What is the purpose of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system?

A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is designed to consolidate and analyze security alerts generated by various hardware and software within an organization's IT infrastructure. By collecting logs and event data from multiple sources, such as servers, network devices, and security appliances, a SIEM provides a centralized platform for monitoring, correlating, and analyzing security events in real time. This enables security teams to identify potential threats, detect anomalies, and respond to incidents more effectively.

The core functionalities of a SIEM include:

1. Log Management: Collecting logs from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the security landscape.

2. Event Correlation: Analyzing log data to identify patterns or anomalies that could indicate a security incident.

3. Alerting: Notifying security personnel of potential threats or unusual behavior, allowing for a timely response to mitigate risks.

In contrast, controlling user access, preventing physical access, and creating backup copies of data are important security practices but fall outside the primary role of a SIEM. They focus on different areas of security management, such as identity and access management, physical security controls, and data backup strategies, respectively. Thus, the correct answer firmly aligns with the primary function of consolidating and