The benefits of using a cloud-native SIEM in a SOC

Table of Content

• Introduction 
• Benefits of Cloud Native SIEM in SOC
• Best Practices for Successful Implementation of Cloud Native SIEM
• Conclusion
  
  

Introduction 

The adoption of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and the recent shift towards the cloud-native SIEMs, has grown significantly over the years. As organizations look to improve their security posture and reduce costs, the industry is witnessing a growing trend in the adoption of cloud-native SIEM solutions. In this article, we have shared some advantages and disadvantages of using a Cloud-native SIEM in a Security Operations Center (SOC), and also listed out some best practices for organizations to consider when implementing cloud-native SIEM. Following the best practices will definitely help your organization reap the benefits of adopting cloud-native SIEM solutions. 

So, let us continue to read, learn and understand the benefits of using a cloud-native SIEM in a SOC. 

Benefits of Cloud Native SIEM in SOC

1. Scalability -

One of the key advantages of a Cloud-native SIEM is its scalability. Unlike traditional on-premises SIEM systems, a Cloud-native SIEM can easily be scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of a SOC. This is especially useful for organizations that experience fluctuations in their data volumes, number of users and security needs, especially during peak seasons or major events.

2. Real Time Analysis -

In addition to its scalability, a Cloud-native SIEM can also provide real-time analysis of security events. Because it is hosted on cloud, a Cloud-native SIEM can quickly process large volumes of data and provide near-instant insight into the user-activities across the entire network and any potential security threats. This can help SOC teams respond to threats quickly and effectively, improving the overall security posture.

3. Cost-Effective Solution-

Another major advantage of a Cloud-native SIEM is its cost-saving potential. Because it is hosted on cloud, organizations can avoid the upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining on-premises hardware and software. This can significantly reduce expenses and allow organizations to reallocate resources to other areas.

4. Improved Operational Efficiency-  

Cloud-native SIEM facilitates prioritized automation of alerts based on classified, and high-level risks detected in the environment. The automation of alerts instantly notifies the SOC team, based on priority and high-level risks that are identified through advanced threat intelligence reporting. Leveraging AI and machine learning technology, the Cloud-native SIEM solution offers high-level threat intelligence reporting that helps the SOC team analyze and take proactive measures to prevent or mitigate any potential threat in the environment. This improves the overall operational efficiency and effectiveness of the SOC team.

5. Centralized Logging & Reporting Systems-

Cloud-native SIEM offers a high-level integration of systems, applications and network into a single platform for centralized storage and analysis of data. This supports centralized logging, analysis and reporting for the SOC team. Leveraging such features can help the team streamline the security operational processes and also improve the security incident response in an event of an attack. 

Challenges of Cloud-native SIEM in SOC

Like a double edged sword, adopting Cloud-native SIEM has its own set of drawbacks and challenges. Let us see what these challenges are and how they impact businesses.

1. Security Breaches -

One of the main challenges with a Clou-native SIEM solution is the increased risk of potential security breaches. Because a Cloud-native SIEM is hosted in the cloud, it is potentially vulnerable to attacks from both internal and external hackers. It is therefore important for organizations to carefully consider and evaluate the security measures of their chosen Cloud-native SIEM provider. This is to ensure that their data is protected against any potential threat.

2. Vendor Lock-in -

In addition to security breaches, another major challenge of using a Cloud-native SIEM is the risk of facing vendor lock-in. Vendor lock-in is a situation wherein the organization is compelled to continue with the same vendor due to various migration constraints. Since a Cloud-native SIEM is usually hosted by a third-party provider, organizations may have over the years matured their systems, applications and operations on that specific platform and service provider, making them reliant on that vendor. This makes it practically difficult for the organization to shift to a new vendor and migrate to a new platform. Furthermore, this process of migration can make it extremely difficult and costly for the organization looking to switch over to a different vendor.

3. Regulatory & Compliance Challenges- 

Another huge challenge faced by the SOC team is ensuring that the Cloud-native SIEM application is constantly compliant with various data security and privacy  standards and mandates in the industry. Since the Cloud-native SIEM application is managed by the third-party vendors, it would be extremely challenging for the organization to ensure they have the necessary security measures in place that meet the requirements and security mandates respectively. 

4. Identifying Suitable Cloud-native SIEM Solution- 

Identifying the most suitable solution and the right Cloud-native SIEM vendor for your specific security requirement can be a huge challenge. Failure to identify the right solution can cost the organization a significant amount of resources. The SOC team should appropriately evaluate and identify whether or not the features offered by the vendor in their Cloud-native SIEM solution aligns well with the security requirements of the SOC team. 

Best Practices for Successful Implementation of Cloud Native SIEM 

For organizations to reap the benefits of a cloud-native SIEM solution they need to  carefully evaluate and ensure a successful implementation of the right solution. So, here are some of the best practices that we have listed for organizations like you to follow  in order to leverage the benefits of Cloud-native SIEM. 

1. Vendor Evaluation-

Conduct a thorough evaluation of potential cloud-native SIEM providers to ensure that they meet the organization’s security and compliance requirements. This is essential for organizations who come under the radar of various compliance and regulatory mandates.

2. Evaluate Business Requirements-

Evaluating your organization’s business operation and security requirements is crucial for selecting the right vendor and adopting a suitable solution. For this, clearly defining the organization’s business goals, operational and security requirements is important. Thereafter, using this information for selecting appropriate cloud-native SIEM providers and further making it a part of your implementation plan is equally essential.

3. Resource Evaluation -

Ensure that the organization has necessary resources, including trained personnel, to effectively manage and maintain the cloud-native SIEM.

4. Robust Incident Response Plan-

Develop a robust incident response plan to ensure that the organization can quickly and effectively respond to any potential security threats in case of failed integration and configuration of a Cloud-native SIEM with existing systems and applications.

5. Conduct Regular Reviews & Updates-

Organizations must conduct regular reviews and updates on the organization’s current security posture.. During the implementation process, we strongly recommend organizations to initially begin with a pilot run and review of the new cloud-native solution in a phased manner. Thereafter conduct regular checks, reviews and updates on the working and effectiveness of the new solution. This is to ensure successful implementation  and also ensure the application remains effective in terms of meeting  the organization’s existing needs and evolving future requirements.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, while a cloud-native SIEM can provide many benefits to the SOC team in terms of scalability, real-time analysis, improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness , it also comes with its own set of challenges. So, we strongly recommend organizations to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of adopting the Cloud-native SIEM solution.  Thereafter, we also recommend you to evaluate the selected vendor and their Cloud-native SIEM solution in terms of its capabilities and features it offers. Collaborating with the right vendor and suitable solution is an important consideration for the SOC team to reap the benefits of Cloud-native SIEM. 

DNIF HYPERCLOUD is one such modern Cloud-native SIEM solution renowned for its exceptional features and modern SIEM= UEBA + SOAR solution. So, businesses looking to upscale and strengthen the security of their IT Infrastructure must consider DNIF HYPERCLOUD. Request for a demo to learn more about its brilliant features and benefits for your organization's SOC team.