Managing multiple security tools can be complex, with many organizations using a multitude of detection tools. In fact, about 61% of organizations use between 3-6 different detection tools. 

This complexity has led to a trend of security vendor consolidation, with Gartner reporting that 75% of organizations are consolidating their security vendors in 2022, up from 29% in 2020. 

As a result, 57% of organizations are now working with fewer than 10 vendors. To effectively manage this complexity and maximize security, organizations need a centralized solution. That's where SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) comes in – collecting data, analyzing it in real-time, and taking action when an anomaly is detected. 

Through SIEM, organizations can streamline their security operations and eliminate redundant tools. 

In this article, we explore security tools you can skip investing in to maximize your SIEM's potential and create a more efficient security stack.

Knowing the Right Security Tools for Your Organization 

The size of your organization plays an important role. Larger organizations require comprehensive solutions due to their complex infrastructure and diverse security needs. 

In contrast, smaller businesses need streamlined tools that are tailored to their specific requirements. Notably, smaller businesses are disproportionately targeted by cyberattacks, with 43% of attacks directed at them.

You also need to identify your specific security needs and threats (threat modeling), including compliance requirements. Assessing your existing security infrastructure and tools will aid in avoiding redundancy and ensuring seamless integration with new tools.

Finally, consider budget and resource constraints, as implementing and maintaining security tools often has steep financial and resource implications. 

4 Security Tools You Can Skip when using the SIEM

To streamline your security operations and maximize your SIEM's potential, consider skipping investment in the following tools:

• Standalone Log Management Tools: Log management tools collect, store, and analyze log data from various sources, such as servers, applications, and network devices. An example is the ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)

Reason to Skip: SIEM systems already include comprehensive log management and analysis capabilities, making standalone log management tools redundant.

• SOAR Solutions: Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions are designed to automate and coordinate incident response activities, helping security teams handle threats more efficiently. Examples of SOAR tools include Splunk Phantom and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR.

Reason to Skip: SIEM solutions often include built-in automation and orchestration capabilities, allowing for seamless incident response within the same platform. This integration reduces the need for separate SOAR tools, as SIEMs can automate responses, streamline workflows, and provide centralized management, all in one solution.

• Dedicated Threat Intelligence Platforms: Threat intelligence platforms provide actionable insights into emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Examples include ThreatConnect, Anomali

Reason to Skip: Modern SIEMs integrate threat intelligence and automate threat detection and incident response.

• Compliance Management Tools: These tools help organizations manage regulatory requirements and generate compliance reports. Example include RSA Archer, MetricStream

Reason to Skip: SIEMs often include compliance management and reporting features that help manage requirements for regulations such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR, minimizing the need for additional compliance management tools.

Benefits of Skipping Redundant Security Tools

By skipping these security tools, you can:

1. Reduce costs and optimize your budget
2. Simplify your security operations.
3. Improve your overall security posture and incident response times
4. Enhance threat detection and incident response abilities.

Getting the Most Out of Your SIEM

To maximize your SIEM's potential and minimize redundancy, follow these practices:

• Integrate Your SIEM with Other Security Tools: Ensure your SIEM is integrated with your existing security tools for a cohesive defense strategy.
• Customize Your SIEM Configuration: Tailor your SIEM settings to meet your organization’s specific security needs.
• Monitor and Analyze SIEM Data: Constantly review your SIEM data to identify and address potential areas for improvement.
• Update Your SIEM Configuration: Keep your SIEM system updated to ensure it operates at optimal performance.

Maximizing your SIEM involves not only using its features but also making strategic decisions about which security tools to invest in. Skipping redundant tools will help you streamline your security operations and reduce costs. For more cybersecurity resources and expert advice, kindly subscribe to the Cyberkach blog.