What is the primary function of continuous monitoring in cybersecurity?

The primary function of continuous monitoring in cybersecurity is to ensure system integrity and compliance. Continuous monitoring involves the real-time assessment of systems for any anomalies, vulnerabilities, and compliance with relevant regulations and policies. By regularly evaluating the security status of an industrial automation and control system (IACS), organizations can swiftly identify potential threats and ensure that their security measures are effective and up to date. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the system, safeguarding against breaches and ensuring adherence to security standards and policies.

The option that discusses the documentation of incidents focuses on post-event analysis, which is a reactive measure rather than the proactive stance of continuous monitoring. The elimination of all security risks is an unrealistic goal, as cybersecurity is about managing and mitigating risks rather than completely removing them. Lastly, increasing the number of security incidents stands in direct opposition to the goals of cybersecurity, which aims to reduce incidents, thereby making this option inconsistent with the goals of continuous monitoring.