Which tool evaluates operating system files, such as the Windows registry, to identify any unauthorized changes?

The tool that evaluates operating system files, including the Windows registry, to identify unauthorized changes is known as File Integrity Monitoring (FIM). FIM works by creating a baseline of the original, unaltered state of files and critical system components, comparing them over time to detect signs of tampering or changes that may signal a security threat or intrusion.

FIM is particularly effective for monitoring sensitive files and system configurations, providing alerts when discrepancies are found, which allows administrators to take appropriate action quickly. This capability is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of the operating system and associated applications, as it can help identify potential breaches or malware activity.

In contrast, a network intrusion detection system (NIDS) focuses on monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and does not evaluate individual operating system files. A network intrusion prevention system (NIPS) shares a similar focus as NIDS but is designed to actively block detected threats rather than just monitoring them. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems are responsible for preventing sensitive data from being lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users, but they do not specifically monitor file integrity changes at the operating system level like FIM does.