What is continuous monitoring in cybersecurity?

• A. Regularly inspecting and analyzing systems for security compliance and threats
• B. One-time auditing of systems to ensure security measures are in place
• C. Performing penetration testing on networks annually
• D. Increasing the speed and efficiency of network connections

Answer: (A)

Continuous monitoring in cybersecurity refers to the ongoing process of regularly inspecting and analyzing systems to assess their security compliance and identify potential threats. This approach enables organizations to maintain an up-to-date understanding of their security posture, respond quickly to emerging threats, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

By continuously monitoring systems, security teams can identify vulnerabilities and unauthorized activities in real-time, allowing for prompt remediation and minimizing the risk of data breaches or cyber attacks. This proactive stance is essential in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape where cyber threats can emerge at any moment.

In contrast, conducting a one-time audit only provides a snapshot of the security measures in place and does not account for changes that may occur over time. Similarly, performing penetration testing annually or focusing solely on improving network speeds does not foster a proactive security strategy. Instead, continuous monitoring emphasizes the need for an ongoing commitment to security practices as threats and compliance requirements evolve.