Security Information and Event Management
Security Information and Event Management is a cybersecurity solution that provides real-time analysis, monitoring, and management of security-related data across an organization's IT infrastructure.
In simple terms, SIEM collects, aggregates, and analyzes log and event data from various sources (like firewalls, servers, applications, and endpoints) to help detect threats, investigate incidents, and ensure compliance.
SIEM platforms typically perform the following key functions
Log Collection
Gathers log and event data from diverse sources (e.g., network devices, servers, applications, firewalls).
Normalization
Converts different log formats into a consistent format for analysis.
Correlation
Links related events across systems to identify suspicious patterns or coordinated attacks.
Real-Time Alerting
Sends alerts when predefined rules or behavioral anomalies are triggered.
Dashboards & Visualization
Provides a centralized interface to monitor threats, system status, and incidents.
Forensic Analysis
Helps in post-incident investigations by tracking event timelines and user behavior.
Compliance Reporting
Generates reports to support standards like ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, etc.
SIEM Core Components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Log Management | Collects and stores logs from various systems |
| Event Correlation | Connects different events to find security incidents |
| Alerting Engine | Triggers alerts based on suspicious activities |
| Dashboard/UI | Allows security teams to monitor and manage threats |
| Reporting Module | Helps with audits and regulatory compliance |
Benefits of SIEM:
Centralized visibility of security events
Faster threat detection and incident response
Better regulatory compliance and audit readiness
Improved threat intelligence with correlation and context
Enhanced ability to conduct root-cause analysis
