Top Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools in 2024

SolarWinds: Optimal Choice for Log Aggregation

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM) places special focus on log aggregation and threat detection. It can effortlessly handle and transmit raw event log data to external applications for further scrutiny using syslog protocols, distinguishing itself in this field.

Reasons Behind Opting for SolarWinds

I chose SolarWinds for its comprehensive log aggregation and analysis capabilities. This empowers businesses to have a clear understanding of their device statuses, identify the causes behind each log, and subsequently devise improvement strategies. Furthermore, SolarWinds’ capacity to share extensive log data with other applications is a significant advantage.

Pricing Structure

• Starting at $2,992, annual subscriptions for SolarWinds SEM are available.
• Around $6,168, perpetual licensing can be obtained.

Top Choice for Cloud-Native Environment: Splunk Enterprise Security

Splunk Enterprise Security provides cloud-based security event notifications and log monitoring. Its capabilities include identifying resource bottlenecks, failing hardware, capacity issues, and other potential concerns. Given its evolution during the cloud era, it is specifically tailored for cloud-native environments.

Reasons for Choosing Splunk Enterprise Security

Splunk Enterprise Security stands out for its specialized focus on safeguarding cloud environments. This tool empowers cloud-native enterprises to effortlessly establish security monitoring and unified visibility within the cloud. Its extensive visibility features are complemented by over 1,500 detections, numerous integrations, and risk-based alerting. For many cloud-native businesses, Splunk’s integrated threat detection, exploration, and response service is a crucial security resource.

Pricing Details

• Splunk has a pricing model divided into entity, activity, workload, and ingestion categories.
• Exact prices are not publicly disclosed, but user feedback suggests costs range from $173 per month to $1,800 per GB.

Optimal for Customization: Datadog Security Monitoring

Datadog has crafted its platform to suit individual user requirements effectively. Datadog Security Monitoring simplifies the process of observing all the data sources under analysis at a quick glance. It provides security monitoring for fluid environments, tools for monitoring security in real-time, and functionality for identifying the root cause of issues. Moreover, there is a trial version that allows organizations to experiment with Datadog to check its compatibility with their needs.

Reasons for selecting Datadog Security Monitoring

My choice of Datadog Security Monitoring is based on its strong focus on user customization and adaptability. Organizations can make use of Datadog’s configurable rules to identify common attacker behaviors and tactics. Additionally, you have the freedom to choose which logs to index while continuously processing data. All this can be done on top of having a dashboard and a user interface that can be personalized.

Cost

• The professional version is priced at $15 per host per month, while the enterprise version costs $23 per host per month.

Characteristics

• More than 350 detection rules and over 500 integrations with log sources ensure comprehensive visibility into security operations.
• Capability to inspect any stack or application at any scale and from any location.
• Integrated services such as infrastructure monitoring, APM, log management, device monitoring, cloud workload monitoring, server monitoring, and database monitoring are all included.
• Integration of data from logs and other metrics to offer context and reduce incident response time.

Integration

• Slack.
• SSH.
• AWS.
• Google Cloud Platform.
• Oracle.
• IBM Cloud.

Advantages and disadvantages of Datadog

LogRhythm SIEM: Optimal for on-premises

The SIEM software from LogRhythm is specifically designed for on-premises hosting. The platform incorporates AI and automation features, with easily configurable reporting based on queries. It has seamless integration with various security and technological solutions.

SEE: The SIEM Buyer’s Guide (TechRepublic)

Reasons for opting for LogRhythm SIEM

For organizations needing an on-premises solution, I endorse LogRhythm. It provides a comprehensive security approach, featuring embedded modules, threat monitoring, and automated detection and response. Additionally, it offers streamlined incident investigation and analysis capabilities for organizations seeking an overview of their IT infrastructure. For on-premises deployments, LogRhythm pays significant attention to providing compliant and regulatory content.

Pricing

• Contact for specialized pricing.
• Multiple pricing options are available, including perpetual or subscription software licenses, an unlimited data plan, and a high-performance plan.

Integrations

• Kibana.
• Trend Micro.
• Rapid7.
• Acronis.
• CimTrak.
• CloudSEK.

LogRythm pros and cons

RSA NetWitness: Best for large enterprises

RSA, renowned for its multifactor soft and hard token authentication products, has a solid presence in the security community at large. Its NetWitness SIEM is tailored more towards sizeable enterprises, offering versions for both on-premises and cloud-based operations.

SEE: Top 8 Advanced Threat Protection Tools and Software Options for 2024 (TechRepublic)

Reasons for Choosing RSA NetWitness

RSA NetWitness earns its spot on this list for being a comprehensive security solution crafted for larger organizations. It grants visibility across various capture points and possesses intelligent analytics and automation features to combat both known and unknown threats. I believe that large enterprises, in particular, will find NetWitness’s rapid threat detection beneficial in uncovering the complete attack landscape promptly.

Pricing

• Reach out for tailored pricing.

Features

• NetWitness monitors actionable events.
• Behavior analytics observe malicious activity and reconstruct full sessions to study the exact anatomy of an attack.
• Customizable intelligence feeds track and maintain essential operations.
• Visibility into log data scattered throughout the IT environment.

Associations

• Microsoft Azure.
• Amazon Web Services.
• Cisco Systems.
• Google’s Cloud Platform.
• Symantec Endpoint Protection.
• Kaspersky CyberTrace.

Merits and Demerits of RSA NetWitness

ManageEngine Log360: Optimal for small enterprises

ManageEngine Log360 is a SIEM solution suitable for businesses of all sizes, with a focus on small business deployments, thanks to its seamless integration with various security and monitoring products offered by the company.

Reasons for Choosing ManageEngine Log360

One of the reasons ManageEngine Log360 stands out is its tailored functionality for small enterprises. It includes essential SIEM features like event log analysis, cloud infrastructure monitoring, threat detection, and automated responses. Additionally, I appreciate how ManageEngine offers businesses easy access to Log360’s premium features through a generous 30-day trial period.

Pricing

• Submit ManageEngine’s online form for a personalized quotation.

Characteristics

• Detect internal threats, such as data leakage and compromised user accounts, by recognizing subtle shifts in user behavior.
• Pinpoint suspicious or blocked IPs, URLs, and domains infiltrating your network by correlating log data with reputable threat intelligence feeds.
• Automate responses to incidents using customizable workflows.
• Monitor active VPN connections and receive alerts for unusual VPN activities and malicious source access.

Associations

• Amazon Web Services.
• Microsoft Azure.
• Salesforce.com.
• Google Cloud.
• ESET Antivirus.
• Cisco Systems.

Merits and Demerits of ManageEngine Log360

experiences, and examine file access rights. Identify, obstruct, and stop data breaches through endpoints such as USB devices and printers, email, and web applications by employing real-time security surveillance.

IBM Security QRadar SIEM: Top Pick for IBM-centric Enterprises

IBM QRadar serves as a solution for identifying threats and responding to them, incorporating a SIEM module. It is particularly well-suited for enterprises heavily reliant on IBM tools and systems, along with large-scale enterprise implementations.

Reasons for Choosing IBM Security QRadar SIEM

I have selected IBM’s QRadar SIEM as a savvy option for organizations deeply embedded in IBM product suites and utilities. Fortunately, Security QRadar also boasts a substantial range of integrations with various third-party services, making it a feasible SIEM solution even for firms without an IBM infrastructure.

Pricing Details

• Visit IBM’s official online price estimator for a customized quote.

Capabilities

• Enhanced response to threats through dashboards highlighting critical alerts.
• Utilizes nearly real-time analytics to intelligently explore and prioritize high-impact alerts based on risk severity.
• Detects internal threats and risky user actions.
• Part of IBM Cloud Pak for Security, leveraging AI for risk appraisals and analytics.

Link-ups

• Amazon Web Services.
• Check Point.
• Google Cloud.
• Palo Alto Networks.
• Trend Micro.
• Carbon Black (VMware).

IBM Security QRadar advantages and disadvantages

Trellix Security Operations and Analytics: Ideal Choice for Windows Environments

Trellix Security Operations (SecOps) and Analytics was built on the foundations of the former McAfee Enterprise Security Manager SIEM platform and now forms part of Trellix as Trellix Enterprise Security Manager. Originally aligned with Active Directory, making it a good fit for Windows environments, Trellix has expanded its capabilities to provide robust cloud support.

Reasons for Selecting Trellix Security Operations and Analytics

I have included Trellix Security Operations and Analytics in this list due to its excellent compatibility with Windows systems, which makes it an excellent option for businesses primarily reliant on Windows machines.

execute a Windows-focused ecosystem. Apart from this, it delivers robust automation capabilities for swift identification and resolution. Ideally, this should result in reduced risk exposure and quicker response times when handling security threats.

Cost

• Reach out to Trellix for customized pricing.

Characteristics

• The Trellix Helix SecOps platform is a component of a suite that incorporates SIEM to empower IT in managing incidents, detections, and responses.
• Trellix Insights offers predictive threat intelligence to prioritize threats and recommend countermeasures.
• The Trellix ePO security management platform facilitates central control and administration of all endpoints from a unified console.

Linkages

• Trellix Endpoint Detection and Response.
• Trelix Helix.
• Trelix Insights.
• Cisco.

Strengths and weaknesses of Trellix Security Operations and Analytics

AT&T USM Anywhere: Ideal for asset detection

Formerly AlienVault Unified Security Management platform, now known as AT&T USM Anywhere, specializes in asset discovery and data collection on active services, users, operating systems, and hardware details. Its focus on assets enables it to identify any devices within the safeguarded environment.

Reasons for Choosing AT&T USM Anywhere

USM Anywhere earned its spot on this list as an effective tool for businesses prioritizing threat detection and asset discovery above all. It can identify vulnerabilities and threats across various IT infrastructures, whether on the cloud, network, or on-premises — making it a versatile detection solution.

Pricing

• Essentials – $1,075 per month; designed for small IT teams as a security and compliance tool.
• Standard – $1,695 per month; aimed at IT security teams needing automation and in-depth security analysis.
• Premium – $2,595 per month; tailored for IT security teams targeting PCI DSS audit compliance.
• Alternatively, complete USM Anywhere’s online form for a personalized quote.

Characteristics

• Automatically gathers and assesses data across the attack surface.
• Threat intelligence sourced from AT&T Alien Labs.
• Supports a range of AlienApps for orchestrating and automating actions with other security tools and incident response.

Linkages

• AWS.
• Azure.
• Cisco.
• GCP.

Trellix Security Operations and Analytics pros and cons

Essential features of SIEM software

All SIEM software solutions manage log monitoring and administration. Other crucial aspects include the tool’s cloud-based nature, its on-prem capacity, inclusion of remedial features, and compatible platforms.

Cloud-based

Today, the majority of SIEM software operates in the cloud. Cloud-centric tools offer easier deployment, management, and operation. Given the prevalence of enterprises in various clouds, cloud-based SIEM solutions are indispensable. Some vendors provide SIEM via Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), while others deliver it as a fully managed service.

Deployed On-premises

Certain entities prefer on-premises operations due to privacy, security, or compliance concerns, necessitating the installation of SIEM on internal servers. While some vendors offer this option, others do not.

Remedial Measures

Initially designed to act as a means of detecting and responding to threats, SIEM has evolved to offer more advanced capabilities.In order to streamline the compilation and examination of security logs, a solution was introduced to enterprises. This system allowed for the assessment of large quantities of log records and notifications to identify possible problems or unauthorized access attempts. Recently, however, SIEM platforms have started integrating remediation capabilities. Certain tools now offer automated remediation actions, while others grant access to a broad array of security remedies either through the SIEM platform itself or through associated tools from the same provider.

VIEW: Comprehensive Guide on the Malvertising Cybersecurity Threat (TechRepublic Premium)

Frameworks

The competition within the SIEM market is intense. Most suppliers aim to deliver utilities that function across all major operating systems and cloud platforms. However, there may be some gaps. For instance, users heavily reliant on Google Chrome may face limited SIEM alternatives. Thus, it’s imperative to confirm that your chosen vendor is fully equipped to deploy their systems within your operational environment.

How can I opt for the most suitable SIEM software for my enterprise?

Each of the described products provides solid security safeguards and can be beneficial to any company — since every organization requires some degree of real-time security log analysis to prevent and identify threats.

When deciding on the appropriate SIEM software, factors such as company priorities, needs, financial resources, IT proficiency level, and availability to manage and address threats will play a crucial role. A managed SIEM like USM Anywhere might be the preferred choice in scenarios where budget is not a constraint and technical staff lacks the capacity or willingness to address security risks hands-on. Conversely, if financial constraints are in place, and in-house expertise and resources are plentiful, options like SolarWinds SEM, Datadog, or AlienVault would be recommended. Otherwise, solutions such as LogRhythm, CrowdSrike, Splunk, RSA, IBM QRadar, and ManageEngine are worthy contenders to be considered.

Approach

The SIEM tools discussed earlier were chosen after a thorough evaluation of official security characteristics, recognition in analysis reports, and feedback from real users. Each SIEM platform was assessed based on its advantages and disadvantages, security features, and pricing structure.

Furthermore, significant consideration was given to understanding how each SIEM tool could cater to specific use cases and businesses. This evaluation factored in the unique strengths of each product and identified the organizations that could best leverage their feature set.

Lastly, the breadth and diversity of integrations with third-party security services were also taken into account to compile this shortlist. This was done to ensure a smooth integration of the SIEM solution into a company’s existing infrastructure and seamless monitoring of data points across the IT framework of the business for the SIEM itself.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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