Smart ASM: The next generation of security management application

Application security management has become one of the most complex challenges for technology and cybersecurity managers. Attack surfaces are growing steadily, driven by cloud, multicloud, shadow IT, and uncontrolled exposed assets.

Faced with this new scenario, the classic ASM (Application Security Management) model, based on passive scans and periodic audits, has become obsolete. The solution is no longer to monitor what we know, but to discover and anticipate what we do not see.

This is where Smart ASM is born, the natural evolution of the ASM model, powered by artificial intelligence, advanced automation, and technical specialization. At Unikal, we have developed this solution to respond with agility, precision, and business vision to the threats of the present... and the future.

The challenge: cloud, multicloud and shadow IT environments

Today, most medium and large Spanish companies operate in hybrid environments, combining public clouds (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud), private infrastructures, and SaaS services deployed by businesses without IT intervention.

This has generated a fragmented reality where:

• Part of the exposed inventory is unknown.
• Traceability of updates, access, and configurations is lost.
• The risk of involuntary exposure is increased.

The traditional ASM model -focused on known assets- does not scale and does not offer a real vision of risk. It's like watching a house without knowing how many doors and windows it has open to the outside.

Natural evolution: from passive ASM to dynamic Smart ASM

The Smart ASM model proposed by Unikal is a paradigm shift. We are no longer talking about reviewing what we know, but about discovering what we don't know. The key concept is external attack surface management: understanding how an attacker perceives us from the outside.

But we go further: we not only discover, we also analyze and prioritize with the help of AI. Instead of generating noise with thousands of alerts, we generate actionable information with a focus on what really represents a risk.

What is Smart ASM, and how does it differ from traditional ASM?

Smart ASM is an intelligent, automated approach to managing an organization's external attack surface. Compared to classic ASM, it is characterized by:

In short, the Smart ASM model allows you to see more, understand better, and act sooner. It ceases to be a static inventory and becomes a living defense system, connected to business processes.

Key components of the Unikal Smart ASM solution

Strategic advantages for Spanish companies

Immediate improvement of security posture

Identifying and mitigating exposed assets directly reduces the risk of external attacks, phishing, ransomware or exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

2. Compliance with regulations like NIS2 or ENS

The new European security framework requires continuous visibility and control over the attack surface. Smart ASM facilitates compliance by providing clear and traceable evidence.

3. Optimization of cybersecurity team resources

Through automation and prioritization, analysis time is reduced and key team resources are freed up for higher-value tasks.

Smart ASM application cases

The differential value of Unikal as an integrator

At Unikal we not only implement technology, we also accompany organizations throughout the process of evolution towards a more mature and proactive model of cybersecurity.

	Advanced cybersecurity specialists' network We have a highly qualified team with real experience in critical infrastructure protection, OT environments, the public sector, and banking.
	Agile and scalable deployment capabilities Our modular and results-based approach allows progressive implementations, adapted to the reality of each client.
	Post-implementation support and continuous evolution Smart ASM is not a one-off project. It is a living strategy that must evolve with the organization, and that is where we are present as technology partners.

Conclusion: Smart ASM is not a tool; it is a strategy.

At a time when the perimeter has become blurred and risks are multiplying, Smart ASM represents a necessary change of approach. It is no longer just a matter of defending what we know we have, but of discovering, understanding, and acting on what we do not see.

The solution developed by Unikal enables Spanish companies to address this challenge in a way that is agile, scalable and aligned with their digital strategy.

Want to see how Smart ASM can strengthen your cybersecurity strategy now?

Request a free diagnostic or a personalized demo.