Implementation of a security information and event management (SIEM) solution, is one of the best cybersecurity decisions that can help organizations being compliant with the GDPR strict requirements. As a matter of fact, GDPR compliance is indispensable for enterprises managing the data of European Union (EU) citizens because non compliant organizations have to bear the brunt of huge penalties in terms of massive fine and reputational damage. Various enterprises today deploy SIEM systems mere for compliance requirements because compliance mandates are not optional. In order to thwart GDPR penalties, an effective SIEM system offers various reliable security solutions that are directly applicable to GDPR sections.
The following sections comprehensively define the SIEM features and their GDPR applicability.
1.Article 5 & Article 25 of GDPR
The GDPR stresses the need for data protection in its article 5 and 25. Article 4 requires the protection of personal data, including the security of unauthorized processing. Article 25 stipulates the security of personal data collected, the extent of its processing and the period of its storage and accessibility.
Data is the currency of today’s data-rich organizations. Therefore, the protection of such data such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) has paramount importance for organizations.
According to the Mike Adler, vice president of products at RSA NetWitness, discover that “SIEM solutions provide the threat-detection and investigation capabilities, and automated compliance reporting capabilities that are required to show efficient security controls ensuring that a PII is dealt with in accordance with the requirements of GDPR.”
2. Article 30 of GDPR
GDPR Article 30 stipulates that each controller and his representative will maintain a record of processing activities under his responsibility. Processing activities may incorporate the logging system.
Deficiencies in security analysis and logging allow bad guys to conceal their location, harmful applications, and suspicious activities on the targeted machines. A complete and protected logging record is imperative to recover the loss and subsequent deeds committed by the malicious insiders.
SIEM log management feature can certainly help companies complying with this GDPR Article 30. Log management involves a log correlation rules, which is a heart of SIEM. With a log correlation feature, the security experts can see sequences and patterns in log events that aren’t visible in individual log sources. With SIEM log management, the enterprises can have complete and protected log records even in the aftermath of a notorious security breach.
3. Article 33 (3) of GDPR
Article 33(3)(d) of GDPR describes the measures need to be taken by a controller to cope with the cyber incident and take appropriate measures to mitigate its potential adverse effects. In fact, this section talks about a suitable incident response mechanism. Without an incident response, the enterprises will be unable to recover their critical data even if the attack has been discovered.
A reliable SIEM system offers an effective incident response and management system that addresses and manages the aftermath of a cyber breach. Incident response not only mitigates the damage but also decreases the cost and recovery time. More importantly, the enterprises having such a SIEM solution can comply with GDPR article 33(3)(d).
4. Conclusion
After a thorough and comprehensive discussion, it has been evident that the SIEM solution is indispensable for GDPR compliance. Non-compliant organizations will have to suffer a massive loss in the form of penalties. Therefore, the organizations must comply with GDPR requirements by deploying the effective SIEM system.