Real-time File Access Monitoring (FAM) with Qualys FIM

This document outlines File Access Monitoring (FAM) and how Qualys FIM delivers real-time visibility and alerts for access to sensitive files across Windows and Linux, supporting compliance (GDPR, CCPA, SOX, HIPAA, CIS Controls) by capturing detailed context (user, timestamp, file, process, host, command). It highlights common challenges (data volume, immediate visibility, searchability, alert fatigue, automation, reporting, regulatory changes), demonstrates example detections (sudo reads of /etc/sudoers, Notepad and PowerShell access to sensitive files), and provides configuration guidance and FAQs, emphasizing automated incident/compliance reporting and no additional agent or cost.