User Activity Monitoring

Keeping track of user activity on your business computers can be a challenge, but with the right software, it doesn’t have to be.

User Activity Monitoring (UAM) is a type of software that allows businesses to monitor and track computer activity, such as keystrokes and mouse clicks. This information can then be used to identify any potential security risks or malicious behavior in the network.

With the right UAM solution, businesses can rest assured that their data is protected and their employees are handling information correctly. 

Introduction to User Activity Monitoring

Have you ever wondered if your employees or colleagues are correctly handling data or are aware of cyberattacks? User activity monitoring (UAM) can help with both of these scenarios.

UAM refers to a type of software that tracks certain user activity on a computer or network. It records such events as keystrokes and mouse clicks, allowing those with authorization to monitor user behavior for security, compliance, and productivity purposes. UAM tools also provide data about the user’s online behaviors, web applications and websites visited, file transfers, downloads, print jobs, and more.

How User Activity Monitoring Software Works

User activity monitoring software works in two main ways: passively monitoring user activity and actively monitoring user activity.

When a system is passively monitored, it means that the software collects data about user activity without actually interacting with them. This type of monitoring is primarily a tracking tool, which logs the specific activities users undertake on their devices.

When actively monitored, user activity software can detect and assess whether what a user is doing is normal or suspicious. It then notifies the appropriate personnel if it detects any deviation from the norm. The user may be presented with a disclaimer alerting them to the active monitoring, while some companies may choose to keep this an internal process.

The ability of user activity tracking to identify abnormal usage behavior allows companies to stay one step ahead of any malicious activities or security threats. This means they can protect confidential data and information, and ensure compliance with regulations, all while allowing legitimate access to the resources they need.

Benefits of Implementing User Activity Monitoring Tools

Companies that implement robust systems are quickly able to identify new opportunities and identify problem areas, as well as receiving detailed visibility into the activities of their users. Here are some of the primary benefits:

• Improved Security – The most obvious benefit of using a user activity monitoring tool is improved security. The software enables IT administrators to monitor the activities of all users on their network and identify any suspicious or malicious behavior. 
• Enhanced Compliance Oversight – User activity monitoring can help organizations by allowing them to track user permissions, detect any suspicious activities, and create detailed audit logs for review by auditors or other relevant personnel.
• Streamlined Regulatory Reporting – Reports can easily be generated and shared with relevant authorities, streamlining the process for both the organization and relevant regulatory offices.

Final Thoughts

User activity monitoring is an important security tool for businesses of all sizes, as it provides visibility into user activities on critical systems. It can provide granular data on which users are accessing which files and when, enabling organizations to track suspicious activities, detect breaches, and ensure that their systems are secure and compliant.