**What is the primary focus of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?**
The primary focus of a **security information and event management (SIEM)** system is to provide real-time analysis and monitoring of security alerts generated by hardware and software applications. SIEM systems collect and aggregate log data from numerous sources, including network devices, servers, and applications. By analyzing this data, SIEM helps organizations detect, respond to, and investigate security incidents while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. Key functionalities include incident response, threat detection, and centralized log management, leading to improved overall cybersecurity posture.