SIEM cannot be separated from digitalization, the revolution that has been underway since the beginning of the 21st century. If most large companies are already very advanced in the field of digitalization, smaller and medium-sized companies are also starting to follow their steps.
Indeed, for these commercial entities, digitization has many advantages: improvement of the customer experience, optimization of information exchanges and especially, evolution of production methods and means. Digitization therefore implies the creation and storage of multitudes of files and data as well as the implementation of an efficient computer network.
That being said, digitalization also has its weak points. These include the risk of data leakage via cyber attacks and other threats. To limit these risks, it is crucial for a company to strengthen the security of its IT system and to remain constantly vigilant. This is where the "Security Information and Event Management" or SIEM comes into play.
What is SIEM?
Security Information and Event Management", also called "Security Event Information Management", is a tool for managing data related to the security of a companyor any organization with a computer network.
The SIEM is basically a software that centralizes all the data collected and provided by the different security equipments, applications and host computers of a company: firewalls, routers, switches, servers, intrusion detection and prevention systems,...
It is from this data that the SIEM tools will determine whether or not there are threats such as destabilization, espionage, sabotage or cybercrime against the information system. These SIEM tools will then issue alerts if these threats are proven. Of course, the threats are not necessarily external, but can also come from within. These monitoring software also have functionalities to control these internal threats.
SIEM tools were therefore implemented to facilitate the control of the integrity of the computer system by centralizing all the necessary information on a single software.
The benefits of using SIEM
First of all, SIEM software allows you to manage the security of your company's information system more efficiently, because, as already mentioned, all the elements related to the protection, integrity and security of your information system are gathered on a single management platform. Moreover, these tools have been designed to collect only the most relevant information. This greatly optimizes the work of IT security personnel.
It is also important to note that the use of a SIEM allows you to take appropriate measures quickly, when abnormal situations and events, weaknesses or threats arise. Moreover, this tool will monitor your information system in real time and permanently. You will be able to supervise each event and each action carried out on your IS, by external and internal people.
Also note that thanks to its advanced data collection system, it is possible to automatically generate compliance reports withSIEM software.
SIEM: For whom?
As mentioned above, most modern companies, regardless of their size, are increasingly moving towards digitization in order to remain competitive and to adapt to the requirements of what is now called the "modern" company. That said, this digitization is not only the prerogative of these entities. It can also be indispensable for other organizations: various administrative services and other public institutions, hospitals, schools and many others. In fact, the use of a SIEM software can be necessary in all fields and in all organizations using one or more information systems whose data must imperatively be protected.
Is it really necessary to get one?
According to Verizon, 58% of data hack victims are small businesses, and 28% of hacks in 2018 involved internal people... If you take the statistics into account, it's easy to say that the risk of a data breach is very high.
A cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds.
University of Maryland Study
In fact, you don't have to look far to tell how relevant the use of SIEM software is. On February 15, 2021, the French National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSII) reported that it had detected cyber attacks directed at various "French entities." The first cyber attacks were launched in late 2017 and continued into 2020.
It has been declared that Centreon, a SIEM software editor (of the same name) was the main target of this cyber attack. This Centreon software is used by many companies such as EDF, Orange, TOTAL or Amundi. These users have expressed their fear concerning the integrity of their company in the face of these threats. Centreon has nevertheless reassured its customers that only 15 entities using the software have been targeted by the hackers. Moreover, these 15 entities did not use the paid version, but only free and already obsolete versions.
In short, the use of a SIEM software is absolutely necessary, provided that you choose a reliable software with the necessary features.
How to choose your SIEM software?
Before opting for a SIEM software, make sure that it includes the functionalities that your company will need. Indeed, the way a SIEM is used can vary from one organization to another. That being said, make sure that the SIEM of your choice includes the following features:
Real time management
Computer attacks can happen at any time. It is therefore necessary to remain vigilant, regardless of the circumstances. The SIEM software must therefore be able to monitor the security of your IS continuously.
Automatic intervention in case of threats
The longer the company and its employees delay taking action, the greater the damage caused by cyber attacks. The SIEM software you choose to use should have features that allow it to act automatically when it detects a threat.
Personnel control
As previously mentioned, 28% of hacks committed in 2018 involved internal people. It can happen that, tempted by the lure of gain, some employees sell to the competition, important information related to their company. The SIEM software should therefore contain features that allow you to monitor the activities of your employees and detect activities that could be considered suspicious.
Ability to learn and adapt through machine learning
Based on the information it has already collected and the analyses it has already performed, a SIEM software must be able to discern real threats from normal events or situations. This allows to limit the percentage of false positives regarding alerts.
Clear and uncluttered interface
The SIEM software has been designed to facilitate the work of the personnel in charge of the security of your company's computer system. For this software to be used in an optimal way, its interface must be well arranged and well readable.
Scalability
To remain effective, to improve and to adapt to the requirements of new technologies, software must be regularly updated. SIEM software is no exception to this rule.
Discover all our IT security solutions or contact us directlyto discuss your IT issues.
Want to know more about computer security?
Download our free white paper "Computer Security".