What should a security administrator consider to ensure network devices' logs are included in a SIEM system?

For a security administrator to ensure that network devices' logs are effectively included in a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system, it is crucial to configure those devices to push log changes directly to the SIEM server. This approach allows for real-time collection and analysis of log data, which is fundamental in detecting security incidents and responding promptly.

Pushing log changes means that as events occur, the relevant data is sent to the SIEM without delay. This not only helps in maintaining a comprehensive overview of network activities but also aids in the early detection of anomalies or threats. The ability to capture logs in real-time enhances the SIEM’s capability to correlate events and generate alerts based on live data feeds.

In contrast, directly installing agents on each device can be a less efficient strategy, as it may not be feasible for all types of devices, particularly those with limited processing capabilities or where agent installation would be impractical. Relying solely on firewall logs would provide only a partial picture of the network's security posture, disregarding logs from other critical devices such as routers, switches, and load balancers. Additionally, turning off logging on network devices would eliminate valuable data that could contribute to security monitoring and incident response, thereby compromising the overall security operations