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Glossary · Security

FIM

File Integrity Management

In plain language

Software that alerts you when important files change in ways they should not.

The metaphor

Like a tamper seal on a medicine bottle: you know at once if someone has opened it.

Going deeper

How it works

  • It records a fingerprint of each important file.
  • It rechecks on a schedule and flags any file whose fingerprint changed.
  • It is used for system files, configuration files and website files.
  • Alerts only help when someone reads them.

How WILDCARD handles it

Workstation Defender protects computers against ransomware, the most common reason files change without permission.

In practice
  • A web server alerts when a page file is edited outside a planned update.
  • An auditor asks for proof that system files were not altered.
  • A security tool flags a program file that changed after installation.

A question owners ask

Does this replace antivirus?

No. It is an extra layer that notices changes. Antivirus and endpoint protection work to stop the cause.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Enterprise
Antivirus
  • Stops ransomware cold
  • Catches fileless malware
  • Blocks zero-day attacks
Start with Enterprise AntivirusMeet Enterprise Antivirus →
Related terms
AIArtificial IntelligenceAPTAdvanced Persistent ThreatASLRAddress Space Layout RandomizationAVAntivirusCERTComputer Emergency Response TeamCIRTComputer Incident Response TeamDEPData Execution PreventionDLLDynamic Link Library

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