Continuous monitoring is often associated with large environments and complex platforms. However, a small organisation can gain real benefit from a compact monitoring approach that focuses on a few key signals.
This article explains what is realistic to monitor in a small environment and how to avoid drowning in data.
1. Focus on important entry points
Start by identifying the systems that control access to your environment:
- VPN gateways and remote access tools.
- Admin portals for cloud services and infrastructure.
- Authentication services such as directory servers.
Ensure that logging is enabled on these systems and that you can view the logs without complex procedures.
2. Watch for failed and unusual logins
You do not need to inspect every login event. Instead, look for:
- Repeated failed login attempts for admin accounts.
- Login attempts from countries where you do not have staff or customers.
- Logins at unlikely times for your organisation.
3. Monitor changes to privileged accounts
Any creation, deletion, or modification of accounts with administrative rights should be visible.
- New admin accounts created.
- Existing accounts added to privileged groups.
- Changes to MFA or password reset settings for key accounts.
4. Track backup status
Backups are critical, yet many organisations only discover a failure during an incident.
- Monitor whether backups complete successfully.
- Alert when backups fail repeatedly.
- Record when restore tests are carried out.
5. Use simple dashboards and alerts
Even basic tools often have built in dashboards or email summary reports. Configure them so that:
- Someone receives a concise summary on a regular schedule.
- High priority alerts go to a monitored mailbox or ticketing system.
- Noise is reduced by turning off low value alerts.
6. Assign clear responsibility
Monitoring is only useful if someone is accountable for reviewing and acting on the information.
- Nominate a primary owner for monitoring activities.
- Define a simple process for triaging and escalating issues.
- Review monitoring coverage at least annually.
From raw logs to meaningful signals
The objective is not to capture every possible event. It is to detect and respond to high value signals that indicate misuse, attack, or failure of critical controls. The Baseline Security Sprint helps define and implement a compact monitoring approach that suits your scale and technology stack.
Next step: if you would like help turning scattered logs into a small set of actionable monitoring views, a short engagement can design and implement a suitable structure.