Observation mode helps reveal signal distributions and legitimate-user impact. Without enforcement, it remains an evidence-gathering phase rather than a completed security objective.
Evaluation approach
Examine events with device characteristics and application versions. Decide which conditions should later trigger blocking, additional verification or logging only.
Application example
Investigate integrity events concentrated on one manufacturer's devices before narrowing the policy.
Limits and considerations
Observation does not establish that attacks did not occur; enforcement is inactive.
Observed behavior differs from enforcement
Attackers may change behavior once enforcement starts, so observation cannot precisely predict every future effect.
Review signals by transaction and device group, and investigate legitimate cases. Introduce real responses to a limited cohort before broad enforcement. A quiet observation period alone does not justify a strict rule for every user.
Checks and decisions
- Set an observation period
- Map business effects
- Define enforcement criteria
Use observation as a defined transition rather than an indefinite postponement of decisions.
Sources
The primary references above provide the technical basis. Example workflows and evaluation suggestions are this publication’s explanations, not independent test results for a particular product.