Op-Ed: 4 key differences between SIEM and XDR security

These tried and tested platforms help the teams to centralise their attack and threat detection activities. As a result, threats can be spotted more quickly, and steps are taken to neutralise their impact.

In recent years, however, a new security solution has emerged known as extended detection and response (XDR). XDR uses the data collected from a SIEM platform to provide a more manageable level of alerts and data, making it an ideal complement to SIEM technology.

However, because the two technologies are similar and tend to have overlapping capabilities, many IT teams are still not clear on exactly how they differ. Gaining this understanding is important as it will ensure the most appropriate tools are put in place to guard critical infrastructure.

Key differences

When comparing SIEM with XDR, four key differences quickly emerge. These differences will determine which is best for a particular deployment. They are:

1. The overriding objective
   The majority of SIEM platforms provide centralised log management and analysis capabilities. This involves generating alerts, correlating data from multiple selected solutions, and enabling thorough post-event analysis. SIEM can also be used for compliance monitoring, containment, and comprehensive security reporting.
   
   XDR, on the other hand, focuses on using the data it collects to improve threat detection and response. Its goal is to accurately identify, investigate, and take appropriate action to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently.
   
   
2. The amount of hands-on management required
   Because they are more open by design, SIEM solutions tend to require substantial management. This involves connecting them to data sources, correlating events, and configuring alerts. They also tend to produce a large volume of individual alerts that are difficult to classify and prioritise.
   
   XDR tools are different as they’re designed to more readily fit into an existing security architecture. This serves to reduce the number of relevant alerts, which may otherwise be overlooked.
   
   By deploying automatic correlation of data from different security layers, alerts can be confirmed automatically, thus reducing the time security analysts need to evaluate alerts and risks. XDR also requires fewer training hours and delivers unified management and workflow experience across multiple security components.
   
   
3. The ability to store security data
   By nature, SIEM solutions act as a central, long-term repository for security data. This can aid in forward planning and allows comprehensive reports to be generated to keep senior management informed.
   
   XDR tools do not offer this feature as they are designed to access data from other sources. This data is stored temporarily for analysis purposes but then purged from the tool.
   
   
4. The level of responsiveness
   While most SIEM platforms have some response capabilities, their primary role is as a data analysis tool that can provide managed service providers (MSPs) with the data and alerts they need to identify threats attacking an organisation.
   
   XDR tools extend these capabilities and can support and coordinate response efforts within the same solution. In essence, they work with SIEMS rather than replace them.

Finding the right solution

To ensure they have the best possible security infrastructure in place, many organisations are working closely with their chosen MSPs. An MSP can examine their particular requirements and deliver the most effective set of tools.

MSPs are likely to point out that a SIEM platform can be a useful tool if the customer has the time and resources to dedicate to it. If the company already uses a SIEM solution, an MSP is likely to recommend an XDR solution be added to complement and amplify the IT team’s response capabilities.

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In reality, the primary challenge posed by a SIEM platform is alert fatigue. The platforms generate a large number of alerts, including false positives. MSPs need to work closely with them to ensure these are managed and do not become overwhelming.

XDR, meanwhile, is ideal for small- to medium-sized companies because the tools save resources, time and costs. However, it is important to realise that XDR is a more specialised solution than SIEM. The latter is broader and can correlate more disparate data, including other solutions beyond the firewall.

At the end of the day, the decision to deploy SIEM, XDR, or both will come down to the individual requirements of the company. By working closely with an experienced MSP, they will be able to make a choice that delivers the level of security protection they need.

Anthony Daniel is regional director – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands at WatchGuard Technologies.

David Hollingworth

David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.