SIEM vs SOAR: Why Modern Security Operations Need Both

There are two constants for those working within the cybersecurity landscape: the potential threats lurking, and the sheer volume of data and alerts that must be parsed through that help guard against those threats. While Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions once promised to solve this challenge by correlating security data, the sheer scale and frequency of modern threats demands more. Enter Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR). But here's the key: it's not a binary, either-or, or SIEM vs SOAR, choice. 

For the unfamiliar, the distinction between SIEM and SOAR — despite similar sounding acronyms and both residing in the realm of cybersecurity — is what they DO.  

• SIEM — Focuses on correlating logs; it arranges data 

• SOAR – Focuses on orchestrating actions; it sets in motion a response to an event 

Too often organizations find themselves weighing between SIEM vs SOAR. Today we’ll discuss why most organizations will need both in today’s environment.  

Right Fit Security: Connect with our cybersecurity experts to get started on your custom security solution today.   

The Evolution of Security Operations 

The story with all technology, especially in IT, is often developing a tool, method, or process to do something we want — and then dealing with the shortcomings of that tech when it’s implemented.  

For the purposes of our discussion today, the first evolutionary step in cybersecurity was the development of basic intrusion detection systems (IDS). You have a digital environment; you need to know if someone has broken into it. This naturally led to developing prevention systems (IPS) — which would take action on the IDS alert. However, many were uncomfortable enabling IPS rules as there wasn’t enough context provided, and thus a higher risk of business-impacting errors as a result. ​​​​  

But IDS and IPS led to a torrent of data that could, and did, overwhelm security teams. Each evolution addressed the limitations of previous technologies. As systems generated more data, security teams needed better ways to correlate and analyze it. SIEM emerged as the solution to this data correlation challenge, but even that proved insufficient on its own. And thus, the development of SOAR was needed to automate responses while reducing the risk of mistakes in response.  

3 Facets to the SIEM vs SOAR Debate 

Understanding SIEM 

SIEM technology serves as the foundation of modern security operations, consolidating massive amounts of data from different tools into one place. Its primary strength lies in correlation — identifying potential security incidents not from single events, but from multiple activities across different systems. 

However, SIEM on its own as a concept has run its course. Few organizations seeking a proactive security and risk management profile rely on SIEM exclusively. While SIEM excels at log management and investigation support, it still generates more alerts than human analysts can effectively process. This limitation led to the next evolution in security operations. 

Enter SOAR 

SOAR technology builds upon SIEM's foundation by adding orchestration and automation capabilities. It is taking action. If SIEM is a list of ingredients, then SOAR is the cook combining them to create the dish. The dish, in this case, is a security response.  

For example, rather than just alerting when suspicious activity occurs, SOAR can automatically execute response playbooks. If a system detects a potential compromised account, SOAR might automatically terminate the account and block the suspicious IP address — all before a human analyst needs to get involved. 

This automation becomes increasingly crucial as AI reshapes cybersecurity, and SOAR has emerged as a prime application for AI because the point of this tool is to sift through this data in a way that a human being can't. 

Why You Need Both 

Modern security operations require both SIEM and SOAR working together. SIEM provides the essential foundation of data correlation and log retention, while SOAR adds the crucial capability to act on that information automatically and at scale. 

For organizations partnering with external security partners, this offers a factor for consideration. If you’re looking at a SOC (security operations center) that doesn't have a SOAR solution, odds are it is not a mature solution. It’s one way that some managed services providers (MSPs) can also claim to be security providers — by offering basic SIEM capabilities without SOAR integration. But that’s not good enough, or advisable, today.  

The reality is that most modern SIEM products include some SOAR capabilities, and most mature security operations centers use both technologies together. While some organizations might use SOAR without SIEM, those who place a priority on security will want to ensure full coverage of both.  

Move Beyond SIEM vs SOAR with Inversion6 

Remember: Modern security operations aren't about choosing between SIEM and SOAR — they're about leveraging both technologies to create a more robust and responsive security posture. As threats continue to evolve, this integrated approach becomes not just beneficial, but essential. 

When considering potential security providers, it’s important to grasp how they view SIEM vs SOAR. Be sure to have them answer several questions about their approach: 

• Do they utilize both SIEM and SOAR technologies? 

• How do they handle automation and orchestration? 

• What's their experience with integrating these technologies? 

• How long have they been working with SOAR? 

Inversion6 embraced SIEM technology at the start and added SOAR capabilities a few years ago as part of our mission to be a dedicated security firm. We create custom cybersecurity solutions with leading-edge technology and data security strategies to protect your organization.  

We understand your internal IT team has more than enough on its plate already. Inversion6 gives leaders of any size organization the peace of mind in knowing their business is staying ahead of the threat landscape. From fractional CISO and fractional CIO assistance to comprehensive managed security service provider (MSSP) services, we partner with you to protect your business at every level. 

We’ve long been at the leading edge of SIEM implementation, and have ensured that SOAR capabilities are baked into all of our SOC operations for clients.  

Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more.