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2024.07.05

Rethinking the "Single Pane of Glass" Approach to Security

Woman analyzing security data on a large monitor, demonstrating how Crowdalert reduces information overload and prioritizes critical alerts in security operations
When a one-stop shop becomes a single "pain" of glass

In cybersecurity, the term “single pane of glass” often gets thrown around as the ultimate solution for security observability. The idea is appealing: consolidate all your security data into one streamlined dashboard. On the surface, this sounds like a dream come true—no more toggling between various tools or sifting through a mountain of alerts. However, the reality can be quite different.

The Flaws of Drinking from a Fire Hose

While having a centralized view may seem beneficial, it often leads to a major pitfall: information overload. Security operations (SecOps) teams are already stretched thin, and bombarding them with an avalanche of isolated, unprioritized, and often duplicated information doesn’t solve the problem. It makes it worse. When every alert, notification, and data point is dumped into a single view without context or analysis, critical information can easily get lost in the shuffle.

If your SOC analysts are expected to investigate every alert, from routine updates and access requests to significant incidents, how do you prioritize effectively? The sheer volume of alerts can lead to confusion, making it hard to determine which ones require immediate action.

Context Over Quantity

What investigators truly need is context, not just a compilation of data. Crowdalert understands that effective detection and response requires delivering the right details at the right time. You need to know what the alert means, why it’s happening, and what to do next. By filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on what matters, Crowdalert enables teams to respond quickly and efficiently to real threats.

Instead of inundating your team with alerts every time a user logs in from a new location, Crowdalert prioritizes notifications for suspicious behaviors—like multiple failed login attempts or access from unusual IP addresses. This targeted approach cuts through the noise, helping teams concentrate their efforts.

Reducing Cognitive Load

Security teams are facing fatigue from trying to keep up with everything. Adding irrelevant alerts to their already heavy workload only compounds that stress. By delivering tailored notifications, Crowdalert alleviates this pressure. Imagine the difference when you can immediately see which alerts are most relevant, complete with actionable context for an investigation. Rather than wading through unnecessary information, your team can quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action.

The Shift Towards Effective Security Operations

The reality is that the “single pane of glass” approach to security is often an illusion. While it promises simplicity, it can lead to delays and missed critical alerts. What you really need is something that provides clarity and actionable insights. By integrating human feedback and real-time notifications into the security process, Crowdalert ensures your team gets the necessary information—no more, no less.

Finding Your Focus

Effective security operations are about focus. Instead of overwhelming your team with alerts, opt for a solution that prioritizes relevant, actionable information. With Crowdalert, you can cut through the noise and gain the clarity necessary to protect your organization efficiently.

By
Crowdalert Staff