Identifying a potential security threat before it occurs is known as what?

Identifying a potential security threat before it occurs is referred to as proactive security. This approach emphasizes the importance of anticipating and mitigating threats before they can exploit vulnerabilities or lead to incidents. Proactive security involves implementing measures such as regular security audits, threat modeling, and continuous monitoring to identify weaknesses in a system or network, allowing organizations to fortify their defenses and respond effectively to emerging threats.

In contrast, after-the-fact monitoring focuses on observing and analyzing security events or breaches after they have occurred, which does not help in preventing threats from materializing in the first place. Incident response involves a systematic approach to managing and responding to security incidents that have already happened, concentrating on recovery and damage control rather than prevention. Risk assessment is a process used to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks, but it is typically conducted to inform decision-making rather than actively prevent threats. Thus, proactive security is the most fitting term for addressing potential security threats before they can manifest.