ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
What is the primary purpose of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Aggregate and correlate logs to generate alerts
A SIEM aggregates and correlates logs from various sources, generates alerts, and stores historical data for analysis and forensics.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Encrypt sensitive data at rest
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is handled by other tools.
- ✗
Manage user passwords and access controls
Why it's wrong here
That is identity and access management (IAM) function.
- ✓
Aggregate and correlate logs to generate alerts
Why this is correct
This is the core function of a SIEM.
- ✗
Block malicious network traffic in real time
Why it's wrong here
That is a function of a firewall or IPS, not a SIEM.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Security Information and Event Management
A system that collects, analyzes, and reports on security data from across an IT environment to detect and respond to threats.
Key term
SIEM
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is a system that collects and analyzes log data from across an IT environment to detect and respond to security threats in real time.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.