Understanding SIEM and SOC 

A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system aggregates, normalizes, and analyses security logs to detect threats, enabling real-time monitoring and forensic investigations. It enhances compliance by automating log management, anomaly detection, and reporting. 

A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a dedicated security team that continuously monitors, analyses, and responds to security incidents. It integrates SIEM with other security tools to provide 24/7 threat detection, incident response, and proactive risk management. 

While SIEM provides data-driven insights, SOC ensures human-led threat analysis and rapid containment, making both essential for a resilient cybersecurity framework. 

Benefits of SIEM and SOC in Achieving Compliance 

1. Stronger Threat Detection & Response – SOC teams use SIEM tools to detect security anomalies and respond swiftly to potential threats. 
2. Improved Compliance & Audit Readiness – SIEM simplifies log collection and reporting, making it easier to demonstrate compliance. 
3. Proactive Risk Management – SOC ensures continuous security oversight, aligning with ISO 27001:2022 risk mitigation principles. 
4. Forensic Investigation Support – SIEM provides centralized log management, aiding post-incident analysis and investigation. 
5. Operational Efficiency – Automating log correlation and threat detection through SIEM reduces manual workload and enhances security operations. 

ISO 27001:2022 Explained

Decoding ISO 27001:2022: What the Standards Indicate 

In this article, we reference the Annexure Policy Section of ISO 27001:2022, which outlines controls related to security monitoring, logging, and incident response. Let’s examine how these annexures align with SIEM and SOC functionalities 

A.5.7 – Threat Intelligence 

• Requirement: Organizations must collect and analyse threat intelligence to anticipate and mitigate risks. 

• How SIEM and SOC help: SIEM aggregates security data, identifying patterns and anomalies. SOC teams use this intelligence to implement proactive defence measures. 

A.5.28 – Collection of Evidence 

• Requirement: Ensure systematic evidence collection for incident investigation and legal purposes. 

• How SIEM and SOC help: SIEM retains detailed event logs, while SOC personnel ensure proper evidence handling for forensic investigations and compliance audits. 

A.8.15 – Logging 

• Requirement: Maintain accurate, secure logs for security event monitoring and analysis. 

• How SIEM and SOC help: SIEM centralizes log management, providing visibility across systems. SOC analysts monitor logs to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time. 

A.8.16 – Monitoring Activities 

• Requirement: Continuously monitor networks, systems, and applications for security incidents. 
• How SIEM and SOC help: SIEM automates security monitoring, while SOC teams provide 24/7 surveillance and incident response. 

So, Do You Really Need Them?

Is SIEM or SOC Required for ISO 27001:2022 Certification? 

ISO 27001:2022 does not specifically mention SIEM or SOC, but it emphasizes the need for effective security monitoring, log analysis, and incident response.

To fulfil these requirements, organizations use tools like EDR, IDS/IPS, log management, and vulnerability scanners—many of which contribute to or are integrated into a modern SIEM setup. Some organizations also build and manage their own SIEM environments tailored to their security and compliance needs.

SOC teams then utilize these integrated tools to enable 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. Adopting SIEM and SOC supports a structured approach to compliance and strengthens an organization’s overall security posture.

Conclusion 

While SIEM and SOC are not explicitly required for ISO 27001:2022 certification, they are essential tools for organizations looking to strengthen cybersecurity resilience and compliance posture. Implementing these security measures enables real-time monitoring, faster incident response, and better audit preparedness—key factors in meeting ISO 27001:2022 expectations. 

Organizations that prioritize proactive security monitoring and rapid threat response gain a competitive edge in compliance and risk management. Investing in SIEM and SOC is not just about meeting a standard—it’s about safeguarding critical assets in an evolving threat landscape. 

Organisation who has a knowledgeable CISO appreciate the importance of Brand reputation, and the value of products and services offered to their clients. The CISO or the fractional CISO working for the organisation impart the requirements of Security Protection Controls i.e. SIEM and SOC to the Board with a well-defined Return of Investment. 

Not all organisations may have the luxury of having a CISO or fractional CISO who are able to see the difference between mandatory requirement to comply with regulatory authority vs good to have security controls based on the Business value. 

Irrespective of whether the security control like SIEM and SOC mandated by regulatory authorities are not, in present times the level and quantum of Cyber threats to any organisation is far more and unimaginable level. Not having an a SIEM, SOC, or an equivalent solution is as good as exposing your organisation intellectual property to the public. 

It is now become essential and mandatory for organisation have to the SIEM products and SOC service as part of their regular Cyber Operations.