.
• Technology: The right technology stack is essential to enable real-time monitoring and threat detection. But technology alone is not enough. The systems must be tailored to meet the unique needs of the organisation and must be integrated with existing infrastructure. Whether it’s using AI to automate vulnerability detection or deploying real-time threat intelligence platforms, the technology must work in harmony with the organisation’s objectives.
• Talent Acquisition: A key part of CTEM success is building a highly skilled team that can adapt quickly to emerging threats. We help organisations develop tailored training programmes to upskill existing teams, while also supporting talent acquisition to bring in specialised cyber security expertise.

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We’ve seen this approach in action with several of our clients in Financial Services and Professional Services. By integrating CTEM into their security frameworks, these organisations have been able to significantly reduce their exposure to high-risk vulnerabilities while increasing their overall resilience to cyber threats. One financial institution, for example, was able to decrease the time to identify and mitigate critical vulnerabilities by over 40% within six months of implementing a CTEM strategy. Another global consulting firm saw a 30% reduction in cyberattack success rates through more proactive threat management and real-time visibility.

CTEM is the future of cyber security

It’s clear that CTEM is not a passing trend. The ability to proactively manage threats and vulnerabilities is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. But as we’ve discussed, CTEM is a journey. For organisations in the IoT, OT, and FS sectors, this journey involves cultivating a security culture, leveraging the right technology, and empowering the right talent. The organisations that embrace CTEM today are the ones that will be best positioned to defend against tomorrow’s threats. And as we’ve seen in recent cyber events, the cost of waiting is simply too high.

Why collaboration is key

As AI continues to reshape industries, collaboration is essential for ensuring its successful integration, professional networks like SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community & Podcast, YorkshireX, DTX 360, Clarion Events, Cyber News Global InfoSec Europe, CyberUK, and groups such as CyBlack, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), Join Momentum , ISACA Northern England Chapter, Cyber London , and Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster offer platforms for exchanging insights. These groups foster an environment where cyber security advancements and mental well-being are prioritised, creating a balanced approach to both technological progress and a resilient, supportive workplace culture.

Introducing Ami Hofman

Ami Hofman is a seasoned cyber security veteran with over 30 years of experience, tackling cyber threats long before they became daily headlines. A security generalist with a sharp focus on threat and risk management, cloud security, and data protection, he has led some of the largest cyber security uplift programmes in the Southern Hemisphere. As the inaugural CISO of Israel’s national telco, Bezeq , and a trusted advisor at global firms like NTT and 埃森哲 , Ami blends strategic vision with hands-on expertise to help organisations stay ahead of evolving threats. Currently assisting a number of stealth startups and CYFIRMA , Ami wears many hats. He is passionate about bridging the gap between innovation and security, ensuring businesses build resilience without unnecessary complexity. With a knack for translating cyber security challenges into actionable solutions, Ami makes security both effective and accessible—without turning it into a never-ending source of anxiety.

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Why This Episode is a Must-Watch & Value You’ll Gain:

We dive into the growing need for Continuous Threat & Exposure Management (CTEM) and why traditional security approaches are no longer enough. We break down how organisations can move from reactive to proactive security, the key steps to launching a successful CTEM programme, and the crucial role automation plays in identifying and responding to threats faster. But it’s not just about the tech—we also tackle real challenges, like getting leadership buy-in, adapting strategies to different businesses, and building a security culture that actually works. If you've ever wondered why some security teams thrive while others struggle, how to explain cyber risks in a way that business leaders understand, or what the future of cyber security looks like, this episode is for you. Packed with expert insights and practical takeaways, it’s a must-listen for anyone serious about staying ahead of evolving threats and making security a true business enabler.

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