What is a common feature of file integrity monitoring systems?

File integrity monitoring systems are designed to detect unauthorized changes to files on a system, which is crucial for maintaining security and compliance in industrial control systems. A common feature of these systems is the ability to perform checks either in real-time or at predefined intervals. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the approach that best suits their operational needs and risk posture.

Real-time monitoring enables the immediate detection of changes, which is vital for prompt response to potential security incidents. On the other hand, scheduled checks can be more resource-efficient for environments with lower change frequency or when an organization wants to minimize performance impacts. This versatility is key in ensuring that file integrity monitoring effectively supports both security and operational requirements.

In contrast, manual checks would be less efficient and can lead to oversights, while requiring constant user intervention would not be practical for most organizations. Additionally, the effectiveness of file integrity monitoring is not limited to large organizations; it can benefit entities of all sizes, making the idea that it is only effective for large organizations inaccurate.