What are the key features of a security analytics and response orchestration (SARO) platform?

SOAR refers to the process of automating and coordinating security incident responses across an organisation. A SOAR has to have ability to integrate with a wide range of Security tools and technologies, including firewalls, antivirus/ EDR/MDR/XDRs, IDS, SIEM solutions and many other monitoring applications.

A SARO platform's ability to seamlessly integrate data from diverse sources, including network devices, cloud services, and security tools, is crucial for establishing a holistic view of the security landscape. This integration not only enriches data with context but also minimizes data silos, enhancing overall data quality and consistency.

A Security Analytics and Response Orchestration (SARO) platform provides centralized security threat management. Key features include data integration, normalization, and analysis. It detects and alerts on security threats, with incident investigation tools. Automation and orchestration enable rapid response via predefined playbooks and integration with security tools. SARO includes User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) for anomaly detection, integrates threat intelligence, offers reporting and visualization, ensures compliance, and allows customization and scalability. It often integrates with SIEM and enforces user access controls

Data integration should also help connect the timeline of events so that you can easily trace the attack path from firewall logs to user activities. Normalizing the data can be a painstaking yet rewarding activity.

Threat Detection and Analysis Incident Orchestration and Automation Integration with Security Tools Threat Intelligence Integration Case Management Reporting and Analytics Playbooks and Standardized Response Procedures Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response Optimization

The threat detection feature in SOAR systems continuously monitors data sources for potential security threats. It uses various methods like anomaly detection, rule based identification, behavior analytics, and integration with threat intelligence. The feature also enables automated response based on predefined playbooks and maintains detailed logs for analysis and reporting.

Threat detection should be trained based on user feedback to tune out false positives. On the other hand automated blockages can also interrupt legitimate business operations. For automation to succeed it should be applied only after adequate testing.

Threat detection is more than just setting up alerts; it's about curating intelligent alarms that resonate with the evolving threat paradigm. While rules and signatures play a foundational role, the real game-changer is adaptability. Modern threats are polymorphic and multifaceted. Leveraging AI and machine learning, SARO platforms can sift through the noise, identify subtle patterns, and help preempt threats, turning potential crises into routine detections. Prioritization, a vital aspect, ensures that analysts can immediately focus on high-impact, high-confidence alerts, dramatically reducing response times.

Detection is one way forward for the outcomes. Another is Protection. Sometimes you want to source Protection from, or along with, Detection but sometimes you don't

Automation applied wisely will reduce alert fatigue. It is the only way to scale your capabilities with a limited work force.

Investigation itself is a security event and, when nothing else does, escalates events to incidents. See CJCSM 6510.01B A SARO is only as good as its sister platform, the Case Management system, underlying or overarching processes, and the other charter, or CONOP, level factors

During my tenure, I've found that the depth and breadth of investigations often dictate the robustness of an organization's cybersecurity posture. Effective SARO platforms facilitate a guided investigative journey, leading analysts through the maze of data. With orchestrated automation, they can swiftly sift through false positives, reaching the root cause with surgical precision. Imagine being able to visualize an entire attack chain, from initial breach to lateral movement to data exfiltration, all contextualized and chronologically laid out.

SARO? Really? This seems to be yet another attempt to create a new acronym, a new product category. There is something with these exact same capabilities that has been around for some time; something that has reached the plateau of productivity in the Gartner hype cycle: The SIEM. The SIEM? Yes, the SIEM. It has been doing the analytics part mentioned in this "SARO" description and it is very often used as the central component of the SOC. In the past five years, the SIEM has also incorporated SOAR, which brings the additional features requires to expand automation and control the workflow within the SOC. Considering all this, I can say for sure that SARO is nothing more than another name for what a SIEM provides today.

What is SARO vs SIEM+SOAR? Has AI decided cybersecurity does not have enough acronyms? The greatest contribution that could be made to this article would be to make it cease to exist at all.

For me, SARO is a typo. Maybe an opportunity for a new SecOps joke or even a poor attempt at creating a new acronym to help blur concepts and sell an old tool in a new outfit.

SARO... so the IA (Intelligence that is Artificial) that LI uses to create these in the community shows we still need human-in-the-loop. Google "SOAR" and you'll be fine.

What is the main difference between a SARO platform and a SIEM+SOAR? I also see this as another buzzword that is not really clear on what new value is being added to the current set of platforms and toolchain we already have.

One of the adages I often share is, "In cybersecurity, if you're not learning, you're regressing." A potent SARO platform serves as both a magnifying glass and a mirror. While it scrutinizes incidents in-depth, it also reflects the efficiency and effectiveness of the SOC operations. Metrics like MTTD and MTTR are not mere numbers but powerful narratives about an organization's cyber readiness. Continual learning modules integrated within SARO platforms can transform every incident, no matter how trivial, into a lesson, ensuring that defenses are always a step ahead.

Transparency and accountability: Reporting and learning can help to ensure transparency and accountability in the SOC. By tracking and reporting on SOC performance, organizations can identify areas where improvement is needed and hold the SOC accountable for its results. Continuous improvement: Reporting and learning can help organizations to continuously improve their security posture. By identifying areas of weakness and implementing corrective actions, organizations can reduce the risk of security breaches.

Few other features that should be evaluated in any SOAR are- 1.Alert prioritisation and categorisation 2. Scalability n Flexibility 3. Metrics and Analytics 4. Compliance and reporting 5. Orchestration workflow design

A large financial services company was experiencing a high rate of phishing attacks. The company's SARO platform was used to generate reports on the phishing attacks, which identified the most common attack vectors and the employees who were most likely to be targeted. The company used this information to develop a more targeted phishing awareness training program for its employees. As a result of the training program, the number of phishing attacks decreased significantly.