What is a recommended way to monitor software usage to maintain system security?

Implementing a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is an effective strategy for monitoring software usage and maintaining system security. An SBOM is a detailed inventory of all components, libraries, and dependencies used in software applications. By having a comprehensive list of all software components, organizations can gain better visibility into what is running in their environments. This visibility is crucial for identifying vulnerable components, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements, and keeping track of software updates or patches.

When organizations utilize a Software Bill of Materials, they can more effectively assess the security posture of their software, enabling them to respond quickly to vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of security breaches. It also aids in ensuring that only authorized and secure software is in use, which is paramount for maintaining system integrity and security.

In contrast, ignoring third-party applications overlooks potential vulnerabilities that these applications may introduce. Conducting regular user surveys may provide some insight into software usage but lacks the specificity and detail necessary for comprehensive security management. Reducing user access rights may indeed limit exposure to certain risks, but it doesn't directly address monitoring software usage or its associated risks. Thus, implementing a Software Bill of Materials stands out as the most effective approach for monitoring software usage to bolster system security.