A system and method to monitor, detect, analyze and respond to, triggering conditions associated with packet and signal flows in a network system including attached functions and a network infrastructure. The system includes a detection function, an analysis function, and a response function. The detection function includes a monitoring sub-function, a flow definition sub-function, and a monitor counter sub-function. The flow definition sub-function defines the types of activities associated with the traffic flow that may indicate a triggering condition requiring analysis and potentially a response. The monitor sub-function observes traffic flows. The monitor counter sub-function counts the defined types of activities occurring in the device. The analysis function analyzes the event from the monitored flows, flow counters, status and other network information and determines whether a response is required. The response function initiates a response to a perceived event or attack based on the events detected in the flow metrics and other data. The response function further includes a sub-function for activating changes throughout the network system based on receiving and sending event notifications. Responses generated by the response function include dynamic policy changes.