With the world as digitized as it is, with large corporations being run entirely in this manner, hacking and all sorts of cybersecurity risks are at play today. This is why Security Information and Event Management or SIEM managed services have been created as a counter to such risks according to UnderDefense. With there being quite a few notable instances in recent times where such tools could have prevented large attacks, one often wonders what makes them special.
Let’s delve into what SIEM-managed services are and also look closely at their features and the benefits that come as a result. This, of course, won’t be complete without knowing what comes with integration!
Putting the services under a microscope
SIEM is simply defined as software designed to improve an operation’s overall cybersecurity functionality. This is accomplished by bringing together two security management systems:
- one for events (SEM)
- the other for information (SIM)
Before 2005, the two systems had specific functions. One was designed to analyze, store and report log data, while the other monitored as well as analyzed all occurrences concerning security as they happened. They were separate until the evolution of SIEM in 2005. The harmonious product of these two systems resulted in a product that does both simultaneously and efficiently with automation via AI and machine learning.
A well-implemented SIEM management service raises the functionality bar of an operation significantly. The key aspects that these services aid in are as follows:
- Threat recognition
- General compliance
- Security occurrence management
How such services function
While every service provider is somewhat unique, the basics are similar. Working with an organization’s existing Security Operations Center or SOC, for short SIEM managed service takes all threat and response-related abilities to the next level by zeroing in on the key issues. This begins with the gathering of data from every single security-based part of the operation, from which the opposing side’s strategies and plans can easily be discerned.
Once the system commences its detection process, everything from an email to the cloud is thoroughly sifted through in search of anything suspicious. If something is discovered, studied and labeled, the system proceeds with notifying the right people. This is achieved by the software’s ability to understand the client’s operational nuances, which makes finding anomalies easier.
When you summarize it, every system of this kind needs to be built to handle anything, which requires chief components. Below is a list of said components, which need to be of the highest order:
- Real-time data gathering and oversight
- Data visibility
- Management of incidences
- Study of user patterns and behaviors
- Compliance tools
- Guarding of clouds
- Possible automatic response
And the last component is possible automatic response via Security Orchestration Automation and Response or SOAR. This feature enhances the system’s ability to handle security incidents effectively.
The upside of protection
In recent times, there have been multiple instances in which major companies experience cybersecurity breaches. One of the most notable was the case with Uber in September. The events showed a clear lack of upgraded SIEM-managed services and therefore, none of the upside that comes with them. The advantages are listed below:
- the appropriate reaction to threats is speedy
- identification of said threats is efficient
- visibility in real-time is more than possible for organizations
- compliance activities are optimal
- an overall streamlined workflow due to the use of one overarching server
Getting quality SIEM
The above benefits come with a couple of caveats, which are that the system implemented should be of high quality and the implementation actions should be up to speed. Below is a list of said practices and how they are to be handled:
Recognizing the span
This determines the size of the integration. As this is done, the broader operation begins to head toward its final stage, with things such as the dashboard and policies made to match outside regulations.
Finalize the correlation guidelines
Every system will come with its correlation laws. At this point, it’s necessary to let teams know that the rules have to fit the organization’s nature. This is accomplished by allowing all things by default, carefully looking for patterns and pinpointing areas that need fixing to make identifying anomalies more accurate.
Determine all things compliance-related
Quality SIEM should be able to match the number of compliance demands an organization faces. Any organization seeking out these services should ensure that the system of choice can handle their compliance demands.
Oversee access to essential assets
Quality systems always oversee multiple areas of essential resources. Things such as remote access, administration addresses, system failures and strange behaviors on the system.
Guard the boundaries of networks
To enhance security, it is essential to strengthen all vulnerable areas where breaches are likely to happen. These areas encompass ports, firewalls and routers. So by reinforcing these elements, you can better safeguard your system from potential threats.
Test the system
Testing the entire system’s effectiveness is the best way to gauge whether or not it’s working. It’s from this that you’ll know if reconfiguring the system is necessary.
Activate the reaction
If things do go haywire, it’s important to have the right measures in place. As such, planning for said reaction in advance is essential to ensure that the system works.
Things to remember before gaining the tool
While the benefits of SIEM are great, however, there are several things that may discourage you or you have to consider before you start using it. Therefore, a few things to keep in mind before implementation are as follows:
- This solution is not actually cost-effective and can be quite expensive
- Gaining proper services could be time-consuming
- Technical knowledge of the highest order is required to handle the implementation
- It is normal to encounter a considerable number of false positives
Final thoughts
Cyber attacks are only going to get worse as those involved in this illegal practice become more adaptable. As such, it’s quite difficult to find SIEM-managed services or any solution that’s able to combat this uprising effectively. Fortunately, the above information will allow you to do just that by knowing about the ins and outs of the subject matter.
A lot of emphasis has to be put on the major aspects of these services and even more will need to go into making them a high priority. Failure to do so and you’ll end up with something substandard.
