Managed SIEM – Security Information and Event Management

What is a Managed SIEM?

A Managed SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is a service that offers companies access to a fully managed SIEM system through external security providers. It processes and analyzes security-related data from the network to detect threats and enable a rapid response to security incidents. The goal: to help companies defend against complex threats while reducing the challenges of managing SIEM infrastructures internally. By outsourcing, companies benefit from specialized expertise, lower IT overheads and continuous threat monitoring.

How does a managed SIEM work?

A managed SIEM collects and correlates log data from various sources (such as firewalls, servers and applications) to identify security-relevant events. Thanks to automated rules and machine learning, it recognizes patterns that could indicate threats, such as abnormal user activity or unusual network movements. When an anomaly occurs, the system generates alarms, which are then investigated and evaluated by security experts from the managed SIEM provider. The aim is to identify threats as quickly as possible and provide recommendations on how to respond before they can cause major damage.

What advantages does a managed SIEM offer?

A co-managed SIEM offers a number of advantages:

  • 24/7 monitoring: round-the-clock operation means that threats are detected and combated even outside regular business hours.
  • Scalability: Managed SIEM services are flexible and scale with the growth and requirements of the company.
  • Cost savings: Compared to the internal implementation of a SIEM, a managed SIEM saves costs for hardware, software licenses and the recruitment and training of specialists.
  • Rapid response: The provider’s specialized teams can respond more quickly to detected threats.
  • Timeliness of threat intelligence: Managed SIEM providers specialize in current threats and trends, which ensures access to the latest threat data and technologies.

What does a Managed SIEM cost?

The cost of a managed SIEM depends on several factors, including the size of the company, the depth of monitoring required and the scope of the security protocols used. Pricing structures range from monthly flat rates to usage-based billing models and variable costs for additional services such as incident response support. There are usually implementation costs, a basic monthly fee and additional fees for specialized services. It is advisable to compare the various providers in terms of their pricing and the services included.

How does Managed SIEM differ from traditional SIEM?

A traditional SIEM system is managed entirely in-house and requires its own infrastructure, licenses and personnel for continuous monitoring and maintenance. With a managed SIEM, on the other hand, an external provider takes over the provision and management, including analysis and alerting. This eliminates the maintenance costs and personnel requirements for the company and it benefits from the expertise of specialized security teams. Managed SIEM is ideal for companies that do not have the time or resources to manage their own SIEM system, but still want a high level of security.

Which companies should use a managed SIEM?

Companies of all sizes and industries that do not want to or cannot operate an internal SIEM infrastructure benefit from Managed SIEM. The service is particularly suitable for companies with limited IT resources that still need to ensure a high level of security – for example in the healthcare, financial or e-commerce sectors. Managed SIEM is also a good choice for companies that want to avoid setting up their own SOC (Security Operations Center) but still want comprehensive security monitoring.

How secure is a managed SIEM?

A managed SIEM guarantees high security standards, as providers usually use certified data centers and encryption technologies to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data. Many providers are ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certified, which confirms compliance with international security standards. As all activities are continuously monitored, the risk of misuse is low. Nevertheless, before making a decision, companies should ensure that the provider meets suitable security guidelines and compliance requirements in order to guarantee their own data protection requirements.

How does the implementation of a Managed SIEM work?

The implementation of a managed SIEM usually takes place in several steps:

  1. Requirements analysis: recording the company’s security requirements.
  2. System integration: Installation and configuration of the necessary agents and interfaces for data transfer.
  3. Control and alarm setup: Adjust monitoring rules to minimize false alarms and optimize detection accuracy.
  4. Training and handover: Training of employees in the use of the system and explanation of the alerting processes.
  5. Continuous optimization: After implementation, the security experts from the managed SIEM provider regularly analyse the alarms and adapt the configuration to new threats.

Which Managed SIEM providers are there?

Leading managed SIEM vendors include IBM (QRadar on Cloud), Splunk, LogRhythm, AT&T Cybersecurity (AlienVault), and other specialized managed security service providers (MSSPs). Each provider offers different features, pricing structures, and service levels, and the choice depends on the organization’s specific requirements and budget. Many providers also offer additional security services such as incident response or threat intelligence, which are useful as part of a comprehensive security program.

Managed SIEM or MDR – which is better?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed SIEM have similar goals, but differ in their approach. While Managed SIEM focuses on collecting and correlating security data for threat detection, MDR providers go one step further and also take on the direct response to threats. MDR is often more reaction-oriented and is suitable for companies that need a proactive defense against threats and an immediate response to security incidents. Managed SIEM, on the other hand, is ideal if the company already has internal security processes in place and is simply looking for better visibility and monitoring. Both approaches can also be combined to create a comprehensive security strategy that covers both monitoring and response capabilities.

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