At a glance
This blog explains why SIEM and SOAR platforms need ongoing attention to remain effective against changing cyber threats. It highlights how these tools help organisations detect, investigate, and respond to suspicious activity, while stressing that they are not ‘set-and-forget’ solutions.
The article also emphasises the importance of regularly reviewing, testing, and updating cyber security systems as threats continue to evolve. Written for business leaders, information technology (IT) managers, and cyber security professionals, the content provides practical guidance on maintaining a strong security posture. It encourages organisations to invest in both technology and skilled people to ensure their cyber defences continue to perform as intended.
SIEM and SOAR platforms are only as effective as the people behind them
Cyber threats constantly evolve, and security tools must evolve with them. Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation & Response (SOAR) platforms can help organisations detect and respond to threats, but they are not set-and-forget solutions.
Without ongoing monitoring, tuning and testing, these platforms may fail to identify malicious activity when it matters most.
Organisations should plan for continuous investment in both technology and skilled people to ensure these platforms continue to support cyber security operations.
Why a proactive approach matters
Cyber threats continue to affect Australian organisations. In FY2024-25, thee Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) received more than 42,500 calls to its Australian Cyber Security Hotline and responded to more than 1,200 cyber security incidents in a single year, demonstrating the ongoing threat to Australian networks and systems.
Rather than assuming an incident will never happen, organisations should adopt a ‘when, not if’ mindset. This means regularly reviewing cyber security controls, testing response plans and ensuring security technologies can support a range of attack scenarios.
What do SIEM and SOAR platforms do?
SIEM and SOAR platforms help organisations gain visibility of their environment and respond to cyber threats more efficiently.
- SIEM platforms collect, centralise and analyse log data from across a network, making it easier for security teams to identify suspicious activity.
- SOAR platforms automate parts of incident response using predefined playbooks and can help coordinate actions when threats are detected.
Together, they can integrate with other security technologies, such as firewalls, endpoint security tools and vulnerability scanners, to improve detection and response capability.
Keep your platforms fit for purpose
Implementing SIEM and SOAR platforms is not a one-time project. Networks change, new technologies are introduced and cyber threats continue to evolve. As a result, security teams need to regularly:
- review data sources and log collection
- tune detection rules and response playbooks
- test platform performance
- validate detection and response capabilities
- monitor for emerging threats and environmental changes.
This work may be performed by in-house cyber security personnel, managed security service providers or a combination of both.
Strong cyber security requires continuous improvement
SIEM and SOAR platforms can provide significant value when implemented and maintained correctly. However, technology alone is not enough. Ongoing monitoring, skilled practitioners and regular testing are essential to ensure these tools continue to support your organisation's cyber security objectives.
For many organisations, the most important step is recognising that cyber security is an ongoing process, not a one-time investment.
As threats evolve, SIEM and SOAR platforms must evolve too. Organisations that continuously improve their people, processes and technologies will be better positioned to detect and respond to cyber threats.
James F