What is SIEM correlation?
Correlation is one of the key components of any effective SIEM tool. As information from across your digital environment feeds into a SIEM platform, that platform uses correlation to identify any possible issues. It does so by comparing sequences of activity against preset rules that may have been set by the SIEM vendor or custom created by you and your team.
The above example of repeated failed log-in attempts is a typical instance in which correlation comes in handy. While that information may not look threatening to the naked eye reading through reams of data, SIEM tools with the requisite correlation rules in place will be able to identify a potential threat and issue an alert.
For those new to the platform, setting up SIEM correlation rules may seem daunting. After all, SIEM tools will generally only be looking for what you tell them to look for, so creating rules that anticipate actual threats is a must. Thankfully, many SIEM products come with correlation rules already prepared. You’ll need to run through these to determine which make sense for the business, and you’ll also have the option of enabling your own correlation rules as you see fit.
It should also be noted that it’s possible for SIEM monitoring tools to turn up false positives, so striking the right balance here is important. If you set up your correlation rules in such a way that they’re turning up too many false positives, you may be wasting time going down rabbit holes. If you go too far in the other direction, however, you risk letting malicious activity carry on without an adequate and timely response.
In this way, SIEM correlation rules allow cybersecurity professionals to augment these tools so they work for each business’s specific needs. A particular SIEM product may offer clients the same type of protection and the same features, but it’s up to MSPs to deploy these tools so they’re maximally effective for each business.
Is SolarWinds a SIEM?
SolarWinds® Threat Monitor offers MSPs full SIEM capabilities. The product collects near real-time log notifications from security assets throughout your network and analyzes them against known threats. By doing so, this tool develops an accurate picture of security operations throughout your organization, allowing the platform to pinpoint threats as they develop.
As logs are collected and stored, they’re analyzed for potentially malicious activity both at the event and underlying informational levels. If anything seems amiss or fails to fit correlation rules properly, Threat Monitor will generate alerts so you can investigate the issue, determine whether or not it’s a false positive, and respond accordingly. The platform can also be configured to try neutralizing attacks on its own through its connections with other security assets across your system and network.
A detailed dashboard design makes it easy to visualize what’s happening throughout the digital environment. Additionally, SolarWinds has made it easy to follow reporting mandates and various laws. Through a number of different templates included in Threat Monitor, it’s possible to maintain compliance with legislation and initiatives that include HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, ISO, and more. If you have any concerns, SolarWinds also offers around-the-clock support, helping with any errors, issues, or questions that arise as you integrate the product into your system.
What is the best SIEM?
As previously explained, the best SIEM monitoring tool for a client is going to depend on their specific needs. Are they looking for easy integration with Windows event logs? Do they need you to manage their SIEM platform in a larger IT environment? Do you want the most in-depth, nitty-gritty dashboard UI possible?
Your answer to these questions will affect what SIEM monitoring tool is the best pick for you and your team. As you figure this out, take the time to experiment. Check which vendors offer free trials, try open source versions of products before opting for the full commercial package, and ask plenty of questions.
Interested in learning more about SIEM solutions? Explore our product suite to see how you can improve SIEM security and monitoring.