Why UAM is indispensable for every Swiss company
Cybersecurity threats are constantly increasing, and companies face the challenge of ever better protecting their data and systems. User Activity Monitoring (UAM) is now a decisive tool for every company in Switzerland seeking to boost productivity and enhance security. It enables real-time monitoring of user activities while providing valuable insights for process optimisation.
In this article, we examine how UAM works, its benefits and best practices, as well as its crucial role in complying with regulatory requirements in Switzerland. If your company is looking for UAM solutions, we are at your disposal. Contact us today for an initial consultation.
1. How it works, benefits, best practices, and more.
An important aspect of User Activity Monitoring (UAM) is its mode of operation. By monitoring end-user behaviour on devices, across networks, and other company-owned IT resources, your security teams can detect and stop insider threats. This applies to both unintentional and malicious activities.
FINMA in Switzerland and user activities
Many companies deploy UAM tools to meet regulatory requirements. In Switzerland, for example, financial institutions must observe the guidelines of FINMA. FINMA stipulates that “[…] persons who can access or modify critical data […]” must be carefully selected and “[…] appropriately monitored and regularly trained in handling such data.”
The benefits of UAM tools are manifold: they not only improve security directly, but also help companies meet parts of their compliance obligations in a few simple steps.
Best practices for implementing UAM tools include clearly defining corporate goals and responsibilities, carefully selecting the appropriate tool, and comprehensive employee training. Companies should also ensure that the chosen product can be integrated with existing security solutions such as SIEM tools. In sum, User Activity Monitoring is essential for every company to improve security, compliance, and even efficiency.
2. What is session or user activity monitoring?
Solutions for monitoring user activities, such as session monitoring or UAM, are a vital building block for every company in the drive for stronger cybersecurity. These software tools make it possible to monitor and track end-user behaviour on devices (e.g., servers), in networks, and across other company-owned IT resources. In doing so, insider threats can be identified and automatically stopped, whether the underlying action is accidental or malicious.
Integration and methods used depend heavily on the company’s objectives and obligations. An effective implementation of User Activity Monitoring should not only target regulatory compliance, but also the optimisation of business processes and the strengthening of IT security. Companies should therefore consider a qualified, ideally local partner when selecting such a solution to fully unlock the potential of User Activity Monitoring. This includes, for example, implementing automated countermeasures in the event of policy violations.
Monitoring vs. alarming: As a rule of thumb, UAM tools can record all user activities and in most cases do so by default configuration. As a customer of a UAM solution, you typically need advice when setting up a sensible alerting concept and potential integrations with third-party systems such as SIEM or ticketing systems.
3. Solutions for monitoring user activities (User Activity Monitoring, UAM)
Solutions for monitoring user activities (User Activity Monitoring, UAM) must be evaluated individually for each company based on specific requirements. After all, even with similar regulatory obligations, not every firm has the same needs for technical solutions.
What does User Activity Monitoring deliver? By deploying such software tools, critical actions can be identified and halted, whether they occur intentionally or unintentionally.
The benefits of session monitoring and UAM tools are self-evident: tracking and monitoring end-user behaviour on critical systems helps you respond quickly and effectively to potential security breaches. Regulatory frameworks such as those of FINMA in Switzerland, BaFin in Germany or FMA in Austria often make the use of such tools indispensable. Yet even beyond regulatory demands, companies should not forgo UAM tools. UAM is an essential pillar of a cyber strategy to protect your IT infrastructure and data. The mode of integration and methods employed depend on your company’s individual goals and needs. Regardless of which solution you choose: User Activity Monitoring is indispensable today.
