Next-Gen SIEM Improves Cyber Visibility for IT Teams

Now, organizations are going a step beyond traditional SIEM. Next-gen SIEM correlates critical data assets that must be protected with other data feeds to unearth potential threats and compromises.

Unlike traditional SIEM, next-gen systems infuse data points from raw streaming workflows and all types of asset sources: cloud, on-premises, hyperconverged and hybrid. In short, next-gen SIEM offers a unified data platform that applies modern intelligence and analytics in a real-time workflow.

Because some SIEM systems also offer SOAR capabilities, it's important to understand what's included and what your organization needs so you can choose the right SIEM tool.

LEARN MORE: Choose the right SIEM solution for your organization.

Next-Gen SIEM Enables Faster Incident Response

A cornerstone of next-gen SIEM is flexible storage that incorporates data from multifaceted sources at the volume, velocity and level of veracity the cyber ecosystem delivers, says Sam Kinch, director of technical account management at systems software company Tanium.

"Scalability improves with tunable storage capacities and capabilities, adjustable retention policies and distributed locations across hyperconverged enterprises," Kinch says.

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Efficiencies are achieved by retaining data at various storage tiers based on access needs; support for certain, optimized compression algorithms; and access models (including application programming interfaces), ensuring ready availability.

Next-gen SIEM can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to track and respond to breaches across various systems and architectures, says Sam Curcuruto, principal product marketing manager for Commvault.

"By integrating data from multiple sources, these advanced SIEM systems provide a comprehensive view of the entire IT environment, whether it's on-premises, in the cloud or within hybrid architectures,” Curcuruto says.

Such tools use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect patterns and anomalies that might elude traditional SIEM technology, thereby catching sophisticated threats early.

Next-gen SIEM also leverages automation and orchestration capabilities for swift, coordinated and sometimes fully hands-off responses to security incidents. Some automation technologies can detect a ransomware event, quarantine the affected system and roll back any changes to data with the last known good configuration.

Global threat intelligence feeds also keep organizations informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities, bolstering their ability to anticipate and mitigate attacks.

Next-Gen SIEM Brings Fresh IT Challenges

Integrating next-gen SIEM technology into an existing IT infrastructure can present several challenges, Curcuruto says.

"The complexity of ensuring seamless integration with diverse systems and technologies can be both time-consuming and intricate," he says. "Managing and processing large volumes of data from various sources demands significant resources."

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To fully harness the benefits of next-gen SIEM, organizations should define clear objectives for its deployment, such as improving the accuracy of threat detection or reducing response times. 

"Ongoing training and awareness programs are essential to effectively utilize SIEM tools and stay abreast of the latest security practices," Curcuruto says.