A comparison of On-premises SIEM vs. Cloud SIEM

Table of Content 

• Introduction
• What is an on-premises SIEM and Cloud SIEM?
• Key Differences between On-premises SIEM & Cloud SIEM
• Pros & Cons of On-premises SIEM VS Cloud SIEM
• Key Takeaway- Which SIEM Model should you choose?
  
  

Introduction 

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is a critical component of an organization's security infrastructure. The tool provides real-time visibility, analysis,and reporting of potential threats and vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT Infrastructure. Traditionally, SIEM solutions are deployed on-premises, with the software and hardware being installed and managed locally. However, in recent years, the rise in the adoption of cloud computing has led to the emergence of cloud-based SIEM solutions.

Explaining the difference between both the SIEM model, we have in today’s blog covered the key differences between on-premises SIEM and cloud SIEM solution. We have also discussed the pros and cons of on-premises SIEM and cloud SIEM for better understanding of their significance respectively.

But before heading straight to learning about the key differences, let us understand what an on-premises SIEM and cloud-native model is? 

What is an On-premises SIEM and a Cloud SIEM?

On-premises SIEM requires the installation and maintenance of hardware and software on-site.This involves purchasing and installing servers, networking equipment, and configuring the SIEM software with the existing systems and applications of the organization. Once installed, the on-premises SIEM application must be maintained and updated by the IT team. This process can be time-consuming and highly labor-intensive. 

On the other hand, Cloud SIEM is hosted and managed remotely by the vendor and the access to the application is provided to the organization deploying the solution on their IT Infrastructure. So, in this scenario the organization isn't required to purchase and maintain hardware and software on-site. This in turn reduces the complexity and cost of deployment. Further, the Cloud SIEM vendor would be responsible for maintaining and updating the SIEM software from time-to-time which allows the organization's IT team to focus on other tasks. So, now that we are aware of what an on-premises SIEM and Cloud SIEM is and how it works, let us move one to learning the key difference between both the SIEM model.

Key Differences in On-premises SIEM VS Cloud SIEM (Features & Capabilities)  

On-premises and Cloud SIEM are two different SIEM models that cater to organizations with different business objectives, operational processes and security requirements. Both models work in different set-up and have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Elaborating the differences between the two SIEM models and explaining the pros and cons respectively, we have shared some interesting and insightful information for those organizations looking for the right SIEM solution for their IT Infrastructure. So, let us first quickly move on to understanding the differences and then learning the pros and cons of each SIEM model.

SIEM Features & Capabilities

1. Installation & Deployment (On-premises SIEM)
On-premises SIEM solutions are comparatively complex systems to install and deploy on premises. The process to get the systems and application fully integrated, functional and well-configured is a lengthy and complex process. The process may typically take weeks or even months to complete and ensure appropriate functioning of systems. This is mainly because, on-premises SIEM requires proper installation and configuration of systems and applications. This can only be executed by only experienced and skilled IT Professionals. In fact, even with a team of competent IT professionals, it may take a while considering their time taken to be proficient with the new SIEM tool and ensure its effective and efficient functioning.

Installation & Deployment (Cloud SIEM)
On the other hand, the installation and deployment of a cloud-native SIEM solution may be less complex and tedious as it may not require setting up of the hardware and software from scratch. This is generally taken care of by the SIEM Cloud vendors themselves. So, this way the need for hiring additional skilled and proficient resources is minimized as the SIEM cloud vendors offer their expertise in case of installation and maintenance of the SIEM tool. 

2. Scalability (On-premises SIEM)
When it comes to the scalability of on-premises SIEM, it is limited by the capability of the hardware and software that has been installed on-site. It is often seen that  scalability is a huge challenge as the accommodation of increasing data volume or the number of users increase in the future. Upgrading the systems and applications with the evolving demands and requirements are difficult unless you purchase an on-premises SIEM solution large enough to accommodate the upscale throughout the period of your contract length with the vendor. But here the challenge is also predicting the scale of mark-up required for meeting the future demands which also makes it less cost-effective. Further, the process involves huge amounts of upgrade costs. 

Scalability ( Cloud SIEM)
On the contrary, the cloud SIEM solutions are highly scalable as they offer solutions based on “pay as per the usage plan” . This ensures optimum utilization of resources. It makes the solution more flexible and accommodating as the Cloud SIEM can now be up-scaled or down-scaled, based on the requirement and future demand. This in turn works out to be a cost-effective solution for your business as the solution can be scaled based on the increasing number of data volumes and users accordingly. What makes this SIEM model even more interesting is its ability to reflect the changes immediately and have access to additional services right away. 

3. Customization & Controls (On-premises SIEM)
Another important factor to be considered when opting for either an on-premises or cloud SIEM is the level of customization and control the solution offers to businesses. On-premises SIEM offers complete control over the hardware and software thereby allowing high-level customization and flexibility to business. This can be extremely beneficial for those businesses looking to constantly fine-tune their SIEM solution, based on their specific business needs and regulatory mandates.

Customization & Controls ( Cloud SIEM)
Talking about customization and control in a Cloud SIEM set-up, they typically offer less control and are less customizable solutions. Cloud SIEM is known for providing a standard set of features and functionality, over and above which customization and controls are limited for businesses. So, organizations looking for unique security requirements based on certain regulatory mandates are limited by the ability to customize the cloud SIEM solution.

4. Security & Compliance ( On-premises SIEM)
Most businesses are bound by various regulatory and compliance mandates such as maintaining high-level data security and privacy. Meeting these requirements can be a lot easier with on-premises SIEM solutions. This is because the whole and sole ownership and control over the SIEM platform lies in the hands of the organization itself. So, since an on-premises SIEM solution provides complete control over their systems, application and data, it also facilitates customization of security control implementation, making the security and compliance achievable.

Security & Compliance  ( Cloud SIEM)
Achieving and maintaining security and compliance with various industry and regulatory mandates is challenging with Cloud SIEM solutions. This is mainly because of the lack of control and ownership required for fine tuning the applications in alignment with the regulatory and compliance mandates. Here the organization is dependent on the cloud vendors to achieve and maintain security and meet the compliance mandates. So with a Cloud SIEM, ensuring vendor solutions are compliant can turn out to be challenging and may work as a barrier to your organization's compliance efforts.

5. Updates & Maintenance (On-premises SIEM)
SIEM applications require constant updates and implementation of appropriate security patches. Moreover, there is a constant need for on-going maintenance of system and application. This can be challenging given the appropriate skills and capabilities required by the in-house IT professional for this process. Further, lack of appropriate resources may also result in frequent disruption and down-time in business operations.

Updates & Maintenance ( Cloud SIEM) 
In a cloud SIEM set-up, things are  a lot different. Here the frequent updates and maintenance of the application are taken care of by the Cloud SIEM vendors. This works out to be beneficial for organizations that lack skilled resources. The expertise and knowledge of the SIEM cloud vendor can be channelized to maintain the efficiency in business operations. Here the responsibility of regular maintenance and updates of applications lie in the hands of the vendor. This offloads the burden from the IT team and helps them focus on other critical aspects of business operation.

6. Accessibility (On-premises SIEM)
Accessibility is the key to operational efficiency and effectiveness. Having access to services, data and reports can be a huge challenge for on-premises SIEM solutions. Given the limited or restricted access to systems and applications off premises, it is difficult for the team to have real-time view and access to the IT Infrastructure. This can result in delayed business decisions, proactive security-related action and inefficiency in the overall business operations.

Accessibility ( Cloud SIEM)
When it comes to Cloud SIEM, the accessibility to the required services, data and security reports is easy. You can have all the data you need at your fingertips with easy and quick access to system and application from anywhere in the world. This feature or capability increases the operational efficiency and effectiveness of your organization’s security operations and control. Such quick and easy accessibility also offers real-time visibility into your IT infrastructure and network. This is crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead in their security operations and compliance program.

7. Vendor Migration (On-premises SIEM) 
When we talk about vendor migration, this is another huge challenge for on-premises SIEM solutions. Once the organization has purchased and invested in an on-premises SIEM, switching over or migrating to another platform is difficult. This is because your organization may have over the years matured and molded its business operations in accordance with this single platform and application. So, your organization is most likely locked with the vendor’s systems and applications, making the migration process challenging. Furthermore, you may not have the required level of support for migration as you would possibly have with a Cloud-based SIEM solution.

Vendor Migration ( Cloud SIEM)
Cloud SIEM offers on-going support to organizations availing the vendor-based Cloud SIEM solution. So, even in case of vendor migration, the process is comparatively easy and quick with the appropriate expertise and support from the vendor. This makes it a hassle-free and efficient migration process with less down-time and operational disruption that you would have otherwise experienced with the on-premises SIEM.

Pros & Cons of On-premises & Cloud Native SIEM Solution  

As you can see from the above information, both on-premises SIEM and Cloud SIEM have their own set of benefits and challenges. So, having mapped and given the key differences of both SIEM model, here is a high-level overview of the pros and cons of both on-premises and cloud SIEM for clear picture and better understanding of both the SIEM solution.

You can learn more in detail about the Benefits of Cloud Native SIEM 

Key Takeaway- Which SIEM Model Should You Choose? 

Now that we are aware of the key differences and the pros and cons of both on-premises SIEM and cloud-based SIEM, deciding which one to opt for will depend on a lot of factors. This would include taking into consideration the organization's security goals, business operational requirements and budget, to name a few. While on-premises SIEM offers greater control and customization, but it can be more complex and costly to deploy and maintain. However, on the other hand cloud SIEM is simpler and more affordable, but may be less customizable and may offer less control.

So, based on whether your organization is looking for a strong security and compliance support or have budget constraints, your organization needs to list out and consider all the factors and various regulatory considerations before taking the final plunge of deciding an appropriate SIEM Solution for your organization.

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