What is Managed SIEM? Key Features & Benefits

The threat landscape of modern times is complex and requires more than firewalls and antivirus. This demands proactive and comprehensive monitoring and response means to which SIEM has been highly purposefully applicable. With SIEM technology, there is a real-time analysis of security alerts through the aggregation of data across all possible sources of an organization’s IT infrastructure for efficient threat detection and response. It is essential to securing an organization’s security posture and ensuring its regulatory compliance.

Managed services, in general, and Managed SIEM, refer to outsourcing certain IT-related functions of an organization to a third-party provider. While the MSP (managed service provider) takes over some of the specialized and complicated IT work, such as cybersecurity and network monitoring, the organization will be free to focus on business activities. Some dynamics contributing to the growing demand for managed services include increasing complexities within IT environments and growing requirements for specialized skills.

In this article, we discuss Managed SIEM, including its primary attributes and advantages, among the challenges. Further, we will put Managed SIEM in a comparative perspective with traditional SIEM, MDR, and SOC. We will then provide some best practices on how to select a Managed SIEM vendor, discuss SentinelOne’s offering, and address the most frequent questions about Managed SIEM and its pricing.

What is Managed SIEM?

Managed SIEM is a service that merges traditional SIEM technology with the might of a managed service. Instead of managing a SIEM system in-house, which requires so much resource and skill, organizations outsource the responsibility to a provider who takes over everything, from initial setup and configuration to ongoing monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.

A Managed SIEM service typically includes:

• 24/7 Monitoring and Incident Response: It will monitor the IT environment for security incidents continuously and respond to them in real-time.
• Threat Intelligence Integration: Integrates global threat intelligence into its portal for quicker identification and mitigation of emerging threats.
• Compliance Reporting: Automated compliance reporting to meet regulatory requirements without the headache of manual work.
• Expert Analysis: It gives access to cybersecurity experts who analyze security alerts and recommend further actions.

With managed SIEM, advanced security analytics can be extended by an organization without investing in building and maintaining an SIEM infrastructure that is intrinsically complex.

Managed SIEM Key Features

• Real-Time Threat Detection: Real-time threat detection allows for the segregation of suspicious activity or anomalies within a network the moment these acts occur. That means such potential security incidents are identified almost immediately to allow for quick measures to mitigate risks before they get out of hand. Continuously monitoring network traffic, user behavior, and system activity, Managed SIEM has the potential to identify indicators of compromise that may usually pass undetected, thus serving as a critical first line of defense.
• Scalability: This is another critical feature of managed SIEM services, and it’s what allows them to grow along with your business. When an organization scales up, it means the parallel growth of the volumes of data and security needs. A scalable Managed SIEM adjusts well to this change with consistency in performance and security coverage without any radical infrastructure change or addition of resources.
• Automated Response: Mechanisms of Automated Response within the Managed SIEM pave the way for smoothing incident response. Predefined workflows can thus trigger a chain of automatic steps, for example, isolating the affected systems, blocking malicious traffic, or alerting security personnel into action. Automation drastically cuts the latency between threat detection and remediation, potentially shrinking the impact of security incidents and releasing your IT resources from these types of tasks to focus on more value-added missions.
• Customization: This would be all about the ability to tailor the Managed SIEM offering to meet specific needs. The opportunity to develop custom dashboards, alerts, and reports, can provide a security operations team with information relevant to the most important security metrics. This would mean that personalization is full-blown, with the SIEM solution being as effective as it could be in meeting specific operational and security goals.
• Compliance Support: Organizations working in fields that demand adherence to some form of regulatory standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, consider this feature very important. Managed SIEM enhances the management of compliance with easy toolsets by means of automated reporting. It allows all security measures to be made in conformance with the prescriptions of applicable regulators, thus giving minimal likelihood of failing to comply with regulatory provisions and attracting penalties. Audits and compliance checks are smoothed through the comprehensive reporting provided by a Managed SIEM.
• Data Aggregation: Aggregation means data collection and logging on a centralized level from all those various sources within your IT. Such a centralized approach provides an overview of security events, and correlation among different systems will make it much easier to spot patterns or anomalies that may indicate a security threat. By bringing all relevant data into a single, unified view, Managed SIEM enhances situational awareness and improves overall effectiveness in threat detection and response.

Difference Between Managed SIEM and Traditional SIEM

Managed SIEM

Managed SIEM provides the security information and event management solution, which is maintained by the third-party service provider. In-house expertise requirements are low because setup, configuration, and management of the SIEM system are the responsibilities of the provider on an ongoing basis.

The upfront costs will be low since the infrastructure and software will be supplied by the service provider itself; hence, an organization would not need to invest huge amounts at the forefront. The services typically come with 24/7 monitoring and incident response by a committed security team for extended support. Besides, it is a very scalable model that grows easily with an organization, without the need for the client to invest more resources.

Traditional SIEM

Traditional SIEM can also be referred to as an in-house security information and event management solution where managing, configuration, and maintenance of the system should be done in-house by the organization. This kind of approach includes higher upfront costs because huge investments in software, hardware, and skilled personnel are needed.

Traditional SIEM is very resource-intensive; it requires round-the-clock in-house IT staff attention just to monitor and update the system, respond to security incidents, and perhaps distract them from more important tasks. Scalability may prove challenging to some since expanding this in an ever-growing situation might require more resources and even more infrastructure and personnel investment.

What are the Benefits of Managed SIEM?

• Cost Efficiency: Outsourced security services reduce the need for heavy capital expenditures on security infrastructure, software, and skilled people. Outsourcing to third-party providers allows organizations to convert substantial upfront costs into predictable and manageable operational expenses. The operation cost is also at a minimum because the service provider handles the operation’s maintenance, update, and scale-up, releasing an organization’s financial resources for use in more productive applications.
• Expertise Access: Outsourcing management of security will provide the organization immediately with access to a team of cybersecurity professionals possessing specialized skills and deep experience with the detection, response, and prevention of threats. Experts remain updated on security trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements; therefore, more advanced knowledge and best practices for the benefit of an organization are realized without having to build or maintain this level of expertise in-house.
• Improved Security Posture: A managed security service enhances the level of threat detection and response by an organization. What this means, in other words, is continuous monitoring and real-time analysis of information flow to identify potential security incidents before they escalate into a full-blown breach. Advanced tools and techniques from the seller will raise overall security posture by reducing vulnerabilities and solidifying an organization’s defenses against cyber threats.
• Regulatory Compliance:  With managed security services, organizations can automate the processes related to compliance with industry regulations and standards. It allows for automated reporting, continuous monitoring, and periodic auditing. In this regard, the service provider aligns the security practices with the latest legal and regulatory requirements to lower the potential risk of non-compliance and associated penalties. This proactive approach to compliance in turn enables organizations to remain focused on core operations with legal assurance of the fulfillment of their obligations.
• Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing day-to-day security management removes the burden from internal teams as they can put their focus on the core business rather than getting entangled in minute details of cybersecurity. The shift will hence enable the organization to now focus on innovation, growth, and other critical business objectives by letting the service provider take up the intricacies of maintaining the environment secure. The division of labor promotes productivity and at the same time ensures the security of the organization without the unnecessary shifting of focus from the main objectives.

What are the Managed SIEM Challenges?

• Dependency on Providers: A managed SIEM means it depends on the capabilities and dependability of the service provider; therefore, its importance can’t be understated. Its security and effectiveness in threat detection and response are directly dependent on how well it works with its provider. Any problem with the provider can result in leaving an organization very vulnerable to attack. This could be a huge dependency and hence a risk if the provider does not continue to perform as expected.
• Data Privacy Concerns: With the outsourcing of SIEM services, sensitive data such as logs and security information need to be shared with a third-party provider. Indeed, there is a lot of concern about data privacy, where an organization should feel confident in the trust of their provider for safe handling according to every relevant law and regulation on privacy. There is also a risk of sensitive information being exposed, mishandled, or accessed by unauthorized people, which has serious repercussions on the legal standing and reputation of an organization.
• Customization Limits: There can be predefined settings and standardized ways of functioning with which managed SIEM services are provided. Unlike an in-house SIEM, for which tailored adjustments can be made in order to fit specific business needs, some levels of customization may not be that easily achievable with a managed SIEM. This can be a weakness for those organizations that need high specialization in security, since this may require them to adjust their processes to the capabilities of the managed service.
• Vendor Lock-In: Since most of the time a long-term contract has to be signed with the managed SIEM provider, Vendor Lock-in may also pose a problem. If the organization becomes unhappy with the provider’s service levels, switching to a different provider can be difficult and expensive. This may render the organization relatively helpless in making a pivot to other superior solutions or negotiating terms favorable to itself because the effort and cost involved in transitioning to a new provider may be considerable.

What are the Managed SIEM Best Practices?

Managed SIEM best practices include:

• Clearly Define Requirements: Understand your organization’s specific security needs and objectives before choosing a Managed SIEM provider. This must be inclusive of the type of threats you are most likely to suffer, the degree of monitoring and incident responses expected, and any compliance requirements. Clearly defining the needs will ensure that whatever service selected fits your organizational goals and priorities in security for an effective partnership.
• Evaluate Providers Thoroughly: While choosing a Managed SIEM provider, one needs to be very critical with regard to the competence, service level agreement, and after-sales service provided. Consider the relevant experience of the provider in handling businesses or industries similar in size and makeup to your own, any threat detection and response history, and finally the after-sales service. Proper assessment ensures the provider has gained the skills and acquired resources necessary to meet your security requirements and can provide reliable support when needed.
• Regularly Review Service Levels: After the rollout of the Managed SIEM solution, the auditing of effectiveness at regular periods would need to be conducted. Review performance periodically against agreed-upon service levels for things like response times, incident resolution, and accuracy of threat detection. The ongoing reviews ensure that the service will remain appropriate and all shortcomings are timely reviewed and dealt with to keep the security level high within your organization.
• Ensure Data Security: Following the highest policies on data handling and privacy is quite essential for a managed SIEM provider in order to avoid any kind of leakage of sensitive information. Ensure that it follows best practices according to industry standards regarding data security, such as encryption, access controls, and routine audits. Clearly negotiate agreements over data handling procedures so that one reduces the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access in protecting valuable information within your organization.
• Integrate with Existing Security Measures: Any Managed SIEM solution should involve the customer organization’s existing security apparatus. Make sure the SIEM system will integrate with your current toolsets and processes, from firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to compliance monitoring solutions. That would enhance the value proposition of your security posture to a big-picture view of threats and simplify incident response across your pan-equipment of security systems.

Comparisons

Managed SIEM vs. MDR (Managed Detection and Response)

While Managed SIEM is focused on collecting, analyzing, and reporting security events, MDR would go one step further in giving proactive threat hunting, investigation, and response capabilities. In general, the services related to MDR include a high amount of human expertise that focuses on proactive threat hunting rather than simply alert responding.

Managed SIEM vs SOC (Security Operations Center)

The SOC is a center that is supposed to host a team of security experts whose sole focus is managing an organization’s security posture. While Managed SIEM may be a part of a SOC, it in no way replaces the need for one. Rather, it can be seen as a tool for enhancing the capabilities of a SOC by providing it with the needed data and alerts for effective threat management.

How to Choose a Managed SIEM Provider?

Some of the reasons to choose a managed SIEM provider include:

• Experience and Expertise: The experience and skills required should be elaborate for a particular Managed SIEM provider to be considered one of the best in the industry. Providers must have extensive experience in working with organizations similar to yours, showing proof of experience in managing security threats. Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make them fully equipped to take care of complex security challenges with quality and reliability.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): It is expected that the provider shall have impressive SLAs that are clearly worded in terms of uptimes, response times, and resolution of issues. SLAs will describe the commitments of the provider regarding service availability, maximum allowable downtime, and time to respond to incidents based on their types. Clear and detailed SLAs set expectations and provide a basis for measuring performance and holding the provider accountable.
• Customization Options: Choose a security information and event management system that provides flexibility in tailoring the SIEM solution for one’s needs. In that manner, the customization option would aid in fine-tuning the SIEM system to meet the requirements of each security need of your organization, right from threat detection to reporting format and legal and compliance needs. Its ability to be modified ensures that it fits into prevailing processes and is suited to the particular needs of your organizational security challenges.
• Integration Capabilities: Ensure the capability of the Managed SIEM solution to integrate well with your current IT setup and security tools. Since integration is a core component in having a unified security posture, the SIEM system will interact with other security controls like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners. Ensuring compatibility and smooth integration will make for a complete security environment that enhances overall threat detection and response.
• Support and Training: Go with a provider that has extensive support and training so that the implementation and management of the SIEM solution can be smooth and effective. A good provider should give comprehensive training to your team for using and managing the system. Additionally, the provider should be able to render extended support services in order to help you manage your concerns or questions arising from time to time for your SIEM solution to keep it upward, operational, and effective over time.

Why Choose SentinelOne for SIEM?

SentinelOne provides cutting-edge solutions like Singularity™ XDR, which offers next-generation threat detection, and automated response, and can integrate into your existing technologies to give them even greater visibility and effectiveness. Benefits include:

• Advanced Threat Detection:  This involves a deployment of Singularity™ XDR leveraging state-of-the-art Machine Learning and AI technologies for accurate real-time threat detection. This implies quicker and more precise identification of the threat, thereby reducing the window of opportunities open to cybercriminals.
• Automated Response: Automation of responses through the platform flattens and streamlines the threat management process. Automating responses to threats means Singularity™ XDR helps lighten the load on security teams and speeds up mitigation.
• Comprehensive Visibility: It provides complete visibility across your entire IT environment, stitching together one unified view of potential threats and security events. This full-spectrum visibility leads to better monitoring and management of your security posture.
• Enhanced Analyst Experience: Singularity™ XDR was designed with the analyst in mind, presenting richer data, smarter workflows, and more powerful analytics. It ushers in ease of use that Security Analysts interpret data efficiently to respond to threats.
• Integration Capabilities: The Singularity™ Marketplace allows seamless integration of this platform into other ecosystem technologies like SIEM and SOAR. All this flexibility will result in better coordination of activities and higher efficiency in general security operations.
• Lifecycle Security: Singularity™ XDR protects the assets at every phase of the threat lifecycle- from initial detection to final resolution – to maintain your organization’s security robust and effective against threats that are continuously evolving.
• Reduced Complexity: Singularity™ XDR simplifies the processes involved in threat management; hence, an organization is able to outpace the rapidly changing cyber landscape. This is because complex tasks related to threat management tend to take away the time of security teams from more strategic initiatives.

Conclusion

Managed SIEM addresses the needs of those organizations seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture with less complexity and reduced costs associated with managing an SIEM system in-house. By outsourcing SIEM functions to a reputable service provider, businesses can tap into expert insights and advanced threat detection capabilities that could otherwise be resource-intensive to develop and maintain in-house. With continuous monitoring and proactive threat management, the providers of managed SIEM help an organization stay ahead of the evolution in cyber threats faced by them and reduce the risk of security breaches. As a result, internal teams can pay more attention to core business activities and strategic imperatives rather than getting bogged down with day-to-day security operations.

However, the proper value of a Managed SIEM solution can be realized only if the selection among the potential providers is carefully done. This means assessing relevant experience, technical competencies, and the quality of support services. Equally important is an in-depth look at your organization’s needs and goals regarding security to position the selected Managed SIEM solution in compliance with the requirements for your protection goals. You are thus assured that this will be effective protection, easy to integrate with other existing systems, and beneficial with regard to the value expected from your investment.

FAQs

1. What does Managed SIEM mean?

In simple words, Managed SIEM outsources the SIEM role to a third-party service provider who is responsible for the setup, monitoring, and maintenance of the SIEM system.

2. What is the need for Managed SIEM?

The need for Managed SIEM arises from the several complexities involved in managing cybersecurity threats, requiring 24/7 monitoring, and expert analysis without maintaining the in-house system.

3. What is the cost of Managed SIEM?

The cost of managed SIEM can vary quite considerably, depending on factors such as organization size, the complexity of their IT, and the level of service required. While there are associated fees in general, it often proves less expensive than an in-house SIEM system.