What is the purpose of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system?

A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is designed primarily to collect, analyze, and manage security data from various sources within an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes data from servers, network devices, domain controllers, and security devices like firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

The collection and analysis performed by a SIEM system allow security teams to gain insights into security incidents, identify potential threats, and respond to them in a timely manner. By aggregating logs and security alerts in real-time, SIEMs help organizations maintain a comprehensive overview of their security posture and compliance with policies and regulations.

This capability to centralize security monitoring is crucial for detecting anomalies, investigating incidents, and conducting forensic analysis, making it an essential tool for modern cybersecurity operations.