Frequently, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is introduced as a log archival tool. However, “Log Management” is only the starting point: any log management system is designed to collect and centrally store log data. Some vendors might provide cursory monitoring of this data, but the sheer volume and differing data logging methods makes this effort meaningless except for the most sophisticated methods.

In contrast to the above limitations, SIEM not only collects log data, but it also correlates the information and performs analysis to identify threats in real-time. Live monitoring of events across different systems, instant alerts, and comprehensive reporting for audit purposes are the most powerful aspects to SIEM services.

For example, if your organization typically experiences 50 invalid network logins in a given day, a day where 200 invalid login attempts occur should warrant further investigation. Imagine if your network is also receiving foreign IP addresses and access rights changes at the same time: you are under attack! This type of real-time correlation from different systems allows you to take immediate action. Only a SIEM service can weed through the data clutter across disparate systems and identify information that is critical to your business survival.

Be proactive – get SIEM.