What is the function of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system?

A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is designed primarily to collect and analyze security data from various sources within an organization's IT infrastructure. This system aggregates logs and event data from multiple systems, applications, devices, and other sources to provide comprehensive visibility into security incidents as they occur.

The core function of a SIEM is to enable real-time monitoring and analysis, which helps organizations identify and respond to potential security threats swiftly. It does this by correlating various data points, which allows security teams to discern patterns or anomalies that could indicate security breaches or malicious activities. This real-time visibility is crucial for maintaining the security posture of an organization, facilitating timely responses to incidents, and assisting in compliance with various regulatory requirements.

In contrast, options related to creating backup copies of data, preventing unauthorized access to networks, and managing user accounts and permissions represent different aspects of network security but do not capture the primary role of a SIEM in the landscape of cybersecurity. While these functions are also essential for overall security, they do not encompass the specific data collection and analysis capabilities that define a SIEM system.