Case Study: Mitigating Risk Through Comprehensive Asset Inventory

Executive Summary 

During a routine security assessment aligned with CIS Critical Security Controls, Secure Strategic Technology (SST) identified that the client lacked a complete and accurate inventory of hardware, software, cloud services, and data assets. This gap led to operational inefficiencies, audit delays, cybersecurity blind spots, and an increased risk of exploitation from unmanaged or unknown devices. SST implemented a comprehensive asset inventory program based on CIS Controls 1 and 2, establishing a centralized and continuously updated source of truth. This enabled the client to significantly reduce its attack surface, improve patch compliance, accelerate incident response, lower costs, and enhance audit readiness. The case study emphasizes the importance of asset visibility to cyber hygiene and demonstrates how effective inventory management leads to measurable risk reduction.  

Customer Overview 

Customer Name: Confidential Professional Services Firm
Industry: Professional Services
Location: Midwest, USA
Size: 50–100 Employees 

Challenge 

The client believed they had a reasonably accurate inventory of IT assets; however, during preparation for a cybersecurity audit, they discovered significant blind spots. Devices acquired during a merger were never documented, SaaS applications were used without IT oversight, and a forgotten legacy database with sensitive customer information had gone unpatched and unmonitored for years. The incomplete inventory posed multiple risks. This discovery highlighted a critical truth: you cannot protect what you do not know exists. 

• Security vulnerabilities: Untracked devices and outdated software had missed critical patches. 

• Slow incident response: Responders lacked a single source of truth to identify systems affected by new threats. 

• Audit and compliance issues: Missing inventory documentation delayed a compliance audit and raised concerns with auditors. 

• Financial waste: Duplicate SaaS tools, unused cloud resources, and aging hardware led to unnecessary spending. 

Assessment & Goals 

SST aligned the assessment with the CIS Critical Security Controls, focusing on the foundational safeguards: 

CIS Control 1 – Inventory & Control of Enterprise Assets
CIS Control 2 – Inventory & Control of Software Assets 

Key goals included: 

• Identify all hardware, software, cloud services, and shadow IT in use. 

• Build a centralized and accurate asset repository to serve as a single source of truth. 

• Create automated and continuous monitoring to prevent the inventory from becoming outdated. 

• Reduce risk exposure from unpatched, unauthorized, or unmanaged assets. 

• Improve audit readiness by producing clear, comprehensive asset documentation. 

• Eliminate operational waste tied to unused, redundant, or legacy systems. 

Solution 

Comprehensive Asset Discovery 

SST conducted a comprehensive audit of on-premises systems, cloud accounts, and remote endpoints. Network discovery tools, Active Directory reviews, cloud console audits, and departmental interviews revealed dozens of previously unknown assets, including unauthorized devices, unmanaged virtual machines, and legacy data systems. 

Software & SaaS Inventory Review 

SST cataloged all installed applications and cloud services, removed unauthorized software, updated outdated versions, and consolidated redundant cloud subscriptions to lower costs. 

Centralized Asset Management Database 

A configuration management database (CMDB) was implemented as the single source of truth. All hardware and software records were consolidated, including ownership details, lifecycle information, and security attributes. 

Continuous Monitoring Program 

Automated discovery tools were set up to identify new assets instantly. Monthly reconciliation procedures maintained continuous accuracy. Any new or unidentified asset triggered an alert for review, following CIS best practices. 

Alignment with Additional CIS Controls 

Once the asset inventory foundation was in place, SST enhanced related controls including secure configuration (Control 4), vulnerability scanning (Control 7), patch management, and role-based access policies. This led to a broader improvement in the client’s security maturity. 

Results 

The project achieved measurable improvements in security and operations. 

• Complete Visibility & Reduced Attack Surface – The organization now has comprehensive, real-time visibility across all devices, cloud systems, and applications. Unknown assets and the risks linked to them have been eliminated. 

• Improved Patch Management & Vulnerability Response – Patch compliance improved significantly. With clear visibility, the IT team could quickly identify systems affected by new vulnerabilities and respond promptly. 

• Faster Incident Response – Incident response times improved markedly. Responders could quickly identify affected systems, speeding up containment and recovery efforts. 

• Enhanced Compliance & Audit Readiness – Audits became more efficient and successful, with accurate asset documentation and lifecycle records readily available. 

• Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings – Redundant cloud services, unused licenses, and outdated hardware were consolidated or retired. This resulted in significant cost savings and better lifecycle planning. 

Key Takeaways 

• Asset inventory is foundational CIS places it at Controls #1 and #2 for a reason. 

• Unknown or unmanaged devices are leading causes of cyber incidents. 

• A centralized, continuously updated inventory dramatically improves security and operational efficiency. 

• Visibility accelerates patching, strengthens incident response, and simplifies audits. 

• Proper asset management reduces cost waste and improves budgeting accuracy. 

• Even a single inventory project can transform an organization’s security posture and reduce tangible risk.