This solution brief introduces Cortex Xpanse AST, which offers automated, user-authorized vulnerability testing to validate real-world exploitability of externally exposed services. Unlike traditional, slow perimeter scans, AST provides daily, targeted, and benign tests tailored to service type—minimizing disruptions and maximizing precision. It closes the gap between attacker reconnaissance (e.g., 35,000 SSH probes/day) and defender response by confirming vulnerabilities in real time. AST enhances scan cadence, prioritizes remediation, and integrates with Xpanse incident workflows. This agentless, high-frequency capability helps organizations protect their growing digital footprint with machine-speed security validation and continuous risk visibility.

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