There are several common ways to identify and track significant security events:
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems: These systems collect logs and events from a variety of devices and applications across a network. They can then use analytics to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a security event.
- Log management tools: These tools collect and store logs from devices and applications. They can then be used to search for specific events or patterns.
- Vulnerability scanners: These tools can scan systems for known vulnerabilities. This can help to identify potential security risks.
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS): These systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. They can then alert security personnel or take action to block the activity.
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) tools: These tools can automate the process of responding to security events. This can help to improve the speed and efficiency of incident response.
In addition to these tools, there are also a number of best practices that can be followed to identify and track security events. These include:
- Developing a security incident and event management (SIEM) plan: This plan should define the process for identifying, classifying, and responding to security events.
- Regularly reviewing logs and security events: This can help to identify trends and patterns that may indicate a security threat.
- Sharing threat intelligence: This can help to improve the ability to identify and track security events.
There are two main types of SIEM systems based on their deployment model:
- On-premises SIEM
An on-premises SIEM system is installed and managed on an organization’s own IT infrastructure. This gives the organization complete control over the system, but it also requires a significant investment in hardware, software, and personnel to manage the system.
- Cloud-based SIEM
A cloud-based SIEM system is delivered as a service over the internet. This eliminates the need for an organization to invest in hardware and software, and it can be easier to scale than an on-premises SIEM system. However, cloud-based SIEM systems can be more expensive than on-premises SIEM systems, and they may not be suitable for organizations with sensitive data that cannot be stored in the cloud.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of on-premises vs cloud-based SIEM:
| Feature | On-premises SIEM | Cloud-based SIEM |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On organization’s IT infrastructure | Delivered as a service over the internet |
| Control | Organization has complete control | Less control over the system |
| Cost | Higher upfront costs for hardware, software, and personnel | Lower upfront costs, may be more expensive in the long run |
| Scalability | Can be difficult to scale | Easier to scale |
| Data security | Suitable for sensitive data | May not be suitable for sensitive data |
