What is the function of a 'security information and event management' (SIEM) system?

A security information and event management (SIEM) system plays a crucial role in an organization's cybersecurity strategy by aggregating and analyzing security data from various sources within the IT infrastructure. This includes collecting logs and security events from servers, network devices, domain controllers, and other endpoints. By centralizing this data, a SIEM system enables security teams to monitor for potential security threats, identify patterns or anomalies, and respond to incidents more effectively.

The capability to analyze data in real time allows organizations to detect and react to security breaches faster, improving their overall incident response. Furthermore, SIEM systems often include features for generating alerts, conducting forensic investigations, and complying with regulatory requirements by maintaining detailed logs of security activities.

The other options describe functions not associated with SIEM systems. While firewalls, user account management systems, and antivirus solutions are important components of overall cybersecurity, they serve different purposes and do not encompass the comprehensive monitoring and analysis functions of a SIEM.