Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Chatbots and SIEM

Ertugrul Akbas
2 min readJan 11, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, buzzwords like Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and chatbots have become synonymous with innovation and progress. Vendors across the industry are leveraging these technologies to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and usher in a new era of dynamic cybersecurity. However, amid this tech-driven revolution, a longstanding challenge continues to cast a shadow on Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions — the conundrum of extended hot log retention.

The Tech Wave and Its Impact: Generative AI, LLMs, and chatbots have undoubtedly reshaped the cybersecurity landscape, empowering organizations to stay one step ahead of sophisticated threats. The use of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms has revolutionized threat detection, incident response, and user interaction. Yet, as we revel in the promise of these cutting-edge technologies, a stark reality confronts SIEM implementations across the board.

Regulations and Mandates: Regulatory requirements, spurred by governmental directives like M-31–21, mandate the retention of logs for a minimum of one year. This imperative stems from the need to facilitate thorough investigations, ensure compliance, and fortify incident response mechanisms. While the intention is noble, the practicalities of implementing such mandates within the constraints of storage costs have proven to be a persistent stumbling block.

The 90-Day Dilemma: In the current SIEM landscape, the market standard for hot log retention time is capped at a mere 90 days. Beyond this period, organizations are confronted with a stark choice: either sacrifice compliance by truncating log retention or incur exorbitant costs associated with storing vast volumes of data for an extended duration.

Striking a Balance: The clash between regulatory obligations and financial constraints is not a new challenge, but it has gained renewed significance in the era of advanced technologies. Striking a balance between leveraging cutting-edge tools and meeting regulatory mandates requires a strategic and collaborative approach.

Innovations and Collaborations: As the industry grapples with this dilemma, there is a pressing need for innovations in storage technologies, cost-effective cloud solutions, and collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and SIEM solution providers. The pursuit of a solution must encompass not only the technological aspect but also considerations of practicality, affordability, and scalability.

In the dynamic world of cybersecurity, where Generative AI, LLMs, and chatbots reign as the current trends and buzzwords, it is crucial to confront the persistent challenges that threaten the efficacy of SIEM solutions. As we look towards the future, the collaboration between technology innovators, regulatory bodies, and cybersecurity professionals becomes paramount. Only through a holistic approach can we hope to navigate the SIEM conundrum, ensuring both compliance and the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

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