by | Jul 30, 2021

Security information and event management (SIEM) technology is at the core of cyber security transformation today. This approach to security management combines SIM (security information management) and SEM (security event management) functions. It helps IT teams to identify cyber threats, collect/ analyze threat data and respond better and more efficiently to security crises. Managed IT services Vancouver can help you implement the right SIEM solutions for your business.

SIEM systems work through the aggregation of relevant data from numerous sources, analyze the data to identify deviations and respond quickly in case of threats. These systems can either be rules-based or work on the basis of statistical correlation in order to map relationships and establish a framework of normalcy. Any deviations from this is treated as a threat and commensurate actions deployed immediately. Security information and event management systems typically deploy numerous collection agents in a set hierarchy to collect and analyze data from a host of end-user devices, servers and network equipment, and security tools, such as firewalls, antivirus or intrusion prevention systems (IPSes). Advanced SIEM systems even incorporate user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) and security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) for more refined monitoring and analysis.SIEM technology offers real-time analysis for security monitoring of a network through the aggregation of log data, security alerts, and events into a centralized platform. They are typically utilized by Security operation centers (SOCs) who want to establish a clear line of sight and streamline visibility across the organization’s dispersed environments. SIEM technology works through the investigation of log data for more efficient responses to cyberattacks, and can be customized to comply with relevant local and federal compliance mandates.Security information and event management systems typically collect event and log data of host systems, applications and security devices across the company’s infrastructure and bring disparate streams of data together on a centralized platform for analysis. These tools then work to identify and sort the data into various categories to determine any malicious activity. Based on the results, the SIEM software will issue security alerts alerting users to potential security issues. The efficiency of the software can further be customized based on a set of predefined rules that can categorize alerts as low or high priority. IT Consulting Vancouver can help you with the effective incorporation of SIEM solutions in your business.With the explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) market globally, the security risks associated with these devices have also multiplied beyond anything we could’ve expected even five years back. This poses a greater threat to the Internet of things than almost any other emerging technologies as the devices are designed to be low cost and come with rudimentary or no security features at all. This is particularly troublesome as the Internet of things is built on devices communicating with each other through the Internet. A single unsecured point of ingress can compromise the whole network. SIEM solutions are perfectly positioned to tackle this challenge as they allow for easy integration of API and external data repositories provided by IoT solution vendors. This is critical for businesses looking to mitigate IoT threats, such as DoS attacks, and works to establish a higher degree of responsiveness to security threats and commiserate security responses.With rising cyber security threats globally and data practices under the scanner, most businesses have to traverse tighter compliance regulations. SIEM solutions can play a critical role in helping businesses to comply with relevant compliance and regulations standards, such as PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA and SOX. Companies are under immense pressure to establish a framework of routinely detecting and reporting breaches. SIEM solutions, although designed primarily for large enterprises, are increasingly being adapted for use by small and medium-sized businesses in order to adhere to compliance requirements and security needs.

Get digital compliance solutions by Compliance Professional in Vancouver.The growing threat of cyber security does not only lie in external threats, but also comes from an array of insider threats that can make organizations vulnerable. SIEM solutions are highly relevant in allowing businesses to effectively monitor user actions and keep track of all deviations and abnormalities within that data. SIEM solutions also allow for granular monitoring of access privileges and can immediately generate alerts when an elicit action is performed, such as a user accessing data s/he does not have clearance for or disabling mandatory security software.SIEM technology is highly effective in helping businesses establish a degree of control over their security framework through reduced security incidents and improved threat detection. Recent data revealed that nearly 76 percent of cyber security professionals reported a significant reduction in the number of security incidents since the incorporation of SIEM solutions in their organizations.

Most companies also remark on their increased confidence in meeting compliance frameworks since SIEM tools also provide compliance reporting. This is particularly beneficial for companies that fall under the radar of well-established data regulation frameworks, such as the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data security mandates. SIEM tools ensure compliance through their ability to report compliance capabilities of existing systems. This is very handy for IT teams who can then quickly identify and patch security issues before they snowball into compliance violations. Improved incident response and remediation also helps companies take a more proactive stance in addressing cyber security issues.

SIEM solutions can even help companies overcome the rampant shortage in cyber security talent globally. SIEM tools are more or less easy to deploy, even in conjunction with third-party security tools and can help businesses save on costs of hiring additional resources dedicated towards cyber security.Having said that, the effectiveness of SIEM solutions can vary widely depending on the solution and vendor. Activeco Technology Management can help you identify and incorporate the right SIEM solution for your enterprise. While improvement in your overall security posture is guaranteed, SIEM components can offered many other benefits that include:

  • Real-time visibility of threat monitoring across the environment
  • A centralized management solution for disparate systems and log data
  • Lesser instances of false positives in alerts
  • Significant reduction in but threat detection and threat response
  • Enables better accuracy and reliability in analysis of security data through better collection and normalization of data
  • Enables better searching of raw and parsed data
  • SIEM solutions can enable you to map your operations with existing frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
  • Improved compliance adherence with prebuilt compliance modules and real-time reporting
  • Better clarity in reporting through customized dashboards

About the Author

Andrew Dalman

Andrew Dalman, President of ActiveCo has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, with an outstanding leadership capacity. Andrew has led the execution of multiple projects in ActiveCo with a great track record of success. Andrew believes understanding the business operations of customers is key to successfully incorporating the right technology for the business. When Andrew is not busy leading ActiveCo, he enjoys rock climbing and spending time with his family.

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