Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions and Security Operations Center (SOC) services face numerous challenges in today's rapidly evolving threat landscape. Traditional SIEM solutions often struggle with scalability, as they need to handle vast amounts of data generated by modern IT environments. This can lead to performance issues and delays in threat detection and response. Additionally, the integration of disparate security tools and data sources can be complex and time-consuming, resulting in fragmented visibility and inefficient workflows. SOC services, on the other hand, are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of alerts, leading to alert fatigue and the risk of missing critical threats. The lack of automation and orchestration further exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult for security teams to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents. Microsoft Sentinel and the Unified Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform offer a comprehensive solution to address these challenges. Microsoft Sentinel is a scalable, cloud-native SIEM solution that provides a bird's-eye view across all ingested data, enabling the detection of threats using advanced analytics and threat intelligence. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Defender XDR, creating an AI-enhanced toolset for efficient and scalable digital estate protection. The Unified XDR platform combines security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) capabilities with user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) and threat intelligence (TI), offering expansive coverage and the ability to collect data from various sources at scale. This integration allows for the detection of breaches and anomalies, investigation of threats, and rapid remediation of issues, providing a complete and powerful SecOps solution.

Workshop Description, Added Value, and Deliverables

The Modern SecOps Envisioning Workshop is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience using Microsoft Sentinel and the Unified SecOps Platform. The workshop is structured into several phases, each focusing on different aspects of security operations:

• Scoping meeting : This initial phase includes introductions, an overview of the engagement, and alignment of expectations and next steps.
• Readiness (Optional): An optional phase to ensure all attendees understand the tools included in the engagement, with an overview of Microsoft Sentinel.
• Kick-Off Meeting: A meeting to discuss goals, scope, deliverables, and engagement tools.
• General Setup: Configuration of Microsoft Sentinel, including setting up trial licenses and Azure sponsorship.
• Data Collection and Remote Monitoring (Optional): Collection of logs and alerts for review, with optional remote monitoring for incidents and threats.
• Exploration: Hands-on experience with threat exploration and module exploration, including identity, communication, collaboration, and Azure threat detection.
• Results Presentation and Next Steps Discussion: Presentation of findings and recommendations, along with technical and strategic next steps.
• Engagement Decommissioning: Removal of configuration changes, deactivation of trial licenses, and deletion of sponsored Azure subscriptions.

The added value of the workshop lies in its comprehensive approach to enhancing security posture and efficiency through orchestration and automation. Participants will gain visibility into threats across their Microsoft 365 and Azure environments, learn how to prioritize and mitigate potential cyberattack vectors, and understand how to build a business case for a production deployment of Microsoft Sentinel. The deliverables include a detailed engagement results report, a joint plan for next steps, and a clear understanding of the benefits and capabilities of the Unified SecOps Platform.