What is the main function of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools?

The main function of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools is to collect, analyze, and monitor security event data from across an organization’s IT infrastructure. SIEM tools are designed to aggregate information from various data sources such as servers, network devices, domain controllers, and more, allowing for real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware. This comprehensive collection and analysis enable organizations to identify potential threats, detect anomalies, and respond to security incidents effectively.

By correlating security events from different sources, SIEM systems help security teams to prioritize alerts based on context and severity, improving their incident response capabilities. Moreover, they support compliance requirements by providing the necessary monitoring and reporting functionalities. The focus is squarely on enhancing an organization's overall security posture by providing visibility into what is happening within their networks and systems.