HyperScale Blog

Role of Modern SIEM in Detecting & Preventing Insider Threats

Written by Megan SHAW | Jul 9, 2021 5:51:00 AM

Table of Content 

  • Introduction
  • Role of SIEM in Detecting & Preventing Insider Threats
  • Conclusion

 

Introduction 

Insider threats are a significant concern for businesses and organizations of all sizes. These threats come from within an organization and can be caused by employees, contractors, or other individuals who have direct access to an organization's systems and data. Insider threats can cause significant damage to an organization's reputation and bottom line, which is why it is important to detect and prevent them.

One effective way to detect and prevent insider threats is by using a modern Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution. While a traditional SIEM system is a security tool that collects and analyzes data from various sources, such as network logs, user activity, and system configurations. The modern, next-gen SIEM takes it a level up by using ML and AI capabilities to detect and analyze anomalies in user behavior and activities. So, with such insightful data, the security analysts are in a better position to identify potential security threats, such as unauthorized access or data breaches.

Elaborating on this and talking about the benefits of a modern SIEM solution, we have today explained the role of SIEM in detection and prevention of insider threat and how this can enhance the security posture of the organization. So, let us see how exactly does a modern SIEM work to help in detecting & preventing insider threats. 

Role of SIEM in Detecting & Preventing Insider Threats

1. Detect Suspicious Activity

One of the key benefits of a SIEM system is its ability to quickly detect and alert suspicious activity. SIEM solutions integrated with advanced analytics and automation technology helps in detecting insider threats from malicious insiders and compromised insiders having access to critical assets. For example, if an employee accesses sensitive data outside of their usual work hours, a SIEM system can alert the security team to this potentially malicious behavior. This allows the security team to quickly investigate and take appropriate action to prevent any damage.

2. Effective Monitoring & Reporting

In addition to detecting insider threats, a SIEM system can also be used to prevent them. For example, a SIEM system can be configured to monitor user activity and alert the security team if an employee attempts to access sensitive data that they are not authorized to view. This can help prevent data breaches and other security incidents caused by insiders.

3. Detection of Compromised Device or Device at Risk

SIEM solutions do not just help in the detection of suspicious activities by malicious users, but also helps in identifying devices at high risk or exposed to vulnerabilities or even identify systems and devices in the network that are compromised. On detection, the security teams are quickly alerted or flagged about the high risk devices and based on this they can take appropriate measures to block, disconnect or deactivate the devices from critical networks and systems comprising sensitive data.

4. Detection of Privilege Abuse

SIEM has the capability of detecting exploited privilege access by malicious users in their attempt to escalate access to critical devices and networks. Using advanced behavioral analysis and ML capabilities, SIEM can detect suspicious activities and anomalies in systems indicating compromise. Further to this, the SIEM can highlight the privilege abuse wherein the user is escalating access to attempt breach or access the critical target network, device or asset. Such insights and data can help the SOC team in responding to attacks immediately and addressing the security concerns promptly.

You can Also Read 

How to Use SIEM to Monitor & Protect your Organization's Assets?

 

Conclusion

A modern SIEM system is an essential tool for detecting and preventing insider threats. By leveraging ML and AI, SIEM not only provides real-time visibility into an organization's systems and data, but also helps the security teams to quickly identify and respond to potential insider threats by detecting unusual activities and anomalies in the user behavior. This significantly improves the overall threat detection and response capabilities, while also reducing the impact and damage caused to an organization's reputation and bottom line.

DNIF HYPERCLOUD is a modern SIEM solution offering a combined SIEM, UEBA and Automation capabilities that meets most of the security and compliance requirements of an organization. Request A Demo and see how our cloud-native SIEM solution can best fit your security and threat detection needs while ensuring smooth and systematic business operations.