SIEM use cases: How to bulletproof your business? 

A Gartner report indicates that the primary driver for organizations implementing or upgrading Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems is the need for rapid detection of data breaches and targeted attacks.

Modern SIEM systems can collect and process massive amounts of information regarding log data generated within organizations’ IT environments. This enables them to provide security event monitoring in real-time, which is how organizations can quickly detect and respond to security incidents.

However, the effectiveness of an SIEM system relies significantly on the use cases it is aligned towards.  In this article, we delve into the intricacies of SIEM use cases, exploring how they are built, managed, and optimized to fortify the defenses of a Security Operations Center (SOC).

TL;DR

Implementing SIEM requires a balance between comprehensive coverage and manageable alert volumes to avoid overwhelming your security teams with false positives.

Effective SIEM strategies should ideally incorporate threat intelligence feeds and machine learning capabilities to adapt to evolving cyber threats and anomalies.

To avoid SIEM from being less effective over a period of time, it is crucial to regularly test and optimize SIEM use cases.

What is SIEM?

SIEM or Security Information and Event Management is a software application designed to centralize and analyze security data. SIEM consolidates log information from various sources in your IT infrastructure into a single unified platform. This centralized view creates a unified and comprehensive view of your security management system. 

SIEM processes data from multiple elements, including:

1. Applications
2. Software firewalls 
3. Servers 
4. Network proxies. 

By aggregating information from diverse sources, SIEM enables you to detect internal and external threats effectively, streamline incident responses, and improve your overall security posture. 

Also check: SIEM use cases: How to bulletproof your business? 

What is the role of SIEM in today’s cybersecurity landscape?

SIEM plays a crucial role in providinh a real-time view of security incidents by collecting, grouping, and analyzing data from different sources within the company’s IT environment. SIEM can detect attack patterns, unauthorized access attempts, and other security-related breaches by analyzing logs and traffic networks throughout the organization. 

Now, without further ado, let’s examine the significant use cases for SIEM systems.

Don’t abandon your defenses; 11 SIEM use cases to keep you ahead of the curve

By improving incident response times, SIEM ensures that your security team responds quickly to new threats. It also facilitates compliance maintenance by offering extensive reporting and tracking capabilities. SIEM shortens the duration of an attacker’s stay, assisting you in limiting the possible harm from breaches. 

According to Varenya Penna, our lead ISO auditor at Sprinto

SIEM is the catalyst that turns scattered security data into actionable intelligence, enabling swift responses to threats and streamlining compliance efforts. It’s the difference between just reacting to breaches and preventing them.

1. HIPAA compliance

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a United States standard that applies to organizations of all sizes that transmit health information electronically. From individual physicians to national healthcare bodies, HIPAA compliance is crucial for protecting sensitive patient data.

SIEM aids in Employee Access control by tracking file access and login attempts, while supporting Information Access Management through monitoring of account modifications and privilege escalations. It enhances security awareness by detecting vulnerabilities and malware, and manages security incidents through automated threat detection and response.

SIEM also strengthens access controls, audit controls, and data integrity by monitoring changes to credentials, policies, and health information. Lastly, it ensures transmission security by identifying unauthorized communications.

2. PCI DSS compliance monitoring

PCI DSS compliance aims to ensure that organizations that deal with credit cards securely manage sensitive card information to mitigate leaks through breaches and thefts. SIEM systems collect and analyze log data from various sources, including firewalls, servers, applications, and network devices, to track access to cardholder data environments. They automate PCI DSS compliance monitoring by tracking user activities, detecting unauthorized access, and identifying potential breaches. 

Through centralized log management and advanced analysis, SIEM systems help organizations maintain continuous compliance, respond quickly to incidents, and streamline audits, making them crucial for achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance.

Additionally, updating security policies to address vulnerabilities and conducting regular compliance audits will help maintain adherence to PCI DSS requirements.

3. GDPR compliance monitoring

SIEM systems are responsible for surveilling data access and processing activities and detecting violations of the GDPR requirements. Take, for illustration, a case in which the SIEM discovers unauthorized access to data and non-compliance with the GDPR’s data protection principles; it automatically sends a notification.

How does SIEM enable GDPR compliance?

1. Monitoring access to personal data, tracking data flows, and ensuring data minimization practices are followed.
2. Logging consent management activities, tracking data subject requests, and monitoring data processing activities

GDPR misalignment can be addressed by applying security measures like data access controls, encryption, and impact assessments starting now. Moreover, updating security policies to cope with the compliance gaps and the regular GDPR compliance assessments will facilitate long-term adherence to the GDPR requirements.

4. IoT device monitoring

Due to their rapid expansion across multiple sectors, IoT devices are becoming essential to business operations. Their broad use, nevertheless, also creates new opportunities for cyberattacks. By 2025, there will be 25 billion IoT devices, greatly boosting the amount of data that must be processed.

SIEM systems safeguard IoT devices by continuously monitoring and analyzing traffic and associated activities. Through comprehensive data collection and real-time forensic analysis, SIEM tools can identify unusual patterns indicative of potential security breaches or anomalies.

Here’s how SIEM can help with IoT device monitoring: 

1. Identify IoT Devices: Conduct an inventory of all IoT devices within the network.
2. Monitor Traffic and Activities: Implement real-time network traffic and device activity monitoring.
3. Behavioral Analysis: Establish a baseline of normal behavior for each device through data analysis. It’ll help you determine attacker behavior by identifying deviations from these established patterns.
4. Anomaly Detection: Detects deviations from the baseline to identify potential security threats.
5. Alert and Response: Generate automated alerts for detected anomalous behaviors, or any irregularities, and initiate swift incident response.

To address these challenges, leveraging IoT Industry Solutions tailored for specific sectors—such as manufacturing, healthcare, or smart cities—can enhance the security framework. 

5. Data exfiltration detection

Unauthorized sensitive data transfer from an organization’s network to outside sources is known as data exfiltration, and it can result in significant financial losses, harm to one’s reputation, and legal repercussions.

SIEM systems examine data transfer activity and spot questionable trends pointing to attempted data exfiltration. For instance, the SIEM will sound an alert for more inquiries if it notices an employee trying to copy private client information onto a USB drive.

The best course of action in such an event is to implement security measures that will immediately stop any attempt at data exfiltration. This entails obstructing access to critical data and disabling USB ports on endpoints to monitor activity and prevent data leaks.

6. Malicious PowerShell attack detection

These hackers infiltrate critical systems, download malware, and issue unauthorized commands using the PowerShell scripting language. SIEM software tracks PowerShell activity and recognizes the common paths taken by an attacker.

The running of unauthorized scripts or the downloading of unwanted data are examples of anomalous PowerShell behavior that will cause SIEM to generate a warning that needs to be looked into.

To make sure that these alerts are recognised right away and are not disregarded, text to speech technology might be quite beneficial. This system enables security staff to receive real-time updates even when they are not facing their screens, converting urgent alerts into audible communications. 

Example of how SIEM could have played a critical in uncovering VipersoftX Malware

Security researchers at Trellix recently uncovered the ViperSoftX malware campaign, which spreads through torrents disguised as eBooks. This sophisticated malware uses advanced evasion techniques, including Common Language Runtime (CLR) to run PowerShell commands within AutoIt, allowing it to harvest system information, scan for cryptocurrency wallets, and download additional payloads while evading detection.

By monitoring torrent traffic and flagging unusual file executions, SIEM could have provided early warning signs of the infection attempt. Real-time analysis of PowerShell activities, system changes, and network communications would have alerted security teams to the malware’s presence.

SIEM’s ability to correlate multiple suspicious events across an organization’s infrastructure would have quickly identified the attack pattern. With comprehensive log analysis and automated responses, security teams could have potentially stopped the infection before data exfiltration occurred, preventing significant theft and financial losses.

7. Brute force attack detection

Brute force attacks involve combining various usernames and passwords, including efforts to bypass security parameters and gain unauthorized entry into systems or host systems. 

The SIEM system provides chain rules to show login activity, such as too many failed login attempts and windows of inactivity.

For instance, the SIEM finds a massive rise in failed login attempts from a specific IP address and suggests a brute-force attack targeting user accounts. Remodeling security policies to enforce strong passwords, inserting access to multi-factor authentication, and conducting frequent security awareness training programs for users will help decrease the risk of successful brute-force attacks.

Example of how SIEM could have protected Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin Donuts, one of the most famous multinational coffee and doughnut companies, experienced a series of cyberattacks that targeted their customer accounts through brute force and credential stuffing methods. 

Hackers used previously stolen usernames and passwords to conduct automated attacks, compromising tens of thousands of customer accounts and stealing funds from accounts created via Dunkin’s website or mobile app. Despite repeated alerts from its app developer, Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. failed to address the compromised accounts promptly. 

The company’s lack of response led to a lawsuit by New York’s attorney general, resulting in Dunkin’s agreeing to upgrade its security protocols and pay $650,000 in fines and costs to settle the case. 

8. Lateral movement detection

Lateral movement refers to an attacker attempting to enter a network unauthorized to gain access to valuable assets or elevate privileges. According to a report, 39% of all cyberattacks involve lateral movement. 

SIEM systems protect against lateral movement by continuously monitoring and analyzing network traffic patterns across the organization. They process data from various sources to identify malicious behaviors that may indicate an attacker’s attempt to move laterally within the network. 

When the SIEM detects suspicious activities, such as unauthorized accounts accessing multiple systems or unusual privilege escalation attempts, it can trigger automated responses like temporarily blocking the suspicious account or isolating affected systems. 

The establishment of decentralized subnetworks and access controls would counter the attacker’s deep spread and would limit the outcome of unsecured operations inside the own network.

9. Superman VPN user detection

Superman VPN user detection is, in short, about identifying and stopping suspicious activities, such as unauthorized or malicious acts, that use VPN connections to reach an organization’s information domains.

SIEM involves a sophisticated analysis of the VPN logs to pinpoint anomalies that could indicate potential threats. These platforms employ advanced techniques and algorithms to sift through copious amounts of data and flag deviations. 

To bolster your organization’s security posture, here are a few things you can do:

1. Regularly update your VPN access policies.
2. Deploy user advanced analytics to detect anomalous VPN activities.
3. Enable MFA for VPN access. 

10. Insider threat detection

There are two types of insider threats: malicious acts and negligently careless acts perpetrated by organization members. These represent a real risk to data security and integrity. SIEM systems report on user activities and specific behaviors that could betray the insider threat. 

For instance, the SIEM may detect an employee accessing confidential data unrelated to the employee’s job role or the employee trying to bypass the security controls. The system will then raise the alert for the investigation.

To mitigate insider threats successfully, the organization’s security perimeter must strictly comply with access controls, user monitoring, and developing employee training programs. Additionally, adopting cybersecurity policies in line with the detected flaws and carrying out internal leak assessments periodically can help reduce the possibility of insider assault on organizational security.

11. Zero-day attack detection

In zero-day attacks, the attackers exploit undisclosed software and systems vulnerabilities. As a result, it becomes difficult to detect and foil these attacks, considering today’s security environment. SIEM systems use threat intelligence and anomaly detection techniques to identify potential zero-day attacks. 

If SIEM detects unusual system activity or an abnormal pattern of exploitation targeting an unpatched vulnerability, the detection system elevates the alarm for further scrutiny. Protocols that highly regard patch management, threat intelligence sharing, and network segmentation must be enforced immediately, as zero-day attacks may strike any device. Vendors and industry peers can also help develop timely countermeasures and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to decrease the likelihood of successful zero-day attacks.

12. Phishing detection

Phishing techniques are intended to lure individuals into divulging confidential details or to accomplish their errands by breaching security. SIEM sorts out human email traffic and distinguishes phishing intent from malicious activities. 

If the SIEM detects emails with or attachments of phishing emails sent to multiple users in the organization, it raises an alert for investigation. Installing security measures like email filtering, training users on tips to avoid getting caught in sensitive information, and having proper incident response procedures will help detect potential phishing attacks early. 

Moreover, adopting email security policies with more robust security features and conducting practical simulations can be a great source of organizational protection.

Here’s how you can detect and avoid phishing attacks from happening to your organization

Spot & Stop Phishing Attacks – Practical Tips for Online Security 

How Sprinto works with SIEM tools: Enhance your GRC posture

In collaboration with SIEM, Sprinto centralizes security compliance management by continuously monitoring and mapping entity-level controls. The platform’s automation capabilities allow for real-time risk assessment, evidence gathering, and remediation, ensuring that all security controls are up-to-date and functioning correctly. This integrated approach enhances your organization’s Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) posture, providing a robust and scalable security solution that grows with your business needs.

Sprinto’s integration-first approach ensures that it works harmoniously with your SIEM system to provide a unified view of your security posture. By leveraging Sprinto’s adaptive automation, organizations can stay ahead of compliance requirements and focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation.

FAQs

1. What is a SIEM use case?

A SIEM use case is a scenario or set of conditions under which a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is configured to detect, alert, and respond to potential security threats. 

2. How does SIEM use cases help in compliance with regulations like PCI DSS and GDPR?

SIEM use cases are crucial for compliance as they enable continuous monitoring and logging of security events, which are essential for regulatory audits. For instance, use cases can be set up to detect unauthorized access to payment card data (PCI DSS) or monitor data processing activities to ensure compliance with data protection principles (GDPR).

3. How can SIEM systems detect insider threats?

SIEM systems detect insider threats by monitoring user activity and identifying suspicious behaviors that deviate from standard patterns. For example, if an employee accesses sensitive data unrelated to their job role or attempts to bypass security controls, the SIEM system can flag this behavior for further investigation. 

4. What role does threat intelligence play in enhancing SIEM use cases?

Threat intelligence enhances SIEM use cases by providing contextual information about emerging threats and attack vectors. This helps create more accurate and proactive use cases, enabling quicker and more effective responses to new and evolving threats.

5. How can organizations reduce false positives in their SIEM systems?

Organizations should regularly tune their SIEM use cases and adjust thresholds based on historical data and ongoing threat landscape assessments to reduce false positives. Involving Level 1 and 2 SOC analysts in reviewing and refining use cases can help identify and eliminate unnecessary alerts.