Description: Active surveillance refers to the continuous monitoring of a system or network to detect and respond to threats. This proactive approach involves the use of tools and techniques that allow for the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks in real-time, thus ensuring the integrity and security of information. Unlike passive surveillance, which is limited to data collection without intervention, active surveillance seeks not only to detect problems but also to act on them immediately. Key features of active surveillance include the automation of monitoring processes, the ability to respond quickly to incidents, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance the detection of anomalous patterns. In an increasingly digitalized world, where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, active surveillance has become an essential tool for organizations looking to protect their digital assets and maintain user trust. Its relevance lies in the need to adapt to a constantly evolving threat landscape, where prevention and rapid response are crucial to mitigating the impact of cyberattacks.
History: Active surveillance in cybersecurity began to take shape in the 1990s when organizations started to recognize the need to protect their networks against an increase in cyberattacks. With the development of monitoring and analysis technologies, systems were implemented that not only detected intrusions but could also respond to them in real-time. As technology advanced, active surveillance became integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, allowing for more accurate and rapid threat detection. Significant events, such as the ‘Morris’ worm attack in 1988 and the ‘ILOVEYOU’ virus in 2000, underscored the importance of having active surveillance systems to mitigate the impact of attacks.
Uses: Active surveillance is primarily used in corporate and governmental environments to protect critical networks and systems. It is applied in intrusion detection, network traffic analysis, and real-time system monitoring. Additionally, it is employed in identifying vulnerabilities in applications and responding to security incidents. Organizations also use active surveillance to comply with security regulations and to conduct periodic security audits.
Examples: An example of active surveillance is the use of intrusion detection systems (IDS) that monitor network traffic in real-time and alert administrators about suspicious activities. Another case is the use of incident response tools that can automate actions such as isolating a compromised system to prevent the spread of an attack. Additionally, many companies implement security platforms that integrate artificial intelligence to analyze behavior patterns and detect anomalies.
