Event-Based Monitoring of Digital Infrastructures

Abstract

In life, decision-making often involves weighing options against each other. Ideally, we swiftly discern the best choice among them, simplifying our selection process. Unfortunately, though, most of the time, in a complex IT environment of a Critical Infrastructure System that’s not the case. Instead, we are facing complex problems, with a large amount of data and multiple and often conflicting criteria. Thus, we end up with a dilemma, as we cannot decide which choice is the right one for the case under consideration. As a result, the need to analyze all possible choices is created, so that we can be sure that we will make the best possible decision to solve the problem at hand. To cope with the Critical Infrastructure Systems requirements, we had to find ways to efficiently collect and process data in short times (to be able to make comparisons and estimations between different data sets) and interpret them in useful ways, to reach intuitive and substantial conclusions and take appropriate actions. Monitoring of digital infrastructures stands as a cornerstone in enterprise information technology strategy, overseeing data centers and their components. Administrators continuously track metrics, ensuring that the organization maintains required production levels. Utilizing trends, they validate infrastructure changes long before applications and services face disruptions. Further, real- time alerts empower administrators to promptly address issues that could disrupt business processes. The aim of the thesis is to enhance the existing Ticketing System for the Cyprus Police, enabling automated ticket creation based on performance monitoring events from software applications within the Central Police Computerization System—a critical part of Cyprus' Digital Infrastructure Systems. This enhancement will empower Cyprus Police information technology operators and first-level supporters to establish monitoring agents for diverse performance indicators. Additionally, it will generate accessible application programming interfaces in the Ticketing System, enabling the system’s operators to engage in predictive maintenance activities.