What is continuous monitoring in the context of risk management?

Continuous monitoring refers to the ongoing assessment of security controls to ensure they remain effective in safeguarding information systems and managing risks over time. This approach is vital in a landscape where threats and vulnerabilities evolve rapidly; thus, organizations must have a systematic process in place to regularly evaluate their security posture. Continuous monitoring helps organizations to identify and respond to changes in their risk environment, ensuring that security controls adapt to new threats, maintaining compliance with policies, and addressing any weaknesses that may arise.

By implementing continuous monitoring, organizations can proactively manage risks, enhance situational awareness, and make informed decisions regarding their security measures. This practice supports a more dynamic risk management strategy that adjusts to real-time data, ultimately helping to enhance the overall resilience of information systems in the face of potential security challenges.