Managed SIEM - definition & overview

Managed SIEM is an alternative to on-premise deployment, setup and monitoring of a SIEM software solution where an organization contracts with a third-party service provider to host a SIEM application on their servers and monitor the organization's network for potential security threats. Organizations choose Managed SIEM for their corporate security needs to deploy faster, reduce setup and training costs and leverage the expertise of cyber security specialists.

Cyber security is a growing concern as the number of high-profile data breaches climbs yearly and even small and medium-sized organizations recognize a greater need to secure their IT assets against external threats. When it comes to deploying a SIEM tool, organizations can choose to set up and monitor an on-premise SIEM tool or contract with a third party for managed SIEM services.

About managed SIEM services
Several strategic benefits lead organizations to partner with a third-party managed SIEM provider, including:

Outsourced security expertise - managed SIEM providers focus on enterprise security as their primary value driver. They hold a wealth of cyber security expertise to enhance IT security for their customers.

Strategic partnerships - managed SIEM providers are well-connected within the cyber security industry, including with other major security technology vendors. This gives them access to more tools, resources and expertise, along with the latest innovations and timely alerts about the latest detected threats.

Reputation - a reputable managed SIEM provider that offers a proven track record of securing its clients from cyber attacks through effective setup and monitoring of security tools. Managed SIEM can give you peace of mind that industry-leading experts are managing your business security.

The business case for managed SIEM centers on reducing costs and leveraging outsourced security expertise to help manage security operations and protect the business from cyber security threats and data breaches.

Reduced SIEM deployment costs

If an organization deploys a SIEM tool on-premises, it must purchase the IT infrastructure needed to support it. Purchasing additional IT assets to support a SIEM deployment can be expensive for small or medium-sized businesses. With managed SIEM, organizations pay a monthly subscription fee.

Streamlined daily security operations

Managed SIEM providers offer the core services of SIEM, such as security monitoring and incident response. Still, they can also take over tasks that your in-house SecOps team would normally be responsible for. Managed SIEM providers can offer delivery of monthly security reports, install patches and updates, manage compliance, and maintain the SIEM configuration and asset inventory functions.

Rapid deployment

Managed SIEM providers have existing infrastructure to facilitate your SIEM solution's rapid deployment. Instead of customizing your own SIEM deployment, you may consider partnering with a managed SIEM that has developed the know-how to deploy SIEM quickly and efficiently to start protecting your IT infrastructure.

Access to expertise

Leading managed SIEM providers maintain a skilled staff of cyber security experts that will collaborate to analyze your enterprise security logs, investigate incidents and provide threat detection and response services. Managed SIEM is a cost-effective alternative to recruiting, hiring, training and managing your team of cyber security experts.

Access to technology

Managed SIEM providers use industry-leading tools to offer customers the best security standard. These technologies might cost your organization hundreds or thousands of dollars to license annually. Still, your managed SIEM provider will implement them to protect your IT infrastructure as part of your normal subscription fee.

What's the difference between a managed SIEM and a managed security service provider (MSSP)?

The most basic managed SIEM providers host your SIEM tool, coordinate the collection of security and event logs and report on the results. These providers may manage a centralized SIEM that monitors the networks of multiple customers, or they may choose to configure and manage individualized SIEM platforms for each of their customers.

An MSSP typically offers a greater variety and level of service. In addition to hosting and managing a SIEM tool, they may play a more prominent role in analyzing log data and investigating security threats. They may also offer an expanded suite of services, including anti-malware software and vulnerability scanning.

When choosing whether to contract with a managed SIEM provider or MSSP, the most important thing is to assess their overall service offerings to ensure you're getting good value-for-money and security coverage that complements the capabilities of your existing SecOps team.

SIEM-as-a-Service is a collection of SaaS tools that provide real-time incident monitoring and threat detection. Using real-time correlation and data log analysis tools, SIEM as a service provides a centralized solution for automating your security log information and threat detection.

Sumo Logic is a cloud infrastructure security that helps organizations of all sizes enhance their IT infrastructure security monitoring, operational analytics and business intelligence capabilities. Our platform incorporates the features of industry-leading security technologies, including event monitoring, log analysis and incident response, and high-tech extras like machine learning and big data analysis. Sumo Logic can be your first cloud SIEM, replace a legacy SIEM tool, or work with your existing SIEM software solution.

What should I look for in a managed SIEM provider?

Look for a provider that offers comprehensive security monitoring capabilities, advanced security analytics and threat detection features, 24/7 security operations center support, seamless integration with your existing security infrastructure, proactive threat hunting services and incident response expertise. It's paramount that you choose a managed SIEM provider that aligns with your organization's security requirements and can effectively mitigate potential threats.

Is a managed SIEM appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses or enterprises?

Managed SIEM services can suit small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise-scale organizations. SMBs that lack the resources and expertise to manage and monitor their security environment effectively make a managed SIEM service a cost-effective solution to enhance their security posture. Enterprise-scale organizations with complex IT infrastructures and higher security needs can benefit from the scalability, advanced threat detection capabilities and round-the-clock monitoring provided by managed SIEM services.

What are the pricing models for a managed SIEM provider?

Managed SIEM providers typically offer pricing models based on factors such as the level of services required, the volume of data monitored, and the complexity of the organization's IT environment. Common pricing structures include subscription-based models with monthly or annual fees, usage-based models where costs scale with the amount of data processed and tiered pricing based on the depth of security services offered. Some providers may also charge setup fees, customization fees for tailored services, or additional fees for add-on features like threat intelligence feeds or incident response support.