What is the primary purpose of host monitoring in forensic readiness?

The primary purpose of host monitoring in forensic readiness is to gather information about system behavior. This involves the continuous observation and analysis of a host system's activity to create a comprehensive record of its operation over time. By collecting data on system behavior, organizations can establish baselines for normal operations, making it easier to identify anomalies or signs of potential incidents. This information is crucial when an incident occurs, as it allows forensic teams to analyze what happened, how it happened, and potentially who was involved, thereby aiding in the overall incident response and investigation process.

While identifying user compliance, detecting unauthorized access, and preventing data loss are all important aspects of cybersecurity and incident management, they are typically secondary benefits of comprehensive host monitoring. The core aim is to build a solid foundation of knowledge regarding system performance and activity that is vital for effective forensic analysis.