Various embodiments of the present invention set forth techniques for monitoring risk in a computing system. The technique includes creating one or more risk objects, where each risk object of the one or more risk objects has a corresponding stored risk definition, the stored risk definition associating the risk object with raw machine data pertaining to the risk object, the raw machine data reflecting activity in an information technology (IT) environment. The technique further includes receiving a selection of a first risk object included in the one or more risk objects and receiving a first risk definition that corresponds to the first risk object. The technique further includes performing a search of the raw machine data according to the first risk definition, wherein a risk is identified based on the search of the raw machine data and performing an action based on identifying the risk.