1.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM tools are at the heart of a Cyber Analyst’s toolkit. They collect and analyze log data from
different systems (firewalls, servers, applications, etc.) to identify patterns and detect potential
security incidents.
• Purpose: Aggregating, correlating, and analyzing log data to identify security threats and
unusual behavior.
• How it works: SIEM tools collect data from various sources (network devices, servers,
firewalls, etc.) and analyze it for anomalies that could indicate an attack or breach. Alerts are
generated when suspicious activity is detected.
Popular SIEM Tools:
• Splunk: One of the most widely used SIEM platforms, Splunk helps to collect and analyze
machine data. It is known for its scalability and extensive visualization capabilities.
• IBM QRadar: A comprehensive SIEM tool that provides security analytics, event detection,
and automated response.
• LogRhythm: This platform focuses on threat detection, compliance automation, and
incident response.
• AlienVault (now part of AT&T Cybersecurity): Known for its open-source OSSIM
version, it integrates several threat detection and incident response tools in one platform.

2. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

IDS/IPS systems monitor network traffic for malicious activity and security policy violations. The
key difference is that an IDS only detects and alerts analysts to potential threats, while an IPS can
also take action to block malicious traffic.
• Purpose: Monitoring network traffic for signs of malicious behavior (IDS) and actively
blocking attacks (IPS).
• How it works: These systems inspect traffic based on known attack signatures, patterns of
behavior, or anomalies. They help prevent exploits from malware, DDoS attacks, and
unauthorized access.
Popular IDS/IPS Tools:
• Snort: A free, open-source IDS/IPS that is very popular for monitoring network traffic and
detecting vulnerabilities. It uses a rule-based approach to match traffic patterns against
known signatures.
• Suricata: Similar to Snort but designed for high-performance environments. It supports
multi-threading and is known for its ability to handle high traffic volumes.
• Zeek (formerly Bro): A network monitoring tool that goes beyond simple IDS/IPS
functionality. Zeek is widely used for network traffic analysis and can be customized for
different use cases.
3. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
EDR tools are used to monitor and protect individual devices (endpoints) on a network, such as
computers, smartphones, and servers. They detect suspicious behavior and can provide detailed
insights into incidents affecting those endpoints.
• Purpose: Protecting endpoints from malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. These
tools provide real-time monitoring and deep visibility into endpoint activity.
• How it works: EDR tools continuously monitor endpoints for malicious behavior, such as
unusual file modifications, system processes, or suspicious network activity. In case of a
detected threat, they can block the attack and help analysts investigate the cause.
Popular EDR Tools:
• CrowdStrike Falcon: Known for its lightweight agent and cloud-native architecture,
CrowdStrike is a leading EDR solution. It provides real-time monitoring, threat intelligence,
and rapid response capabilities.
• Carbon Black: Now owned by VMware, Carbon Black is a robust EDR platform that offers
endpoint monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities.
• SentinelOne: An AI-powered EDR solution that uses behavioral analysis and machine
learning to detect, prevent, and respond to threats in real time.

4. Vulnerability Management Tools

Vulnerability management tools are used to scan systems and networks for weaknesses that could
be exploited by attackers. These tools identify vulnerabilities, recommend patches, and help
prioritize remediation efforts.
• Purpose: Scanning and identifying vulnerabilities across an organization’s network,
applications, and systems.
• How it works: These tools perform automated scans to detect vulnerabilities like outdated
software versions, misconfigurations, or missing patches. They also provide
recommendations for mitigation and risk analysis.
Popular Vulnerability Management Tools:
• Nessus: One of the most well-known vulnerability scanners, Nessus helps analysts discover
security vulnerabilities across different systems and applications.
• Qualys: A cloud-based vulnerability management platform that provides continuous
scanning and detailed reporting on security weaknesses.
• Rapid7 Nexpose: Known for its real-time vulnerability scanning and risk assessment
capabilities, Nexpose helps identify vulnerabilities and prioritize them for remediation.
• OpenVAS: An open-source vulnerability scanner that provides a free alternative for
vulnerability assessments. It can detect a wide range of vulnerabilities in network systems.
5. Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs)
Threat Intelligence Platforms aggregate and analyze data about known cyber threats, including
malware, phishing campaigns, IP addresses, and indicators of compromise (IOCs). These platforms
help analysts stay informed about new and emerging threats.
• Purpose: Aggregating and analyzing external threat intelligence to improve detection and
response.
• How it works: TIPs gather data from a variety of sources—such as public threat feeds,
government reports, and commercial providers—and provide actionable intelligence about
ongoing or potential attacks. Analysts use this information to update their defenses and
respond more effectively to threats.
Popular TIPs:
• ThreatConnect: A comprehensive threat intelligence platform that integrates with other
security tools to provide actionable insights into ongoing attacks.
• Anomali: A platform that offers threat intelligence collection, analysis, and sharing
capabilities. It helps organizations enhance their security posture with up-to-date threat
information.
• MISP (Malware Information Sharing Platform): An open-source platform that facilitates
the sharing of threat intelligence among trusted partners and communities.

6. Firewalls and Network Security

Firewalls are one of the first lines of defense against external threats, controlling incoming and
outgoing traffic based on security policies. Modern firewalls go beyond simple packet filtering and
can analyze traffic in-depth.
• Purpose: Controlling network traffic based on predefined security rules.
• How it works: Firewalls monitor and filter traffic based on rules related to IP addresses,
ports, and protocols. Some next-gen firewalls (NGFWs) also have integrated IDS/IPS,
application control, and VPN capabilities.
Popular Firewalls:
• Palo Alto Networks: A leader in next-generation firewalls, Palo Alto’s firewalls combine
traditional packet filtering with more advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities.
• Cisco ASA: Known for its robust performance, Cisco ASA firewalls are widely used in
enterprise environments to secure both internal and external network traffic.
• Check Point: Provides comprehensive firewall solutions that integrate advanced threat
prevention features such as intrusion prevention and malware protection.
7. Forensic Tools
When an incident occurs, digital forensics tools are used to investigate and analyze compromised
systems. These tools help collect evidence, perform analysis, and understand the full scope of an
attack.
• Purpose: Investigating security incidents to identify the cause, method of attack, and extent
of the damage.
• How it works: Forensic tools examine file systems, memory, logs, and network traffic to
reconstruct the timeline of an attack and determine how attackers gained access to systems
or data.
Popular Forensic Tools:
• EnCase: A widely-used digital forensics tool for collecting and analyzing evidence from
compromised systems. It supports data recovery and chain-of-custody tracking.
• FTK (Forensic Toolkit): Used for disk imaging, file recovery, and email analysis. FTK is
known for its speed and ability to process large volumes of data.
• Autopsy: A free, open-source digital forensics tool that helps analysts analyze disk images,
file systems, and recover deleted files.

8. Security Automation and Orchestration Tools (SOAR)

SOAR tools help automate and streamline repetitive security tasks, such as responding to alerts,
investigating incidents, and managing security workflows. They are designed to improve efficiency
by reducing the manual work involved in incident response.
• Purpose: Automating repetitive tasks and coordinating workflows between different
security tools to improve response times and consistency.
• How it works: SOAR platforms integrate with existing security tools like SIEM, IDS/IPS,
and firewalls. They allow analysts to define playbooks for common security incidents, which
are then automatically executed when an alert is triggered.
Popular SOAR Tools:
• Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR: A leading SOAR platform that integrates threat
intelligence, automation, and orchestration to improve incident response times.
• Demisto (now part of Palo Alto Networks): A platform that combines security automation
with incident management capabilities, allowing analysts to respond quickly to threats.
• Splunk Phantom: A security automation platform that integrates with Splunk’s SIEM to
automate response and investigation workflows.

Conclusion
The cybersecurity field relies heavily on a wide range of tools and technologies to keep up with
evolving threats. Cyber Analysts need to be familiar with many of these platforms, each playing a
crucial role in detecting, preventing, and responding to incidents. From SIEM for monitoring and
alerting to EDR and IDS/IPS for deeper protection, each tool offers unique capabilities, making
them indispensable in a security operations center (SOC).
Would you like more information on how these tools integrate with each other, or are you curious
about how Cyber Analysts use them on a day-to-day basis?