CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

Which of the following best defines SIEM?

1. Security Information and Event Management

2. Systematic Information Environmental Monitoring

3. Security Incident and Emergency Management

4. Systematic Investigation of Event Management

The correct answer is: Security Information and Event Management

The best definition of SIEM is "Security Information and Event Management." This term encompasses a set of tools and services that provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by hardware and applications in an organization. Security Information and Event Management systems collect, analyze, and correlate security data from various sources to detect and respond to potential security incidents. This allows organizations to have a comprehensive view of their security posture and helps in compliance, threat detection, and ultimately in improving their overall security strategy. The other options include terms that may seem related but do not accurately capture the essence or function of what SIEM is. For instance, "Systematic Information Environmental Monitoring" does not align with the focus on security events and incidents, as it suggests a broader scope of monitoring beyond just security-related data. Similarly, "Security Incident and Emergency Management" may imply a reactive approach to security incidents rather than the proactive monitoring and management core to SIEM. Lastly, “Systematic Investigation of Event Management” suggests a more targeted investigation approach and does not encompass the broader capabilities of correlation and real-time analysis integral to SIEM functionalities.