What role do SIEM tools play in incident response?

SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools are crucial in incident response because they aggregate and analyze security event data from across an organization's networks and systems in real-time. This capability enables security teams to monitor, detect, and respond to incidents more efficiently. By correlating data from various sources, a SIEM can identify patterns or anomalies that may indicate a security threat, allowing for timely action.

In addition to real-time monitoring, SIEM tools provide the context needed to understand the significance of certain events, prioritize alerts, and streamline investigation processes. This comprehensive visibility into network activities not only enhances threat detection but also aids in the overall incident management lifecycle by providing insights that guide response strategies.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary functions of SIEM tools. Filtering spam emails and performing antivirus scans are more specialized functions typically handled by dedicated email security and endpoint protection tools, respectively. While storing historical data for compliance is a component of their capabilities, it is not the main role of SIEM in the context of incident response, which emphasizes real-time analysis and response activation.