Security data refers to any type of information that helps organisations detect, analyse, and respond to cyber security threats and vulnerabilities.
It includes a wide range of digital evidence and information collected from various sources to monitor, manage, and secure a network, system, or infrastructure.
Common examples of security data
🔹Logs
Records of events generated by systems, networks, and applications (e.g., firewall logs, system logs, authentication logs).
🔹Alerts
Notifications from security systems that highlight suspicious or malicious activity (e.g., intrusion detection systems, antivirus software).
🔹Network Traffic Data
Information on data flows within a network, helping to spot anomalies.
🔹Endpoint Data
Information from devices like computers, phones, and IoT devices that may indicate suspicious activity.
🔹File System Data
Information that describes the files and folders on a storage device and the related permissions settings, determining the users access capabilities.
🔹Threat Intelligence
External data on known threat actors, malware, vulnerabilities, and attack methods.
Who Needs Security Data?
Security data is vital to various groups of professionals for different purposes:
🔹#SecurityAnalysts
These professionals use security data to monitor and investigate incidents in real time. They use it to detect potential breaches or threats, enabling them to respond before damage occurs.
🔹Incident Response Teams
When a breach or security incident happens, these teams use security data to trace the source of the attack, understand its scope, and determine how to mitigate and recover from it.
🔹Network and System Administrators and #ITEngineers
They rely on security data to ensure that networks, systems, and applications are functioning securely, patching vulnerabilities, and configuring security controls.
🔹Security and #ComplianceOfficers
Organisations subject to regulations (like #GDPR or #HIPAA) require security data to demonstrate that they are monitoring and securing sensitive information, ensuring regulatory compliance.
🔹Business Executives
While not directly using security data, executives need reports and insights derived from it to assess risks, budget for security measures, and make informed decisions about cybersecurity investments.
🔹Threat Intelligence Teams
These professionals focus on gathering external data about threats, vulnerabilities, and attack patterns, using it to predict and prevent future attacks.
