What does SIEM stand for, and what is its purpose?

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. Its primary purpose is to aggregate security data from various sources within an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes collecting logs and alerts generated by hardware, software, and network systems.

The aggregation of security data allows for more effective monitoring and analysis of security events. By consolidating this information, SIEM tools can help identify security threats and vulnerabilities more efficiently. They enable security teams to have a comprehensive view of the security landscape, facilitating incident detection, response, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The ability to correlate events across different systems adds significant value, as it can highlight patterns or anomalies that may indicate a security incident. Thus, SIEM systems are essential in enhancing an organization's overall security posture, enabling proactive threat management and response strategies.