XDR & SIEM: A Guide

What is XDR?
XDR [extended detection and response] can be viewed as the evolution of EDR systems. It gathers data, performs analysis, detects and responds to various activities. XDR collects input from different security tools, aggregates and provides teams with a single place to review threat information. In addition to this, it also uses AI and machine learning to identify patterns, behaviors, and potential threats. Solutions generally come with all necessary tools built in, making set up easy for teams.

How does XDR help to mitigate risk?
XDR reduces the number of tools and alerting network admins are exposed to. By collecting alerts from multiple tools, teams need to spend less time collecting data from multiple sources and make more efficient assessments using the AI and machine learning embedded in XDR. This essentially means less collecting data, and time for teams to focus on new implementations.

What is SIEM?
SIEM [security information and event management] is a security solution that aggregates data from different systems to provide real time monitoring, alerting, and logging based on predefined rules and configurations. Note that traditional SIEM does not include AI or automation and requires human intervention to determine whether threats are legitimate. Next-gen SIEM that utilizes AI to support analysis is becoming available, but is not yet typical of the offering.

How does SIEM help to mitigate risk?
SIEM is primarily about the monitoring of events, organizing logs, and meeting compliance requirements for event management. A SIEM is designed to work alongside a team of security analysts in complex network environments. It manages logs and stores incident reports for future analysis and can be used by security analysts or auditors to review past security incidents in a way that meets most compliance requirements for event logs.

What are the key differences?
XDR is a more advanced version of EDR, not just aggregating and analyzing data and alerts, but also supporting the response to security events. It is general an all-in-one system, containing all the tools a system needs for joined-up alerting. SIEMs have a more analytical application and are most useful when in the hands of security analysts working in networks that require a lot of analysis and are required to be compliant with strict event log storage.

Which is right for my organization?
XDR and a SIEM can work in concert with each other, as they provide different functions in a network - XDR is more focused on event management whilst a SIEM focusses on log retention. One key difference is the amount of management they require. XDRs are generally easier to manage for smaller teams, as they contain all the tools required, and the support of AI and machine learning helps to make event response more efficient. SIEMs are more appropriate for log storage and require an experienced security analyst in place to set the logging and alerting rules, as well as making the most out of the data they collect and store.

Don't forget the basics!
You must check whether you have covered essential basics like EPP, EDR, MFA, user management and user training before jumping to advanced tools. The most effective security systems are layered and have wide coverage instead of relying on one tool. It is also important to that a key feature of XDR and SIEMs is aggregating data from multiple sources. If you don’t have these in place, advanced tooling may be of minimal utility to your organization.

Checklist
Before purchasing advanced tooling, make sure to consider the following:

1. Do we have our essential security tooling in place and working correctly?
2. What type of tool can we manage with our team size?
3. Which vendor offers the best integration with our current software choices?
4. Do we need to retain logs for compliance purposes?
5. Are we set up to manage AI elements of tooling securely?