What is SIEM?
SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. It is a product that helps business organizations detect, analyze, and respond to security threats before they happen. Sometimes, SIEM can also tell us that a breach has just occurred. In this case, SIEM can also alarm or notify us that a breach has just happened. We can use it to take action or respond to the incident.
Where does SIEM Data come from? SIEM data can come from multiple sources:
SIEM client software: SIEM client software can be installed on each endpoint (PC, laptop, server, mobile phone, etc). The data is then recorded and sent to a SIEM software, sensor, or analyzer.
Syslog Server – SIEM can get input dates from a Syslog server.
Port Mirroring Data to and from your firewall: SIEM can receive data from the port mirroring configuration of your firewalls.
Network Traffic – SIEM can receive data from your network traffic through the SIEM sensor.
End Point Security – SIEM can receive data from your endpoint security, such as EDR.
SIEM can receive data in other ways that need to be listed here.
How does SIEM works?
On premise – SIEM solutions that are deployed on site and typically managed by organization’s IT department.
Cloud bases SIEM – SIEM solutions that are managed by a hosted third party provider.
Hybrid SIEM – Combination of on premise and cloud. Some data may come from on premise server which others are store and analyze by the cloud services.
Depending on what your requirement and resources availability, you can choose one over the other. Each have pros and cons and plays important port in cost, control complexity, security, and maintenance.
What are the benefits of SIEM?
Visibility—SIEM helps you see your network and business processes. For example, if an employee copies a substantial amount of data (more than usual), you can set up the system to notify you. You can use this data to figure out what the employee is doing. They can copy all your data and then work for your competitors. Without the SIEM, you would not have a clue. If you can’t see the threats, how can you take action?
Manage Alerts – SIEM can help you alert the proper person so they can take action.
Convenient single Pane of Glass – SIEM offers a comprehensive view of your IT environment security on a single screen. This convenience eliminates the need to navigate multiple interfaces, providing relief and ease in monitoring your security.
MINIMIZE risk – SIEM can help you minimize risks, threats, or breaches.
DETECT Threats – SIEM can help you flag the possibility of threats, whether external or internal.
Compliance – Depending on your your business category or business data, you may be require to be compliance. Example: If you are consider a health care organization, you may have to comply with HIPPA. Or if you process credit card, you are required comply with PCI DSS or faces fines or higher fees.
Manage and document incidents – SIEM can help you manage and document incidents. Example – If you have an integration to M365, you can can configure SIEM to notify you if an employee login is being use out of the United States. If you know the Employee is in the office, and there is a login attempt from outside the US, then you can take action, document the incident, and prevent a breach all in one.
Zero-day threat detection – SIEM can help detect zero-day threat by monitoring and analyzing data 24/7, making changes as needed.