Server monitoring is essential for companies to minimize security risks, ensure system stability, and operate their IT infrastructure efficiently. However, the question of whether and to what extent such monitoring is permitted is not always clear. In this blog post, we examine the legal, technical, and ethical aspects of server monitoring.
Server monitoring touches on various legal aspects, particularly with regard to data protection and labor law.
When personal data is processed on a server, data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the US apply. Companies must ensure that:
Monitoring is limited to what is necessary (data minimization).
There is a clear legal basis for processing the monitored data (e.g., legitimate interest or contractual necessity).
Data subjects (e.g., employees or customers) are informed.
Secure storage and processing of the collected data is guaranteed.
Server monitoring can also indirectly affect employee monitoring, especially when company servers are used. In many countries, the following applies:
Employee monitoring must be proportionate and transparent.
Works councils or employee representatives must often be involved.
Covert monitoring is prohibited in most cases.
Server monitoring can be carried out using various technical means:
Log analysis: System logs provide information about access, errors, and suspicious activities.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): These systems detect and report suspicious activities in real time.
Performance monitoring: CPU utilization, memory usage, and network utilization are monitored to identify bottlenecks early on.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): A central analysis platform collects and analyzes security-relevant events.
In addition to purely legal considerations, companies should also consider ethical considerations:
Transparency: Employees and customers should be informed about what data is collected and for what purpose it is used.
Proportionality: Monitoring should only go as far as necessary to ensure security and operational stability.
Data Security: The collected monitoring data itself must be protected from unauthorized access.
In principle, monitoring servers is permitted and necessary to minimize security risks and ensure smooth IT operations. However, companies must comply with applicable data protection and labor laws, create transparent processes, and ensure that monitoring remains proportionate. A combination of legal safeguards, technical safeguards, and ethical responsibility ensures that server monitoring is both effective and compliant with the law.
Here we answer questions about server monitoring from Livewatch. If you have a question that we have not yet answered here, please contact us.
In recent months, several critical security vulnerabilities have been discovered in server systems that can potentially have serious consequences for IT security. Some of the most significant vulnerabilities are presented below:
1. CVE-2024-37079: Security vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server
In June 2024, a critical vulnerability was identified in VMware vCenter Server. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code using manipulated packages, leading to a heap buffer overflow and endangering services. VMware has already released a patch that should be installed urgently.
2. CVE-2024-49113: LDAPNightmare in Windows servers
A recently discovered vulnerability in the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) implementation, known as CVE-2024-49113, allows attackers to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition by crashing the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). Microsoft fixed this vulnerability in December 2024.
3. CVE-2024-20697: Vulnerability in Windows 11 and Server 2022
A vulnerability in Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when extracting RAR files. Microsoft fixed this vulnerability in January 2024 and recommends installing the patch and avoiding opening RAR files from unknown sources.
4. CVE-2024-21410: Critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) reported in March 2024 that at least 17,000 instances of Microsoft Exchange servers in Germany are vulnerable to critical vulnerabilities. These gaps are already being actively exploited by cyber criminals. The BSI recommends using current versions of Exchange, installing available security updates and configuring the instances securely.
5. CVE-2024-49112: Zero-day vulnerability in Windows and Windows Server
A zero-day vulnerability in Windows and Windows Server enables denial-of-service attacks because it causes the operating system to crash. Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022 are affected. Microsoft fixed this vulnerability in August 2024.
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