SOAR vs SIEM: Key Differences and Use Cases
By
Jason Miller
·
2 minute read
SOAR vs SIEM: Key Differences and Use Cases
Security teams are under constant pressure to detect threats faster, respond more efficiently, and reduce operational overload. Two core technologies often discussed in modern security operations are SIEM and SOAR. While they are frequently mentioned together, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between SOAR vs SIEM is essential for building an effective, scalable security strategy.
Rather than choosing one over the other, most mature security programs use both—each where it delivers the most value.
What Is SIEM?
Centralized Log Collection and Visibility
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) aggregates logs and events from across the environment.
Purpose: Provide visibility into activity across endpoints, networks, cloud platforms, and applications.
Threat Detection and Alerting
SIEM applies correlation rules and analytics to identify suspicious patterns.
Outcome: Generates alerts for potential security incidents.
Compliance and Reporting
SIEM platforms store logs for auditing and regulatory needs.
Outcome: Supports investigations and compliance requirements.
What Is SOAR?
Automated Incident Response
SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) focuses on action.
Purpose: Automate response workflows once an alert is generated.
Orchestration Across Tools
SOAR connects multiple security tools into coordinated playbooks.
Outcome: Faster, consistent response without manual intervention.
Analyst Efficiency
Repetitive tasks are automated.
Outcome: Analysts spend time on high-value investigations instead of manual triage.
Key Differences Between SOAR and SIEM
Detection vs Response
SIEM: Detects and alerts on potential threats.
SOAR: Responds to threats using automated workflows.
Data vs Action
SIEM: Focuses on collecting and correlating data.
SOAR: Focuses on executing actions based on that data.
Human Effort
SIEM: Requires analyst investigation after alerts fire.
SOAR: Reduces manual effort through automation.
Operational Maturity
SIEM: Foundational for visibility and monitoring.
SOAR: Optimizes mature security operations.
When to Use SIEM
- Centralized security monitoring
- Threat detection and alerting
- Compliance and audit logging
- Threat hunting and investigations
When to Use SOAR
- Automated incident response
- Reducing alert fatigue
- Standardizing response workflows
- Improving SOC efficiency
Did you know?
Security teams using SOAR alongside SIEM significantly reduce response times by automating containment and remediation steps.
Conclusion
SIEM and SOAR are not competing technologies—they are complementary. SIEM provides the visibility and detection needed to understand what’s happening, while SOAR delivers the speed and consistency required to respond effectively. With BitLyft AIR, organizations can unify detection, orchestration, and automated response to streamline security operations and reduce risk across the enterprise.
FAQs
What is the main difference between SIEM and SOAR?
SIEM focuses on detection and visibility, while SOAR focuses on automated response and orchestration.
Do organizations need both SIEM and SOAR?
Most mature security programs use both to cover detection and response efficiently.
Can SOAR work without SIEM?
SOAR can ingest alerts from many sources, but SIEM is commonly a primary input.
Does SOAR replace SOC analysts?
No. It augments analysts by automating repetitive tasks and speeding response.
How does BitLyft support SIEM and SOAR use cases?
BitLyft AIR integrates detection, orchestration, and automation to improve SOC efficiency and threat response.