Event logging and change reporting is cumbersome and time-consuming using native auditing tools. Because there’s no central console, you have to repeat the process for each server, and you end up with a huge volume of data and a myriad of reports. That means proving compliance or reacting quickly to events is a constant challenge. Your data security is also at risk because native event details are sparse and difficult to interpret. As a result, you may not find out about problems until it is too late. And because native logs can be deleted or overwritten, the integrity of the log data can be compromised, defeating the purpose of auditing in the first place.

The Change Auditor tool helps ensure the security, compliance and control of f iles and folders by monitoring, auditing, reporting and alerting on all changes in real time. With Change Auditor, administrators can monitor, report on and analyze events and changes without complexity and fear of unknown security concerns. You will instantly know who made what change when, where, from which workstation and all related events to that change. You can then automatically generate intelligent, in-depth forensics and reduce the risk associated with day-to-day modifications.

SIEM is implemented via software, systems, appliances, or some combination of these items. There are, generally speaking, six main attributes of an SIEM system:

– Retention: Storing data for long periods so that decisions can be made off of more complete data sets.

– Dashboards: Used to analyze (and visualize) data in an attempt to recognize patterns or target activity or data that does not fit into a normal pattern.

– Correlation: Sorts data into packets that are meaningful, similar and share common traits. The goal is to turn data into useful information.

– Alerting: When data is gathered or identified that trigger certain responses – such as alerts or potential security problems – SIEM tools can activate certain protocols to alert users, like notifications sent to the dashboard, an automated email or text message.

– Data Aggregation: Data can be gathered from any number of sites once SIEM is introduced, including servers, networks, databases, software and email systems. The aggregator also serves as a consolidating resource before data is sent to be correlated or retained.

– Compliance: Protocols in a SIEM can be established that automatically collect data necessary for compliance with company, organizational or government policies.