Many organizations are getting into Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), mainly due to the sophisticated security protection it offers. But even some of them are taking it further with the integration of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) into these SIEM solutions.
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are basically when an organization decides to outsource the management of their security issues to third-party professionals. In this article, you will explore the meaning of SIEMs and MSSPs, how the two can work together, some of the things to consider before integrating the two, and the benefits organizations get from their integration.
Understanding SIEM Solutions
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is a security tool used by many organizations to monitor what is happening within their cyber network and detect and respond to security threats. Many organizations are heavily integrating SIEM solutions to collect data, monitor, and analyze data to help detect any security issues and vulnerabilities. Despite having these capabilities, it is not often advisable for organizations to use SIEMs alone in their security framework.
Thus, a next gen SIEM platform for MSSPS and other security tools will be needed for a well-equipped cyber security system. Below, we will be looking more at how Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) work and how they can be integrated into SIEM solutions.
What are Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are basically third parties that specialize in providing security services and expertise to different organizations. These providers offer a wide range of services, such as virtual private networks (VPN), vulnerability assessment, firewall services, threat detection, and many others. What happens here is that the organizations getting these MSSPS services get to focus on their core goals, leaving out their cybersecurity wellness to trusted third parties.
The topic of cybersecurity is becoming so sophisticated that organizations handling these themselves could result in a waste of resources and distraction from already set goals. So, instead of being passive, many companies employ the services of MSSPS to help them protectively look out for, detect, and respond to cyber threats. Apparently, the concept of MSSPs emerged in the late 1990s, where the primary focus was mainly on the management of firewalls, although it has expanded to more complex security issues.
Services Offered by MSSPs
● Intrusion Detection and Prevention Services
By allowing companies to focus on their primary objectives, MSSPs provide intrusion detection and prevention services by preventing any malicious activities within a network. So, they usually do this by deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) for efficient detection and response.
● Management of Virtual Private Network (VPN)
One of the services provided by MSSPs is that they help companies manage their Virtual Private Networks (VPN), thereby providing secure remote access for employees and associates when accessing resources. Some of the things that are guaranteed with MSSPs are that they ensure the correct configuration of VPNs, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the traffic that comes inside them for any potential risks.
● Firewall Services
Provision of firewall services is also within the package of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to ensure that it holistically protects an organization’s network. Apparently, firewalls often safeguard an organization’s network from intruders, blocking every form of unauthorized access. Some of the firewall services MSSPs provide are updating the firewall rules, monitoring and detecting abnormal firewall logs, and analyzing the network traffic patterns.
● Vulnerability Assessment
Besides attacks from cybercriminals, certain security vulnerabilities often allow bad actors to gain access to a company’s network and steal resources. So, one of the functions of MSSPs is conducting vulnerability assessments to detect these weak links and address them.
Things to Consider in MSSPs and SIEM Integration
Below are some of the things organizations or companies need to sort out or be sure of before considering integrating MSSPs and SIEM.
● Does the SIEM Solution Accept Integrations?
One of the important things companies should consider while trying to merge MSSPs and SIEM is whether the SIEM solution accepts integrations. Apparently, SIEM solutions like Stellar Cyber allow over 400+ integrations, preventing organizations from paying for more customizations.
● Scalability of a SIEM Solution
The scalability of a SIEM solution is crucial for any organization that has in mind to integrate MSSPs. In any company, there’s a tendency for such companies to grow, have more employees, and integrate new devices, new software, and even new customers. So, when choosing SIEM software for MSSP integration, go for those that accommodate the growth of the organization. Going for a scalable SIEM solution for an MSSP integration helps an organization not to spend money on upgrading to a large SIEM solution.
● Assigned Roles
One of the things that can be confusing when discussing the concept of MSSPs and SIEM integration is the roles each party has to play. Thus, before making the move, a company or organization should be clear on the roles the third-party security company and in-house security team have to play. This allows each of them to focus entirely on what they are doing and prevent clashes between them.
Benefits Of SIEM and MSSPs Integration
Organizations stand to gain a lot when they integrate MSSPs and SIEMs, especially when solutions like Stellar Cyber are involved. One is that there will be a provision of a top-notch level of security as it will allow an organization access to a team of professional cybersecurity experts. Apparently, this enables the organization to achieve a higher level of protection, which might not be achieved with only an in-house security team.
Secondly, integrating SIEMs and MSSPs is relatively cost-effective, especially if the organization is not interested in maintaining an in-house security team altogether. Another thing is that they will avoid the cost of providing additional cybersecurity training for some in-house employees. Also, the organization gets access to 24/7 support, as MSSP security operations centers (SOCs) operate round the clock, trying to monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents.
Wrapping Up
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is a cybersecurity solution whose protection process goes through log management, detection, and response to threats. On the other hand, Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are the concept of shifting the security operations of an organization to third-party professionals to uphold their cybersecurity. When these two come together, an organization gains a lot of benefits, such as more sophisticated security. Furthermore, they get to focus on their core objectives, save money by employing cybersecurity experts, and also achieve 24/7 security support.
