SIEM and EDR, and Why You Need Both

When facing increased cyber threats, it’s vital for healthcare organizations to deploy strategies that incorporate a multi-faceted approach to threat monitoring.

Two essential threat monitoring and response tactics are security information and event management (SIEM), and endpoint detection and response (EDR).

Before considering SIEM and EDR as a complete cybersecurity solution, it is helpful to understand what each model contributes to threat mitigation.

SIEM

SIEM is a 24/7 log monitoring solution that automates threat detection. It’s a hub for security tools, endpoint, network, and cloud data that centralizes security alerts and actively monitors logs so healthcare organizations can review a broad scope of security data. 

Using this data, the system spots patterns and flags potential threats. IT professionals then investigate these perceived threats to spot a security incident at its early stages, possibly before it even occurs.

As SIEM is an automated solution, alerting the IT team of potential threats, cyber professionals are better positioned to respond more quickly.

Reliable SIEM technology can also help with HIPAA compliance, as HIPAA regulations include event log review as best practices. 

EDR 

EDR is a tool that optimizes threat response, and involves installing an agent on systems to detect threats on the endpoints. In the healthcare industry, endpoints include devices like desktop computers, laptops, and servers. 

When EDR technology is in place, healthcare organizations can better protect endpoints from threats. 

Managed EDR involves a team of threat management experts who help supplement a healthcare organization’s in-house IT operations. Many healthcare organizations do not have the resources or budgets to monitor endpoint threats day and night, so they partner with a healthcare-focused cybersecurity provider to manage their EDR in-house to address these needs more efficiently and cost-effectively.  

Why healthcare organizations need both SIEM and Managed EDR

 There are several key reasons why SIEM and Managed EDR are essential tools for today’s healthcare organizations.

24/7 threat response

Even the most well-equipped IT team cannot provide constant security monitoring without threat response tools. SIEM centralizes security alerts and logs, while EDR monitors endpoints. Combined with expert services, these tools provide around-the-clock monitoring. The company or team providing the SIEM and Managed EDR services can then respond to real-time threats, offering optimal security and peace of mind to your organization.

Increased network visibility

Merging multiple tools into one cybersecurity strategy broadens your monitoring capabilities. Both of these tools provide essential threat detection and logging services, while working together to create a more precise picture of your organization’s threat landscape. Organizations need both to see the full picture.

Incident Response planning

When it comes to strengthening your organization’s cybersecurity posture, detecting threats is only half the story. IT departments also need to respond to threats as quickly as possible. Fortunately, SIEM and EDR work in tandem to provide real-time alerts to a team of cybersecurity experts. Professionals can then investigate the threat and mitigate it when necessary.

Expert guidance

Running IT services for an entire healthcare organization is no easy feat, and many healthcare IT teams are too small or do not have the experts to monitor a facility’s network successfully. Due to capacity requirements and shift coverage for PTO needs, true 24/7 monitoring requires 8-12 security analysts. It is at this point where a healthcare-focused Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) comes in.

By outsourcing your SIEM and Managed EDR to an MSSP, you are investing in expert guidance and reliable threat management.

Scalable solutions

Your team’s set of cybersecurity tools should grow with your organization. Fortunately, SIEM and EDR platforms are all scalable solutions that expand together. When your facility adds more endpoint devices, the EDR technology can scale accordingly.  Similarly, the SIEM tools will continue to centralize logs and alerts. At the same time, the professionals behind your SIEM and Managed EDR work to ensure that every tool has enough reach to continue protecting your network. 

When grouped together, SIEM and EDR technology flags potential threats. Combined with human expertise, these threats can be monitored and investigated to weed out critical concerns from false positives.

Learn how Citizens Medical Center incorporated SIEM and Managed EDR to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and reducing their cyber insurance premium.