watchguard
One who observes
A watchguard is a chain, cord, or ribbon attached to a pocket watch and secured to clothing—typically a vest or waistcoat—to prevent the watch from being dropped or stolen.
The term is old-fashioned, reflecting an era when pocket watches were standard: He wore a gold watchguard across his vest.
Guard who monitors
- wardenSupervisory custodian of place
- defenderOne who guards another
- keeperOne who guards
- custodianGuardian of a place
protector · bodyguard · caretaker · steward · overseer · escort · sentry · doorkeeper
Obstacle blocking a path
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
- bastionFortified defensive position
- rampartFortified defensive wall
- strongholdFortified place of defense
citadel · bunker · perimeter · barrier · shield · defense · checkpoint · gatehouse
Ongoing observation of something
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- CCTVSurveillance camera network
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- trackingMonitoring location over time
scanning · overwatch · stakeout · wiretap · patrol · sentry · lookout · camera
Network access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
malware · VPN · intrusion · detection · breach · threat · vulnerability · patch
Active mental awareness
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- warinessCautious distrust
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
scrutiny · heedfulness · readiness · sharpness · diligence · circumspection · preparedness · round-the-clock
sentinel
Guard who monitors
custodian · protector · bodyguard · caretaker · steward · overseer · escort · sentry · doorkeeper · gatekeeper
barricade
Obstacle blocking a path
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
- bastionFortified defensive position
- rampartFortified defensive wall
stronghold · citadel · bunker · perimeter · barrier · shield · defense · checkpoint · gatehouse · watchtower
monitoring
Ongoing observation of something
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- CCTVSurveillance camera network
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
tracking · scanning · overwatch · stakeout · wiretap · patrol · sentry · lookout · camera · sensor
firewall
Network access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
authentication · malware · VPN · intrusion · detection · breach · threat · vulnerability · patch · compliance
alertness
Active mental awareness
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- warinessCautious distrust
- cautionCareful attention to risk
awareness · scrutiny · heedfulness · readiness · sharpness · diligence · circumspection · preparedness · round-the-clock · sleepless