SIEM Definition

SIEM, or Security Information and Event Management, is a security technique that helps businesses, groups, and organizations detect, analyze, and rapidly respond to security threats before they harm them. Security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) are combined, resulting in SIEM security management systems.

How SIEM Works

SIEM collects and analyzes data; SIM will record and store information from various sources, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network appliances, while SEM analyzes security logs for dubious activity.  SIEM helps detect security threats, some of which include but are not limited to:

• Fraud
• Unauthorized access
• Malware
• DDoS attacks
• Data breaches

Some of the most well-known SEIM tools include IBM’s Security QRadar and Microsoft’s Sentinel.

Why You Should Adopt SIEM Solutions

SIEM systems can help identify and prevent security incidents while also improving response to any incidents that may occur. Other advantages include:

• Increasing awareness of security threats
• Reducing time response to threats
• Detecting fraudulent activity
• Preventing unauthorized data access
• Appropriately reacting to security incidents
• Preventing crippling cyberattacks

SIEM Disadvantages

Although SIEM tools can be powerful in identifying, preventing, and responding to security needs, it also has some downsides. Disadvantages include:

• High cost of adopting and implementing SIEM tools
• Installation and configuration may be time-consuming and costly to some organizations
• Staffing and resources are needed to maintain an SIEM operation

Ultimately, it is up to each organization to evaluate its security needs and how SIEM fits into them.