The organization’s IT environment is constantly changing. Software programs and hardware assets will change. The same is true for profiles and other important assets. Most are approved changes. For example, occurs when a file is patched. But what is worrying is the unexpected changes. Where file integrity needs to be monitored. File integrity monitoring (FIM) is more than just understanding what is happening to the system. Protect your personal data from attacks and comply with regulations. Let’s discuss what FIM is, why FIM is needed, and how it works.
What is file integrity monitoring? File integrity monitoring provides the organization with file level visibility of important issues. This includes profiles, customer data, health information keys and credentials, file system application files, and then FIM notifies those who edit, delete or move the file and those who have unauthorized access to the file. The company has a regulatory standard that requires you to know who can access important files and what changes have taken place. FIM is particularly important for companies that need to comply with compliance regulations, such as NERC CIP, NIST CSF and PCI DSS. FIM is not particularly needed for gdpr and HIPAA, but may be helpful in the audit. This visibility of assets is critical to both regulations. Therefore, in this case, FIM is really not a problem.
Protect you from what threats? If you don’t have permission or harmful users access the network, you can change anything. You can also delete the event log to avoid detection. The worst case scenario is: FIM warning is due to someone accessing the network internally and tampering with files. Attackers can scan the network, find and damage other assets, disguise as employees, steal vouchers, etc. When someone can access the system, at least before being captured, they can perform any required operations.
How does FIM work? Regardless of the software selected, FIM works as follows by default: Set the system files and registry to monitor. Ideally, narrow the scope and avoid unnecessary alarm penetration. Set the baseline in the FIM tool so that there is a base point to check the file. FIM tools monitor pre-determined files and registries 24 hours a day. The FIM tool captures data when important events occur, such as edited or deleted files. The timestamp includes the user, the event that the change occurred, and the time when the change occurred. Analyzing the event data with other data can obtain a complete image of what happened and whether it deviated from normal. If the event is malicious or suspicious, a warning is displayed. (add good changes, such as patches and security updates, to the allow notifications list.) FIM tools provide additional data around events, so the IT team can accurately understand what happened. How to use word press to realize file integrity monitoring? Using word press to realize FIM is not just looking for tools to notify you when files change. FIM is best used in conjunction with other security measures, such as audit logging and user monitoring. Security tools must have layered detection, including compliance and active detection. Other tasks must be detected at the beginning of the attack in order to stop as soon as possible.
Rapid7 is a cloud based file event tracking system. When you select an asset to monitor, the software monitors file modifications and modifiers. You will receive warnings when you delete, edit, or move important files or folders. If you want to focus on instantaneous activities, you can also view real-time metrics. F
In addition to im alerts, you can see all other actions happening around you, so you can investigate and respond to attacks and export modification activities to dashboard charts. The rapid 7 WordPress extension is described in detail here. Qualys is another FIM tool for WordPress. When determining the target range to monitor, use qualys’s default configuration file to start and run immediately. If you need to know more about it, you can adjust the range. The cloud platform also has the function of real-time change detection. If the file changes, the data collected will include the user, file name, asset details, and timestamp. In addition, it can be expanded without purchasing other software or storage.
Other highly rated FIM tools include ossec and tripwire. In addition, we also provide a list of the six best word press security plug-ins for you to install to deal with the FIM solution and one of them to pair. If the ultimate idea of document integrity monitoring is that the company needs to comply with multiple other regulations required by FISMA, Sox or fim, the document integrity monitoring tool must be used. Ensure the security of customers, data, documents and systems, and keep the company in good condition during the audit. The main thing to avoid is the trap that many companies miss. Too much noise. If too many files are monitored, there will be too many FIM warnings. Moreover, if an alert occurs without any context, it is impossible to determine what the threat is. Efficient FIM solutions monitor only the required files and folders, and then provide useful insight and warnings.
Finally, keep these two FIM best practices in mind. Know exactly which files to monitor. If the scope of monitoring is too wide, any modification may overwhelm alarms and activities. Then investigate FIM warnings and take action. It is important to know whether other users or assets are affected. Some stand-alone tools do not provide this context. Log management tools or survey platforms are needed to help with the survey. Are you using the proposed FIM solution? Please tell me that!
