SIEM vs Log Management System – Key Differences

6 min read| Updated On - November 29, 2024

Last Updated on November 29, 2024 by Satyendra

SIEM vs LMS

People sometimes ask the question, “What’s the difference between SIEM and Log Management?”, usually because they are trying to figure out which data security platform is right for their company.

However, there isn’t a simple answer to this question, as it largely depends on the resources available to them. Both solutions are similar in that they are both designed to aggregate and correlate event data from multiple sources. SIEM solutions tend to be more advanced than a typical Log Management System; however, the functionality of Log Management Systems can vary considerably, and it’s important to note that “more advanced” does not necessarily mean better.

Below is a more detailed explanation of what these technologies are, how they differ, how they can work together, and how they can be extended to improve visibility and control over a complex IT environment.

What is SIEM?

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. It is a type of software used for collecting and analyzing event logs and responding to security events in a timely manner. SIEM combines data from different sources to provide a unified overview of the organization’s security posture. A SIEM solution will typically have the following capabilities;

Real-time log aggregation and monitoring
Security event correlation
Security automation and orchestration
Log analysis and compliance reporting
Malware detection
Network traffic and forensics analysis
Vulnerability assessment
User and entity behavior analytics

SIEM solutions aggregate data from firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, operating systems, authentication systems, antivirus solutions, and basically anything that generates events logs – whether hardware or software.

What is a Log Management System?

A Log Management System (LMS) is a software platform that collects, monitors, and analyzes log files from multiple sources within an IT environment. LMSs provide insights into suspicious user activity, and other security threats, such as Ransomware attacks. LMSs can deliver real-time alerts to notify IT professionals of any potential security issues and can also be customized to meet the requirements of a wide range of data protection laws, such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, CCPA, and more. An LMS will typically have the following capabilities;

Centralized log aggregation and correlation
Log indexing and searching
The use of machine learning models to identify anomalies
Monitoring access to, and use of, privileged accounts and sensitive data
Automated real-time alerting
Log retention and archiving
Visualization and reporting

Log Management Systems aggregate data from the application, system, and security logs, and will include factors such as unsuccessful login attempts, failed authentication requests, and password changes. LMSs tend to focus more on user-driven events, as opposed to perimeter-focused events, as generated by firewalls, antivirus solutions, and so on.

SIEMs vs Log Management – Key Differences

Feature	SIEM	Log Management System
Purpose and Scope	SIEM is not only the collection of logs continuously but also the current log analysis for possible security threats to be addressed.	Log Management is the concept of the collection, storage, and indexing of logs as supplied by a range of IT systems. This accounts for pointing at system activity, diagnostics, and reporting on compliance.
Data Correlation and Analysis	Since a SIEM system operates using algorithms and rules for identification, it can quickly distinguish setups of one or more login failures, which is applied for real-time threats and incidents	LMSs are typically restricted to recording and archiving, to say nothing of the elementary search capability. They do not operate in parallel, where a particular level of coupling of logs is generated, or where logs are analyzed simultaneously.
Use of Automation	Modern-day SIEM systems utilize the help of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in processing threats and ranking these threats automatically, so there is a limited amount of manual work involved.	Log management tools lack this functional aspect of automation and their operation caters to analyzing data therein.
Integration with Security Tools	The concept of SIEM systems is simply about integrating with other tools in security such as firewalls IDS/IPS, and antivirus culminating in a security architecture.	The primary utilization of log management tools requires partnership with monitoring and reporting systems; however such tools have no inherent capability to handle threats.
Regulatory Compliance	Both tools assist in the aspect of compliance, but SIEM is created with compliance reporting and event auditing for industries, such as as GDPR and HIPAA.	Log management has other configurations or it may have manual requirements to fit the compliance standards set.

Similarities Between SIEM and Log Management

In some ways, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and log management are intertwined concepts in cybersecurity, sharing commonalities that form the foundation of effective information security practices. Both involve the collection and centralized storage of log data generated across an organization’s IT infrastructure. Log management acts as the cornerstone, offering a centralized repository for storing logs. While providing fundamental search and retrieval functionalities, SIEM systems build upon this by incorporating advanced features like correlation and analysis, enabling security analysts to swiftly identify patterns and potential security incidents. Additionally, both SIEM and log management contribute to meeting regulatory compliance requirements, with log management systems serving as a centralized repository for compliance audits and SIEM solutions offering enhanced reporting features.

What are the benefits of using LMS and SIEM solutions together?

The primary benefit of using an LMS and SIEM together is increased visibility into system activity and security threats. An LMS will provide a more intuitive interface and will generate much less noise, making it easier for security teams to quickly identify potential threats and take proactive steps to address them. A SIEM will allow for a more detailed forensic analysis to take place following a security incident. The enhanced visibility and insight provided by the combination of LMS and SIEM solutions will also give organizations a better chance of remaining compliant with the relevant data privacy regulations.

How Lepide Provides Extended Visibility Beyond SIEM or LMS

The Lepide Data Security Platform provides an intuitive dashboard where all system events, including those collected by a SIEM platform, can be easily searched for and summarised. It can also aggregate data from a wide range of external sources, such as Azure AD, Amazon S3, Google Workspace, and more.

The Lepide platform uses sophisticated machine-learning models to detect and respond to suspicious behavior. For example, anytime privileged accounts or sensitive data are accessed or used in a way that is not typical for a given user, a real-time alert will be sent to the relevant personnel, either to their inbox or mobile device.

If you’d like to see how the Lepide Data Security Platform can give you the visibility you need to keep your IT environment secure, schedule a demo with one of our engineers.

Anna Szentgyorgyi-Siklosi

Anna is an experienced Customer Success Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the SaaS industry. She is currently working to ensure that Lepide customers achieve the highest level of customer service.