Abstract: A new security system including a plurality of inspectors each of which performs a security check operation in connection with a particular class of possible security violation conditions. One inspector detects security violation conditions reflecting selection of passwords using easily-guessable formatives. Another inspector detects security violation conditions reflecting ability of a network node to improperly use another node over a network. A third inspector determines whether the operating system files have satisfactory protection. Finally, a fourth inspector determines whether security violation conditions arise in connection with applications programs. If, during a security check operation, an inspector determines that a security violation condition exists, it records the condition in a common working memory for further reporting or analysis.