For years, the cloud computing model has been the driving force behind digital transformation. Centralizing data and processes appeared to be the most logical option. However, the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for real-time responses, and the proliferation of connected devices have spurred the adoption of another approach: edge computing.
Understanding what edge computing is, how it works, and its security implications is now crucial for any organization managing critical data or distributed infrastructure. While edge computing offers speed and efficiency, it also raises new cybersecurity challenges that cannot be ignored.
Before we get into the subject, it’s worth noting something important: the more processing points and devices a system has, the larger the attack surface. . And that’s where solutions like Kartos by Enthec begin to play a strategic role.
Edge computing, what exactly is it?
When we ask the question, “What is edge computing?” we refer to a model in which data processing is performed as close as possible to its point of generation, rather than sending it to a centralized data center or the cloud.
In practice, this means that sensors, IoT devices, local servers, or gateways process information in real time, reducing latency and bandwidth consumption. Only the necessary or already filtered data is then sent to the central systems.
This approach is instrumental in environments where every millisecond counts, such as industry, healthcare, or intelligent transport systems.
How edge computing works in practice
To understand how edge computing works, it’s helpful to imagine a distributed architecture with several layers:
Edge processing
Devices located at the “edge” of the network (sensors, cameras, industrial machines, smart routers) collect and analyze data in real time. Here, decisions are made quickly, without depending on the cloud.
Selective communication with central systems
Not all information travels to central servers. Only aggregated data, alerts, or historical information are transmitted, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Cloud integration
Edge computing doesn’t eliminate cloud computing; it complements it. The cloud remains key for advanced analytics, long-term storage, and global coordination.
This hybrid model is powerful, but also more complex to protect.
Edge computing and examples in different sectors
Examples of edge computing help to understand why this technology is spreading so rapidly:
- Industry 4.0: Machinery that detects faults in real time and adjusts its operation without waiting for external instructions.
- Smart Cities: traffic lights that adapt to live traffic or video surveillance systems that process images locally.
- Health: Medical devices that instantly analyze vital signs, which are critical in emergencies.
- Retail: analysis of customer behavior in physical stores without depending on constant cloud connections.
All these cases share one characteristic: sensitive data, distributed devices, and the need for continuous availability.
Edge computing applications and their impact on security
The edge computing applications are typically deployed in highly heterogeneous environments. . Protecting a data center is not the same as protecting hundreds or thousands of devices spread across factories, streets, or homes.
Several challenges arise here:
- Difficulty of updating: Many edge devices are not updated as frequently as needed.
- Uncontrolled physical environments: third-party physical access to devices.
- Inconsistent configurations: Each node can have different security settings.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this requires a shift from a reactive approach to a continuous and proactive one.
Why edge computing expands the attack surface
One of the less visible aspects of edge computing is its risk exposure. Each new node is a potential entry point for an attacker. Not all edge devices have the same security capabilities as a traditional server.
This makes it critical to know what you have exposed, where, and how.
Disadvantages of edge computing from a cybersecurity perspective
Although the operational advantages are clear, it is essential not to overlook the disadvantages of edge computing, especially in matters of security:
Greater operational complexity
Managing hundreds of nodes requires specialized tools and mature processes. Without them, human error multiplies.
Limited visibility
Many organizations lack up-to-date inventories of their edge assets, making it difficult to detect vulnerabilities.
Difficulty in applying homogeneous policies
Maintaining the same level of security at all points is a real challenge, especially in hybrid environments.
These disadvantages do not invalidate edge computing, but they force a rethinking of the cybersecurity strategy.
From one-off security measures to continuous exposure management
This is where an increasingly relevant concept comes into play: the Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM).
In edge environments, one-off audits or sporadic scans are no longer enough. What’s needed is:
- Identify assets in real time
- Continuously detecting vulnerabilities
- Prioritize risks based on actual impact
- Validate whether the security measures work
Kartos, Enthec’s solution for businesses, is positioned precisely within this approach, not as an isolated tool, but as a system that helps to maintain controlled risk exposure in dynamic infrastructures, such as those that arise with edge computing.
Kartos and edge computing: a necessary relationship
In scenarios where processing is decentralized, visibility becomes a strategic asset.. Kartos allows organizations to:
- Have a clear view of your attack surface.
- Detect changes in exposure to threats.
- Prioritize actions based on the actual risk of the business
This is especially useful in edge computing projects, where changes are constant, and mistakes are costly.
It’s not just about knowing what vulnerabilities exist, but about understanding which ones really matter and which ones can wait.
You may be interested in→ Real-time vulnerability management: a step forward in cybersecurity.
What should companies consider before investing in edge computing?
Before deploying solutions, it is advisable to ask some key questions:
- Do we have real visibility of all our assets?
- Do we know what data is processed at each node?
- Can we detect changes in threat exposure in real time?
Answering these questions is not just a technical exercise, but a strategic one.
Returning to the starting point, to understand what edge computing is, we must see it not only as a technological evolution but also as a profound change in how data and risks are managed.. Its adoption will continue to grow, driven by the need for immediacy and efficiency.
However, that growth must be accompanied by a cybersecurity approach aligned with the distributed reality.. Continuous exposure management, supported by solutions such as Kartos by
Enthec, allows you to proceed without losing control.
If your organization is exploring or already working with edge computing applications, it might be time to review how you are managing your attack surface.
Contact us and start understanding your actual exposure before a third party does.
