Lumen Technologies Scales Asset Exposure Management

Lumen Technologies successfully scaled its asset exposure management capabilities, increasing its managed assets from 17,000 to 1.1 million. This significant expansion was driven by the need to address inaccuracies in enterprise asset inventories, a common issue highlighted by the 2026 Axonius Actionability Report. The report indicated that only 45% of organizations consolidate their asset and exposure data into a single view, leading to downstream security program deficiencies.

Prior to this initiative, Lumen Technologies faced challenges with its asset inventory, which was not sufficiently comprehensive or accurate to support robust security operations. The company recognized that an incomplete asset list directly impacts the effectiveness of all subsequent security measures, from vulnerability management to incident response. The goal was to create a unified and precise understanding of all digital and physical assets connected to the Lumen network.

The project involved a multi-faceted approach to asset discovery, classification, and continuous monitoring. This included integrating data from various sources such as network scanners, cloud platforms, endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, and IT service management (ITSM) systems. The objective was to achieve a near real-time, single source of truth for Lumen's entire asset landscape.

By achieving this scale of asset management, Lumen Technologies significantly improved its ability to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, detect unauthorized devices, and enforce security policies across its vast infrastructure. This enhanced visibility is crucial for defending against sophisticated cyber threats and maintaining operational resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment. The successful implementation demonstrates a commitment to proactive security management and a data-driven approach to cybersecurity.