Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are under constant pressure to defend against increasingly complex threats. Just look at the surge in cloud-based attacks and ransomware incidents targeting major industries. The 2023 MOVEit vulnerability is a prime example, where attackers exploited weaknesses in widely used file transfer software, affecting organizations globally. Traditional tools often struggle to respond quickly enough to these kinds of sophisticated attacks.
That’s where Cortex XSIAM steps in. Built by Palo Alto Networks, it’s an AI-driven platform designed to accelerate threat detection and automate response processes.
With the 2.4 update, Cortex XSIAM introduces powerful new analytics and automation tools. These features are designed to help security teams stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated attacks. In this article, we’ll explore the key enhancements and how they can supercharge your SOC’s performance.
Overview of Cortex XSIAM 2.4
The Cortex XSIAM 2.4 release is packed with features that aim to lighten the load on Security Operations Centers (SOCs) by automating key processes and improving threat detection. In today’s threat landscape, where 74% of organizations report struggling with SOC fatigue due to high volumes of alerts and incidents, these updates come at a critical time.
One of the most impactful updates is the Enterprise Multi-Tenancy & MSSP Licensing Model. Imagine a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) managing security for multiple clients. Before this update, handling licenses and segregating data between clients could be a complex, error-prone task. Now, with the 2.4 release, MSSPs can manage multiple child tenants from a single pane of glass, making operations much smoother and reducing the risk of misconfigurations. For example, a large telecom company managing security across several business units could now easily segregate data without needing complex, custom configurations.

Additionally, native 3rd-party EDR support is a game-changer for many security teams. Let’s say your organization already uses CrowdStrike or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Instead of overhauling your existing systems to adopt Cortex, XSIAM now integrates these tools seamlessly. This means you get to keep your preferred endpoint detection solution while still benefiting from XSIAM’s advanced threat analytics. This approach is especially useful for organizations hesitant to replace all their security tools at once—a gradual path towards SOC transformation.
Another crucial improvement in Cortex XSIAM 2.4 is enhanced integration with Palo Alto Networks NGFW. Many businesses today operate in multi-cloud environments. For instance, a financial services company might use both AWS and Azure to run different parts of their operations. Before this release, consolidating firewall data from these separate environments into one dashboard could be challenging. With this new feature, data from multiple CSP accounts can be unified under a single Cortex tenant, providing more complete security coverage without the hassle of switching between systems.
Advanced Cloud and Endpoint Analytics
The rise of cloud environments has opened new attack surfaces, and Cortex XSIAM 2.4 addresses this challenge with advanced cloud and endpoint analytics. One standout feature is Cloud Lateral Movement Analytics, which detects abnormal usage patterns of cloud-native services. In real-world scenarios, attackers often move laterally after initial compromise, trying to access more valuable assets. Cortex XSIAM’s enhanced analytics can spot these subtle movements, stopping attacks before they escalate, similar to the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident, where lateral movement played a key role in the breach.
Another significant update is the Cloud Serverless Function Credentials Theft Analytics. Serverless computing offers flexibility, but also brings risks, particularly when it comes to credential theft. Cortex XSIAM detects unusual activity in serverless functions, identifying attempts to misuse credentials. This helps protect against unauthorized access, a major concern for organizations heavily using serverless architectures in cloud platforms like AWS Lambda.
These analytics are further enhanced by NDR SSH and FTP Analytics, which focus on detecting anomalies in key protocols often targeted for lateral movement and impersonation. For example, these tools could prevent attacks similar to those targeting SSH vulnerabilities in GitHub repositories, where attackers exploit misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access.
Enhanced Role-Based Automation Features
Cortex XSIAM 2.4 introduces several enhancements aimed at automating SOC processes while improving control and security through role-based access. One of the most intriguing features is the addition of Honey User Analytics. These “decoy” user accounts are strategically designed to lure attackers into interacting with fake, high-value targets. When an attacker tries to use a honey user’s credentials, it triggers alerts, providing early warnings of malicious activity. This feature is similar to how honeypots work in traditional network security, but applied to user access, adding another layer of deception to catch sophisticated intrusions.
The update also includes Okta Audit Analytics, which enhances monitoring of Okta environments by detecting unusual audit activity. With so many organizations adopting cloud-based identity management solutions like Okta, it’s vital to ensure that any suspicious activity is flagged immediately. This feature helps detect security misconfigurations and unauthorized access, preventing potential breaches.
Finally, LDAP Analytics now monitors both client and server activities, providing deeper insights into potential Active Directory enumeration attacks. For example, this would help a SOC detect reconnaissance efforts before an attacker can exploit vulnerabilities in an organization’s Active Directory infrastructure—similar to techniques used in targeted ransomware attacks.
Attack Surface Management Enhancements
As organizations grow, so does their attack surface. Cortex XSIAM 2.4 makes significant improvements in Attack Surface Management (ASM), introducing over 30 new attack surface rules and more than 40 attack surface tests. These additions automate the discovery and remediation of potential vulnerabilities across a company’s digital footprint.
For example, one of the new rules targets insecure configurations in TFTP servers, a protocol still widely used in some environments but vulnerable to exploitation if not properly secured. This rule could prevent an attack similar to the Cisco TFTP vulnerability that allowed attackers to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure by exploiting weak server configurations.
Another enhancement is the ability to detect and classify more cloud resources. With businesses increasingly moving to multi-cloud architectures, having automated tools to regularly scan for risks and misconfigurations across environments like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is crucial. This can prevent major security incidents, such as the misconfigured AWS S3 bucket breaches, which have led to the exposure of sensitive data for several companies in recent years.
Automation and Operational Enhancements
Automation continues to be a key theme in the Cortex XSIAM 2.4 update, with several features designed to make operations more efficient. One of the major upgrades is in the Cortex Query Language (XQL), which now includes powerful new functions like windowcomp and array_any. These enhancements allow security teams to write more refined queries and analyze large datasets faster. For example, if an organization needs to search across millions of logs for indicators of compromise (IOCs), the array_any function can help identify patterns quickly, reducing investigation time by hours or even days.
Additionally, the platform now supports more streamlined workflows for creating in-product support cases. Whenever a case is opened, Cortex XSIAM automatically attaches the license JSON file, simplifying the troubleshooting process and enabling faster resolutions—especially important for large organizations managing complex infrastructures.
Finally, device control enhancements allow administrators to exercise granular control over Bluetooth devices, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). With the growing use of IoT devices, controlling Bluetooth connectivity is critical to preventing unauthorized device connections. This update makes it easier to enforce policies and monitor endpoint activity, helping organizations maintain strict security standards across their device ecosystems.
Benefits for Security Teams and SOCs
The Cortex XSIAM 2.4: update brings a host of benefits to SOC teams, empowering them to work smarter, not harder:
Reduced Alert Fatigue: By automating threat detection and prioritization, XSIAM reduces the burden of manual alerts, allowing teams to focus on critical incidents.
Seamless Integration with Existing Tools: Native support for 3rd-party EDR solutions like CrowdStrike and Microsoft Defender enables a gradual migration to Cortex without disrupting current workflows.
Faster Incident Response: AI-driven analytics and automated workflows streamline response times, helping SOCs react quickly to fast-evolving threats, such as ransomware.
Comprehensive Attack Surface Coverage: Over 30 new attack surface rules and 40+ tests provide thorough monitoring of vulnerabilities across cloud and on-premises environments.
Enhanced Role-Based Security: Features like Honey User Analytics offer innovative ways to detect insider threats and unauthorized access attempts before they escalate.
Customizable Data Insights: The enhanced Cortex Query Language (XQL) empowers security teams to conduct deep investigations using more advanced querying capabilities.
Before We Go
The Cortex XSIAM 2.4 update is a powerful tool for transforming how Security Operations Centers (SOCs) operate. With features that automate threat detection, streamline multi-tenant management, and enhance endpoint and cloud security, it equips security teams to tackle evolving threats more effectively.
But the key to maximizing these capabilities lies in expert training. Datacipher Education Services is here to help you make the most of Cortex XSIAM and other critical security solutions like Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, and more. Our courses provide hands-on experience, in-depth knowledge, and industry-recognized certifications to ensure your team is equipped to handle the latest security challenges.
We offer flexible training options, including instructor-led and virtual training, tailored to fit your team’s specific needs. Whether you’re an MSSP managing multiple clients or an enterprise building out your SOC, our training programs include practical labs and real-world simulations to enhance learning.
Additionally, we accept Palo Alto Networks Training Credits.. This allows you to easily use your allocated training budget while accessing top-tier education without the hassle of additional procurement processes. By using your existing training credits, you can ensure your team stays updated with the latest skills and tools without financial hurdles.
When it comes to security training, Datacipher is your trusted partner. Let us help you take your SOC operations—and your team’s expertise—to the next level.
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