Explain the concept of network monitoring.

The concept of network monitoring encompasses the continuous observation of network resources, systems, and traffic, aiming to identify security issues and performance problems in real-time. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of networked environments. By monitoring network traffic, administrators can detect signs of malicious activity, such as intrusions or data exfiltration, and assess overall system performance to ensure that resources are functioning optimally.

Network monitoring tools can analyze various metrics, such as bandwidth usage, response times, and error rates, helping identify potential bottlenecks or failures before they become critical issues. This process not only aids in enhancing security measures but also contributes to the efficient management of network infrastructures, thus enabling organizations to respond promptly to changing conditions.

The other options present important processes but do not encompass the broader scope of network monitoring. The manual review of security logs can be a part of the monitoring process, but it is not continuous and comprehensive in the same way that network monitoring is. Automatic backup of network configurations and software updates contribute to network security, but they are distinct from the active monitoring of network traffic and resource utilization.