To perform a quick security audit of publicly exposed network assets, what is the most efficient initial step?

The most efficient initial step for performing a quick security audit of publicly exposed network assets is to identify external assets using Cloud Asset Inventory. This approach allows for a clear and organized view of which assets are publicly accessible without requiring extensive scanning or invasive techniques. By leveraging Cloud Asset Inventory, security engineers can quickly enumerate all the resources in the cloud environment, particularly focusing on those that are exposed to the internet.

This identification step provides essential context for further security checks, such as understanding what specific resources are at risk of being compromised. It enables teams to prioritize their efforts based on the visibility and importance of these assets, making it a strategic starting point in any security audit workflow. Understanding the landscape of external assets first lays a solid foundation for subsequent actions, such as implementing security controls or conducting vulnerability assessments on identified assets.

Taking immediate actions, such as revoking all public access or conducting a thorough internal network audit without first identifying the assets, would be less efficient and could result in unnecessary work or disruptions. A comprehensive understanding of what is exposed is key to implementing effective security measures thereafter.