In our increasingly digitised world, the security of data and information is paramount for businesses of all sizes. One of the cornerstones of modern cybersecurity is the Security Operations Centre (SOC). A simple Security Operations Centre definition sums up this vital function: An SOC is a dedicated facility designed to monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats.
However, definitions fail to capture the finer details, benefits, and practical implications for businesses making use of SOCs. In this article, we will delve deeper into what a SOC does and how it operates, explore when a company should consider implementing one, and discuss the advantages of outsourcing this critical function to a specialist company.
What is a Security Operations Centre (SOC)?
A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a central hub within an organisation’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Its primary purpose is to ensure the continuous monitoring, detection, and response to potential security threats.
A SOC typically consists of a team of cybersecurity experts using advanced technologies and specialised tools to identify and address security incidents in real time. Essentially, it serves as the frontline defence against a wide range of cyber threats, from malware and phishing attacks to data breaches and insider threats.
Key Functions of a Managed Security Operations Centre
Monitoring: Cyber attacks frequently result in unusual network activity. For example, unusual log-ins might indicate that credentials have been compromised and atypical network traffic could indicate attempts to steal sensitive data.
In scenarios such as these, rapid responses are essential. Round-the-clock monitoring ensures that anomalies are quickly detected, alerting Security Operations Centres so that they can work to counter attacks as they happen.
Detection: The UK government reports that 50 percent of businesses and 32 percent of charities have experienced cyberattacks in the last 12 months. Although your organisation may be using advanced safeguards, hackers are constantly searching for chinks in your armour. For example, they may use carefully customised phishing attacks to access credentials.
Not all instances of anomalous network activity indicate a threat, but they do call for investigation. Early threat detection means early action and a chance to foil attackers before an attack escalates to become a serious breach.
Response: The SOC’s initial response to a cyberattack consists of steps taken to block it. This could mean isolating endpoints, taking control of the system to terminate processes, and initiating actions that prevent attackers from executing their attack to the full.
However, a Security Operations Centre’s responsibilities don’t end there. With system security restored, the next response is a full retrospective analysis of the attack. By identifying its root cause and the specific vulnerabilities attackers exploited, it’s possible to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.
Key Security Operation Centre (SOC) Team Members
Although individual SOCs may be structured in different ways, the basic skill sets required to manage and run a Security Operations Centre can be divided into three primary tiers.
Triage Specialists: These are the “emergency room” workers in SOCs. They’re qualified people who manage and configure network tools, assess data and respond to alarms. When an alert occurs, their first step is to determine whether it is a false positive (as sometimes happens) or whether it represents a critical event. Some issues can be resolved at this level. If not, triage specialists escalate the incident to the next level.
Incident Responders: High priority incidents are dealt with by expert incident responders. They focus on specific threats, assessing the scope of attacks using the data gathered by triage specialists. At this level, threats indicate a real risk of systems being compromised. Incident responders’ task is to devise and implement strategies to contain the intrusion and work to restore the system to stable, safe functionality. But even more expertise may be needed, and incident responders can further escalate incidents to gain still more specialised help.
Threat Hunters: Critical security alerts are dealt with by threat hunters, the SOC personnel with the highest level of skill and experience. As before, their aim is to stop attacks, limit damage, and restore system integrity. However, their work goes beyond reactive action in the event of an attack. Threat Hunters perform assessments and identify potential attack vectors, searching for vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit. They also assess the threat monitoring system in a quest for continuous improvement. These proactive measures often prevent attacks before they can be launched.
Additional roles and skill sets in SOCs: Security Operation Centres employ people with highly specialised skills. This includes Malware Analysts, Forensics Analysts, Vulnerability Specialists, Security Architects, and industry-leading consultants. And, of course, a SOC manager oversees all activities, develops and implements overall strategy and appoints and manages personnel.
Optimising a Security Operations Model
Naturally, system monitoring, alerts, and responses don’t just rely on manual processes. Advanced software systems help to optimise and coordinate detection and responses contributing to faster incident resolution. These systems are termed SOAR platforms with the acronym representing Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response.
With multiple tools being used to identify, track, and respond to threats, a SOAR platform unifies them into an integrated unit. Lower-level tasks are automated and higher-level tasks are transformed into immediately actionable and well-coordinated workflows. With time being of the essence in the event of cyber attacks, SOAR is an important component that optimises overall security operations.
Outsourced Security Operation Centre (SOC) Benefits
Outsourcing the management of a SOC to a specialist company offers several distinct advantages:
- Expertise and Experience: Specialist SOC providers employ cybersecurity professionals with deep expertise and experience. They keep abreast of the latest threats and best practices, ensuring your organisation benefits from their knowledge.
- Advanced Technology: SOC service providers invest heavily in state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies and tools, which can be expensive for individual companies to acquire and maintain.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Building and operating an in-house SOC can be financially burdensome, especially for smaller organisations. Outsourcing allows you to access SOC capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
- Scalability: Specialist SOC providers can scale their services to meet your organisation’s evolving needs, whether you’re experiencing growth or downsizing.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Cyber threats don’t follow a standard workday schedule. Specialist SOC providers offer round-the-clock monitoring and incident response, providing uninterrupted protection.
- Focus on Core Competencies: Outsourcing your SOC allows your organisation to concentrate on its core business activities while experts handle your cybersecurity.
When Should a Company Consider Implementing an SOC?
The decision to implement an SOC is not solely determined by a company’s size, but rather by its level of cybersecurity risk, the nature of its operations, and its commitment to safeguarding sensitive data. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Sensitivity of Data: If your company handles sensitive customer data, financial information, or proprietary intellectual property, you become a prime target for cyberattacks. Implementing a SOC becomes imperative to protect these valuable assets.
- Regulatory Requirements: Many industries are bound by strict regulatory requirements governing data security and privacy (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). If your company operates in such an environment, a SOC can help you maintain compliance by continually monitoring for potential violations and responding to incidents as required by regulations.
- Increasing Cyber Threats: As cyber threats continually evolve and become more sophisticated, it’s essential to have a proactive defence in place. If your organisation faces an elevated risk due to industry, geography, or any other factor, a SOC can help you stay ahead of evolving threats.
- Business Growth: Rapid expansion can make your organisation more attractive to cybercriminals. A SOC can adapt to your growth and ensure that your cybersecurity measures remain robust.
- Complex IT Infrastructure: The more complex your IT infrastructure, the more challenging it is to monitor and protect. A SOC specialises in managing and securing complex systems effectively.
- Budget Constraints: For smaller companies with budget constraints, outsourcing a SOC service may be a more cost-effective solution than establishing an in-house SOC.
In conclusion, a Security Operations Centre is a vital component of modern cybersecurity, offering continuous monitoring, rapid response, and a proactive approach to cyber threats. The decision to implement an SOC should be based on your organisation’s specific cybersecurity needs and risk profile, rather than size alone. For many companies, especially those with budget constraints or evolving cybersecurity requirements, outsourcing SOC services to a specialist company is a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure the security of sensitive data and maintain a robust defence against ever-evolving cyber threats.
Find Out How Advantex Can Support Your Business
Advantex offers a holistic service approach, ensuring that every aspect of your business’s IT systems operates smoothly and securely, going beyond just SOC requirements.We work with leading suppliers including Cisco, HPe, Microsoft, Axis, Milestone, Gallagher and VMWare to deliver bespoke Infrastructure, IP security, Communication, Cybersecurity and Power and Data solutions. We also offer an array of scalable IT support from 3rd line to comprehensive 24/7 packages, which can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Contact us for more information on how we can support and secure your business.
