Cyber Security Monitoring: The Key to Data and Threat Protection

Cyber security monitoring is the process of observing networks, computer systems, and devices to detect and respond to digital threats. This process relies on both people and technology to carefully watch systems, analyze data, and act when a breach is suspected.

Here are some common cyber security monitoring activities:

A cyber attack is any effort made to gain illegal access to a computer or network with the intent to steal data or cause harm to a system. Here are a few common examples of cyber attacks:

A data breach is a serious security incident in which someone gains unauthorized access to sensitive information. Data breaches often target confidential data such as:

Cyber security monitoring is an essential part of many organizations’ IT strategies because the risk of a cyber attack without protection is high. In fact, cyber security company Huntress reports that 54% of organizations surveyed experienced a malware attack in 2025 alone. Not only can cyber security monitoring help detect and prevent cyber threats, but it can also help organizations comply with laws and internal policies.

Cyber security compliance is the necessary process of adhering to regulations, industry standards, and other policies to protect data, assets, and people from cyber attacks.

Examples of cyber security compliance include:

Layered defenses are a key strategy for maintaining a strong cyber security monitoring system. Cyber teams analyze the needs of their organizations to decide what tools to use and policies to develop. Along with the application of essential technology, users — from customers to employees — play an important role in cyber attack prevention, too. Training staff and creating a cyber-savvy work culture can help identify vulnerabilities and even prevent breaches.

Common cyber security monitoring techniques include:

Security information and event management (SIEM) is a type of software that helps organizations find and fix vulnerabilities. With the help of SIEM’s continuous data monitoring, cyber security teams review comprehensive dashboards, detect threats early, avoid breaches, and stop active attacks.

SIEM software provides cyber security monitoring support by:

An intrusion detection system (IDS) and an intrusion prevention system (IPS) are 2 types of security tools used by cyber professionals to monitor network activity and stop threats:

Advanced threat protection (ATP) is a sophisticated and multilayered method of protecting systems and data. ATP defenses can include a combination of firewalls, endpoint monitoring, cloud security, email defenses, and more. 

Network security management is the process of managing multiple security solutions to protect networks and prevent unauthorized access. This approach brings multiple defenses under a single umbrella to give administrators centralized visibility into traffic, threats, and other data.

Firewalls are a longstanding component of network security management. A firewall monitors and filters traffic coming and going from a network. When the firewall finds data that doesn’t meet predetermined criteria, it blocks the activity in real time.

Another important element of network security is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is an encrypted connection that creates more secure transmissions between a remote user – like a work-from-home employee – and a network, such as an employer’s server. VPNs can also mask identifying information to increase confidentiality. For example, using a VPN on public wi-fi can help prevent hackers from accessing data.

Cyber security monitoring is a critical function, but the threats don’t end there. Cyber security audits are another important strategy. 

A cyber security audit is a thorough review of an organization’s networks and security policies. These audits require a high degree of technical knowledge, plus an eye for detail. They’re typically conducted by third-party tech teams with advanced cyber security auditing skills and experience in areas like:

It’s unlikely that AI will replace cyber security or the skilled professionals who keep systems running, according to CrowdStrike’s State of AI in Cybersecurity Survey. AI is, however, playing an emerging role by supporting tech teams, augmenting human knowledge, and streamlining processes.

Here are a few ways AI is influencing cyber security today:

If you have a passion for protecting data, you can consider many cyber security careers, such as: 

A cyber analyst evaluates networks to look for weaknesses. They often take both a preventive approach to defend against threats and an offensive position to fight real-time attacks.

In our Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Security program, you’ll learn skills aligned with the job of a cyber security analyst, such as network management, digital forensics, and threat monitoring. You’ll also develop the knowledge to get ready to pursue industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and others. 

A data security administrator manages databases to ensure they're protected. They focus on routine maintenance and executing patches and updates to keep IT defenses strong.

In our Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems with a Cyber Security Programming Specialization, you can gain the skills data security administrators put to work every day. You’ll learn to secure networks and develop strategies to respond to cyber attacks. Plus, you can prepare to pursue a host of CompTIA certifications and other credentials, like Certified AI Essentials.

A cyber risk analyst’s role is to anticipate future attacks. They keep a close eye on potential threats, monitor traffic, perform cyber security audits, and more. A successful cyber risk analyst has a strong grasp on current technology and dives into emerging trends, too, whether that’s learning evolving hacker strategies or leveraging new AI tools.

You can explore our these skills and prepare to pursue relevant certifications from CompTIA, EC Council, and more through our Bachelor's in Cybersecurity and Networking.