(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What does a security information and event management (SIEM) system do?

1. Collects and analyzes security events and alerts

2. Manages user access privileges

3. Conducts routine security audits

4. Encrypts sensitive data in transit

The correct answer is: Collects and analyzes security events and alerts

A security information and event management (SIEM) system is primarily designed to collect, analyze, and correlate security events and alerts from various sources within an IT environment. This includes logs from network devices, servers, domain controllers, and applications. The core function of a SIEM system is to provide real-time visibility into an organization’s security posture, enabling security teams to detect, investigate, and respond to potential security threats quickly and effectively. By aggregating data from multiple sources, a SIEM can identify patterns and anomalies that might indicate a security incident. It employs various analytical techniques to sift through vast amounts of data, making it easier for security professionals to prioritize incidents and take appropriate actions. This capability is crucial in today's complex threat landscape, where timely detection of security breaches can significantly reduce the potential impact on an organization. The other options, while related to overall security management, are distinct functions that do not accurately describe the primary role of a SIEM. For instance, managing user access privileges focuses on identity and access management, conducting routine security audits pertains to compliance and risk assessment, and encrypting sensitive data in transit is a specific security control aimed at protecting data privacy rather than event management.