What does 'real-time monitoring' involve in security practices?

Real-time monitoring in security practices refers to the continuous observation of networks and systems for any incidents that may pose a security threat. This practice involves the ongoing collection and analysis of data from various sources, including network traffic, system alerts, and user activities, allowing security personnel to detect and respond to potential threats as they occur.

The emphasis on "real-time" indicates that this monitoring is not a one-time or scheduled event but rather an active and continuous process. It enables organizations to swiftly identify vulnerabilities, breaches, or suspicious behaviors, thereby enhancing their ability to mitigate risks and respond to attacks effectively.

In contrast, periodic reviews, weekly audits, and random assessments represent more traditional, scheduled approaches to security that do not provide the same level of immediacy needed to address threats as they arise. These methods are important for maintaining security baseline and compliance but do not address immediate incidents or vulnerabilities in the same proactive manner that real-time monitoring does.