In the realm of cybersecurity compliance, selecting the right Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution is paramount, especially for organizations striving to achieve compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). While cloud-based SIEM solutions have gained popularity for their scalability and accessibility, there are compelling reasons why an on-premise SIEM might be the preferred choice for CMMC compliance. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of on-premise SIEM solutions over their cloud counterparts in the context of CMMC.
Avoiding the FEDRAMP Pitfalls
Arguably the biggest benefit of going with an On-Premise SIEM for CMMC is the ability to avoid any FEDRAMP requirements that may arise from processing, storing or transmitting CUI in the cloud. While Security Protection Asset data (the type of data collected by a SIEM) is not in itself CUI, it is highly sensitive and therefore is required to be protected at the same level as CUI. While it is unclear whether or not this fact requires a Cloud SIEM’s to be Fedramp Moderate, one could certainly argue that it does.
Data Control and Sovereignty
Will you have access to your data when it matters most? One of the primary advantages of an on-premise SIEM solution is the organization’s complete control over its data. With an on-premise deployment, sensitive logs and security event data remain within the organization’s infrastructure, mitigating concerns about data availability , data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. For organizations subject to CMMC requirements, maintaining control over data residency and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations are paramount considerations that favor on-premise SIEM solutions.
Reducing your Compliance Scope
On-premise SIEM solutions not only offer enhanced security and isolation by operating within the organization’s internal network but also serve to limit the scope of the CMMC environment. By reducing the exposure of critical security data to external systems you minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches while also keeping your CMMC footprint contained.
Known Costs and Performance
Cloud SIEM’s, while flexible in their ability to scale up or down in terms of data ingestion, storage and retention, can pose a bit of an issue when it comes to budgeting. Varying costs tied to log ingestion rates, cold storage, hot storage, data querying and overall retention time can quickly break an IT/compliance budget. With an on premise SIEM, your costs are known, your system is designed to meet your specific data ingestion, retention and querying and overall performance needs and there are no budgeting surprises.
Conclusion
While cloud-based SIEM solutions offer scalability and convenience, on-premise SIEM solutions remain a preferred choice for organizations prioritizing data control, security, customization, cost control and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as CMMC. By leveraging the inherent advantages of on-premise deployment, organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, enhance data protection capabilities, and demonstrate a commitment to compliance and risk management.
