Cybersecurity is on the mind of every IT professional today, and security information and event management (SIEM) has become one of the most important elements of any IT infrastructure. But, as the saying goes, security comes at a price. This is why an increasing number of organisations are asking how they can reduce the costs associated with this critical component. If you are among those wondering how to save on SIEM, particularly on the Microsoft Azure Sentinel platform, this article is for you.
Azure Sentinel is a modern, scalable SIEM solution from Microsoft, designed for the cloud. It allows you to monitor and analyse data from a range of sources: from devices and servers to cloud platforms and SaaS applications. What is more, Azure Sentinel also offers a dedicated solution for SAP systems, known as “Sentinel for SAP”. This is particularly relevant for firms such as SNOK, which specialise in SAP technologies and SAP cybersecurity. Sentinel for SAP enables deep integration with SAP systems, offering specialist algorithms and mechanisms for monitoring and responding to threats specific to this ecosystem.
Before we move on to specifics, it is worth understanding the main cost components associated with SIEM on the Azure Sentinel platform. This covers not only the costs of storing and analysing data, but also additional functions such as incident response automation (SOAR) or advanced Machine Learning mechanisms. Understanding this will help you identify where potential savings lie and how to capture them.
In this article, we will present various aspects of optimising SIEM costs on Azure Sentinel, starting with data classification, moving through primary and secondary cost components, and concluding with optimisation strategies. We will also show how SNOK can support you in this process, offering dedicated consultancy and tailored solutions.
Are you ready to dive into the world of SIEM cost optimisation on Azure Sentinel? If so, please read on.
Data classification: the first step towards savings 💡
Before discussing cost optimisation, it is important to understand which data is critical to your system. Data classification is the foundation on which the entire cost management strategy rests. In Azure Sentinel, data can be divided into two main categories:
Primary data
This is data essential for real-time alerting and analysis. Without it, the system cannot detect threats or respond to them. This data is typically stored in what are known as Standard Logs, meaning it is available to various Sentinel functions such as event analysis or alert creation.
Secondary data
This is data used for investigation and operations, but which is not critical to the system’s functioning. It can be stored in various locations, such as Basic Logs, the Archived Tier, ADX or Azure Storage, allowing costs to be reduced.
For those new to SIEM, it is important to understand that not all data carries equal weight. Proper classification allows you to focus on what really matters, while reducing the costs associated with data storage and analysis.
Primary cost components: what actually costs you money? 💸
Once you understand which data matters to you, you can start analysing the primary cost components. In Azure Sentinel, these are:
Daily data ingestion
This is the combined pricing model for Azure Sentinel and Log Analytics, which simplifies budgeting. It covers the costs of ingesting and storing data, as well as analysing it. For those starting out, it is worth knowing that these costs are usually charged based on the volume of data sent to the system.
Monthly data retention
These are the costs associated with log retention. In other words, the longer you keep data, the more you will pay for it. It is therefore important to regularly review your retention settings and adjust them to current needs.
Event-driven data flow
These are the costs associated with incident response automation (SOAR). While these are not usually large expenses, they can significantly affect the overall budget if not properly managed.
Other significant costs: hidden pitfalls 💣
Beyond the primary cost components, Azure Sentinel also has other, often overlooked elements that can affect your spending. These include:
Data transformation costs
These are fees associated with processing logs before they are imported into the system. This might include, for example, format conversion or filtering out unnecessary data.
Network transfer costs
In Azure Sentinel, inbound data is generally free, but you pay for outbound data. This means that if you have large volumes of data being sent outside the system, you can expect additional costs.
Additional components
Such as the Syslog Forwarding VM, Security Notebooks and Machine Learning Compute. Each of these carries its own costs, which can add up if not managed properly.
For those new to the world of SIEM, it is important to pay attention to these “hidden” costs and factor them into your budget. Only then can we talk about effective cost optimisation.
Optimisation strategies: how to manage Azure Sentinel SIEM costs effectively 🛠️
Optimising SIEM costs on the Azure Sentinel platform is a process that requires both deep technical knowledge and a strategic approach to data and resource management. Below, we present several key strategies that will help you manage your spending effectively.
Prioritise free data sources
Azure offers various free data sources, such as Azure Activity Logs or Office 365 Audit Logs. Making use of these free sources can significantly reduce your SIEM spending. For those new to SIEM, this is an excellent starting point that allows you to understand how the system works without generating substantial costs.
Make use of the 31-day free trial
Azure Sentinel offers a 31-day free trial for new instances. This is an excellent opportunity to test various functions and understand your actual requirements before you start incurring costs. Remember, however, that once the trial ends, all resources become chargeable.
Take advantage of data grants
For customers with an M365 E5 licence, Microsoft offers data grants allowing free use of a certain volume of data each day. This is another way to reduce costs that is often overlooked by new users.
Optimise data retention
The length of time data is stored has a direct impact on costs. It is therefore important to regularly review and adjust retention settings. For example, data that is only relevant for a short period should not be stored for longer than necessary, as this generates additional costs.
Automation and SOAR
Incident response automation (SOAR) is a function that can significantly increase the effectiveness of your SIEM system, but it also generates additional costs. It is therefore important to understand precisely what your requirements are in this area and how they can be optimised.
Budget management and monitoring
Azure offers various tools for managing costs and monitoring resource consumption, such as Azure Cost Management or Azure Cost Analytics. These allow you to track your spending on an ongoing basis and respond to any irregularities.
Audit and control
Regular audits and controls are key to maintaining an optimal cost level. They allow you to identify any inefficient processes or resources generating additional costs, and replace them with more efficient solutions.
Consultancy and expert support
The final, but no less important, element of an optimisation strategy is expert support. At SNOK, as an experienced Microsoft and SAP partner, we offer dedicated consultancy and tailored solutions that will help you manage Azure Sentinel SIEM costs effectively.
Cost optimisation is a process that never truly ends. It is therefore important to regularly update your strategy and adapt it to changing needs and conditions. Only then can we speak of effective cost optimisation.
Time to optimise SIEM costs, including in the SAP context 🎯
Optimising SIEM costs on the Azure Sentinel platform is not only a challenge, but also a significant opportunity. As we have shown in this article, there are many ways to manage spending effectively, from using free data sources, through retention management, to advanced automation and monitoring strategies.
Particular attention should be paid to SAP systems, which are an integral part of many enterprises. If logs in SAP systems are not properly optimised, they can generate enormous volumes of data sent to the SIEM. This not only increases costs but can also affect the efficiency of the entire security system. For this reason, SIEM cost optimisation should also be considered in the context of SAP systems.
At SNOK, as an experienced Microsoft and SAP partner, we are ready to help you meet this challenge. We offer dedicated consultancy and tailored solutions that will help you not only reduce costs, but also increase the efficiency and security of your organisation. SecurityBridge software plays a key role here, appropriately optimising SAP logs sent to the SIEM.
Are you ready to take on the challenge of optimising your SIEM costs? Do you have proven methods for managing spending in SIEM and SAP systems? Share your experiences and observations in the comments below. Together, we can find the best solutions! 👇👇👇