Uncovering the Gaps in Cyberthreat Detection & the Hidden Weaknesses of SIEM

Cybersecurity tools and technologies are continuously being developed and refined to keep pace with the growing threat landscape. One tool we’re all familiar with is the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system, designed to provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware. Despite their widespread adoption and pivotal role in many organisations’ security postures, recent reports indicate that SIEM tools might not be performing as effectively as we think.

The CardinalOps Revelation

A recent study by CardinalOps has unveiled some concerning insights into the performance of enterprise SIEM tools. The report suggests that many SIEM deployments are significantly underperforming in their primary function: namely, cyberthreat detection. According to the study, a staggering 82% of enterprises believe their SIEM tools are not meeting expectations when it comes to identifying and responding to threats in a timely manner.

The underperformance of SIEM systems is not just a minor hiccup; it represents a substantial risk to enterprise security. SIEMs are expected to be the sentinels of an organisation’s digital security, monitoring events from various sources to detect unusual activities and potential breaches. When these systems fail, it means threats can linger undetected, allowing adversaries ample time to inflict substantial damage.

Understanding the Shortcomings

But why are such crucial tools are falling short?

There are several reasons behind the underperformance of SIEM systems:

Complexity and Misconfiguration: SIEM solutions are inherently complex, often requiring meticulous tuning and configuration to function optimally. Misconfigurations can lead to false positives and missed detections, as highlighted in the CardinalOps report, where over 70% of surveyed organisations admitted to facing configuration challenges.

Data Overload: SIEMs are bombarded with vast amounts of data from diverse sources. Without proper filtering and prioritisation, this data deluge can overwhelm the system, leading to missed alerts or delayed responses.
Skill Gaps: The effective operation of SIEM tools requires skilled personnel who can interpret the data and adjust the systems as needed. As the cybersecurity industry is currently facing a talent shortage, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled positions globally, this exacerbates the problem.

Integration Issues: Many organisations struggle with integrating SIEM tools with their existing infrastructure and other security tools. Lack of seamless integration can obstruct the SIEM’s ability to provide a comprehensive view of the threat landscape.

Embracing Imperfections and a New Perspective on SIEM

In a thought-provoking piece by security expert Anton Chuvakin the inherent flaws of SIEM systems are examined and he argues for a different perspective. He suggests that rather than viewing SIEM flaws as failures, organisations should embrace these imperfections as opportunities for re-evaluation.

The importance of continuous improvement and iterative development in SIEM shouldn’t be overlooked and requires a proactive approach where organisations regularly assess, align and refine their SIEM configurations. This mindset shift can transform SIEM systems from static tools into dynamic components of a robust security strategy.

Best Practices for Optimising SIEM Performance

Given the critical role of SIEM in modern cybersecurity, optimising its performance is vital. Here are some best practices to enhance the efficacy of your SIEM deployment:

Regular Audits and Tuning: Conduct frequent audits of your SIEM configurations to ensure they are aligned with your security policies and the current threat landscape. Regular tuning can help in minimising false positives and improving detection accuracy.

Invest in Training: Equip your security team with the necessary skills to manage and operate SIEM tools effectively. Continuous education and training programs can help bridge the skill gap and ensure your team stays updated with the latest threat detection techniques.

Leverage Automation: Utilise automation to handle routine tasks and data analysis within your SIEM. This can reduce the burden on your security team and enable faster response times to critical alerts.

Enhance Data Management: Implement robust data management practices to filter and prioritise the data collected by your SIEM. This can help in reducing noise and focusing on high-fidelity alerts that require immediate attention.

Foster Integration: Ensure seamless integration of your SIEM with other security tools and systems within your infrastructure. A well-integrated SIEM can provide a holistic view of your security posture and facilitate better threat correlation and analysis.

Real-World Implications & How We Can Move Forward

The practical implications of underperforming SIEMs are significant. Consider a scenario in a financial institution, where a misconfigured SIEM fails to detect a sophisticated phishing attack. The unnoticed attackers can access sensitive financial data and customer information, leading to severe financial and reputational damage. By the time the breach is discovered, the cost of recovery and the impact on the institution’s reputation can be immense.

Or take a healthcare organisation that deals with vast amounts of sensitive patient data. An underperforming SIEM might miss the initial attack activity that leads to a ransomware attack, resulting in compromised patient records and disrupted services. This not only affects the organisation’s operation but also erodes patient trust.

In both scenarios, regular audits and tuning of SIEM configurations, as well as investing in ongoing training for the security team, could have made a significant difference. The use of automation to streamline data analysis and reduce the volume of false positives would have enabled quicker and more accurate threat detection.

The insights from CardinalOps and experts like Anton Chuvakin highlight the need for a nuanced approach to SIEM management. While these tools are not perfect, understanding their limitations and working proactively to address them can significantly enhance their effectiveness.

I believe that continuous improvement and adaptation are the keys to staying ahead in cybersecurity. By embracing the imperfections and relentlessly refining our tools and strategies, we can build a more resilient defence against the increasing tide of cyber threats.

While SIEM systems may not be flawless, they remain a cornerstone of enterprise cybersecurity. The key lies in recognising their shortcomings and continuously working to optimise their performance. By adopting best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organisations can unlock the full potential of their SIEM tools and fortify their defences.

The path to enhanced SIEM performance involves a commitment to ongoing education, the strategic use of automation, and a proactive stance on configuration and integration. With these measures in place, organisations can transform their SIEM systems from a source of frustration to a robust component of their cybersecurity strategy.

Sources:

CardinalOps Report: Fourth Annual Report on the State of SIEM Detection Risk

Anton Chuvakin: We Love What’s Broken

About the Author

Garath Lauder is Director and Co-Founder of Cyberseer. He, and Adrian Hunt, launched the company in 2014 to address sophisticated cyber threats that traditional methods were failing to catch. Garath and Adrian have assembled a team of specialists and experts dedicated to creating a secure digital society and helping organisations prepare for, rehearse, and respond to the growing threat of worldwide cybercrime.

Garath has over 30 years of extensive experience in the IT industry, beginning his career at BTN Internetworking. He has an impressive track record working with leading companies including Cable and Wireless, Juniper, Data Integration, and Xchanging PLC.

At Cyberseer, Garath oversees business development, marketing, and commercial relationships whilst ensuring every Cyberseer client has the benefit of their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

Garath can be reached online at [email protected] or https://www.linkedin.com/in/garathlauder/ and at our company website https://www.cyberseer.net/