In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, businesses find themselves at the crossroads of balancing effective threat detection and response with limited resources. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions offer promising avenues for businesses to fortify their defences. However, are they still the optimal solution for businesses today?

Defining SIEM and SOAR

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) play distinct yet complementary roles in cybersecurity. SIEM systems primarily focus on log and event data collection, correlation, and analysis. Their core functionality lies in aggregating and analysing data from various sources to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential security incidents. On the other hand, SOAR solutions emphasise the orchestration and automation of security processes and incident response. They automate repetitive tasks, orchestrate workflows, and facilitate a coordinated response to security incidents.

Advantages of a Unified SIEM and SOAR Platform

One of the key benefits of integrating SIEM and SOAR into a unified platform lies in enabling seamless collaboration between detection and response. SIEM provides centralised visibility and detection capabilities, flagging potential security incidents. In contrast, SOAR orchestrates incident response by automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and ensuring a coordinated effort. The synergy between SIEM’s comprehensive threat detection and SOAR’s automated incident response creates a holistic approach to threat management.

Furthermore, a unified platform optimises resource utilisation by combining the strengths of SIEM and SOAR. While SIEM requires expertise for configuration, tuning, and ongoing maintenance, SOAR automates routine tasks, reducing the burden on cybersecurity teams. This streamlined resource utilisation allows organisations with limited resources to manage their cybersecurity operations more efficiently.

A unified SIEM-SOAR platform also addresses the challenge of false positives. SIEM may generate a high number of false positives if not properly configured, but SOAR enhances incident response by automating actions based on validated threat intelligence. By integrating SIEM’s detection accuracy with SOAR’s automated response, the unified platform minimises false positives, ensuring that automated response actions are triggered based on validated threat intelligence.

Consideration when Adopting a Unified Approach

The adoption of a unified SIEM-SOAR platform brings numerous advantages but is accompanied by several challenges. One primary challenge involves costs and budget constraints, as the implementation may necessitate significant upfront expenses for licensing, integration, and training. Mitigating this challenge requires careful budget planning, consideration of the total cost of ownership, and exploration of flexible pricing models.

Another significant hurdle is the complex implementation and integration of SIEM and SOAR components into existing infrastructure, especially in large and diverse IT environments. Overcoming this challenge involves detailed planning, engaging experienced integration specialists, and leveraging vendor support to facilitate a smoother implementation process.

The need for specialised skills to operate a unified SIEM-SOAR platform effectively poses another challenge, particularly when such skills are not readily available within the organisation. Addressing this challenge involves investing in training programs, hiring skilled personnel, or partnering with external experts to enhance the team’s capabilities.

The comprehensive data collection capabilities of SIEM can lead to large volumes of data, posing challenges for storage and efficient management. Implementing data retention policies, leveraging scalable storage solutions, and optimising data collection strategies can address these challenges.

Ensuring the scalability of the unified platform to accommodate organisational growth and evolving cybersecurity needs is another concern. Addressing scalability concerns involves selecting a scalable platform, regularly assessing scalability requirements, and planning for future expansion.

Potential technology lock-in is a consideration when choosing a unified platform from a best-of-suite vendor. Evaluating the flexibility of the chosen platform, considering open standards, and planning for potential transitions can help avoid vendor lock-in.

Introducing a New Unified Approach

ArmourZero aims to resolve the challenges that come with the current adoption of unified SIEM and SOAR platforms for small to medium enterprises. ArmourZero has developed the World’s first All-In-One Cybersecurity platform for Businesses, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies (i.e. Crowdstrike, Automox, Avanan, DNS Filter, WithSecure, Riskrecon by Mastercard, and more) for real-time threat monitoring, more efficient management, and faster response.

• Fast and Easy Deployment: ArmourZero’s Unified Management Console enables IT Managers to easily deploy cybersecurity solutions across all the company’s assets in a single click.
• Single Pane of View: ArmourZero’s Unified Management Console enables IT Managers to monitor potential threats and endpoint status on a single screen.
• Faster Threat Response: When a threat is detected, both the IT Manager and ArmourZero’s SOC Team are alerted on the same Unified Management Console, and they can respond to it collectively.
• No Implementation Cost: In addition, ArmourZero’s Fully Managed Cybersecurity Subscription Program means that there is no upfront or implementation cost. The number of users or devices subscribed can be easily increased or decreased.
• No Technology Lock-In: ArmourZero’s growing list of Fully Integrated technology partners means that businesses can choose and switch between their preferred technologies without disrupting current processes.
• No need for In-house Cybersecurity Expertise: As part of ArmourZero’s Fully Managed Cybersecurity Subscription Program, ArmourZero provides a 24/7 Security Operation Center (SOC) that offloads the responsibility of the IT Ops team. So, there is no need to hire an in-house 24/7 cybersecurity team and incur additional expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the adoption of a unified SIEM-SOAR platform presents a compelling opportunity for organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture to stand against constantly evolving threats. While the advantages, such as seamless collaboration between threat detection and automated response, streamlined resource utilisation, and a holistic approach to threat management, offer significant benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge and address the associated challenges.

ArmourZero’s Fully Managed Cybersecurity Subscription Program powered by its proprietary Unified Management Console seeks to overcome these implementation and operational challenges that come with existing SIEM and SOAR platforms and is a platform worth considering.