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Definitive Guide to Ransomware

The Security Operations Center (SOC)

Safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures are paramount for businesses of all sizes. One critical component in achieving this is a Security Operations Center – commonly referred to as SOC. This page aims to delve into the fundamentals of a SOC, its significance, and the steps involved in building and maintaining one.

What is a Security Operations Center (SOC)?

A SOC is a centralised unit within an organisation responsible for monitoring, detecting, analysing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. Essentially, it serves as the nerve centre for an organisation's cybersecurity posture, continuously safeguarding against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

What does a Security Operations Center do?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) performs a wide range of functions to safeguard an organisation's critical assets and mitigate cybersecurity risks. These include:
  • Threat monitoring and detection
    SOC analysts monitor network traffic, logs, and security alerts in real-time to identify suspicious activities and potential security incidents.
  • Initial incident response
    Upon detecting a security incident, the SOC initiates a rapid response to contain the threat, minimise its impact, and restore normal operations with minimal downtime.
  • Investigation and analysis
    SOC analysts conduct thorough investigations into security incidents, analysing their root causes and determining the impact to prevent future occurrences.
  • Threat intelligence
    Using threat intelligence feeds and industry reports to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities, enabling proactive defence measures.
  • Reporting
    Generation of comprehensive reports on security incidents, trends, and performance metrics to derive valuable lessons and insights.

Why is a Security Operations Center (SOC) important?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) plays a crucial role in strengthening an organisation's cybersecurity posture and mitigating the evolving threat landscape. Here are some key reasons why a SOC is important:
  • Proactive threat detection
    By continuously monitoring network traffic and security alerts, a SOC detects potential threats early, preventing them from escalating into major security breaches.
  • Rapid response to potential threats
    A SOC enables organisations to swiftly respond to security incidents, reducing their impact on business operations and mitigating financial and reputational damage.
  • Regulatory alignment
    Our MDR service supports compliance with NIS2 by retaining relevant log and telemetry data long-term—at no extra cost—for visibility and forensic investigation. Continuous monitoring and rapid detection also provide the information needed to meet reporting deadlines of 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 month.
  • Incident management
    Leveraging skilled personnel and advanced technologies, a SOC enhances incident management capabilities, ensuring efficient coordination and effective resolution of security incidents.

Which technologies does a SOC use?

A Security Operations Center leverages a variety of technologies to effectively monitor, detect, analyse, and respond to cybersecurity threats. Some key technologies include:
  • SIEM systems
    SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems collect, aggregate, and analyse security event data from various sources within an IT environment, such as network devices, servers, applications, and endpoints. They provide SOC analysts with real-time visibility into potential security incidents and help prioritise responses effectively.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions
    EDR solutions monitor and respond to suspicious activities on endpoints like desktops, laptops, and servers. By offering detailed visibility into endpoint activities, EDR enables SOC analysts to detect and respond to advanced threats, including malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks.
  • Threat intelligence platforms
    These platforms aggregate and analyse threat data from various sources, such as open-source intelligence, dark web forums, and security research reports. They provide SOC analysts with valuable insights into emerging threats, attack trends, and adversary tactics, enabling proactive threat hunting and defence.
  • SOAR platforms
    Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms streamline and automate SOC workflows, including incident triage, investigation, and response. They enhance operational efficiency, reduce response times, and enable SOCs to handle a larger volume of security incidents effectively.

Internal versus external SOC

Organisations can choose between an internal SOC and an external SOC, depending on their organisational needs and resources, industry requirements, and cybersecurity objectives. Understanding the differences between these two approaches helps in selecting the most effective cybersecurity strategy.

Internal SOC:

An internal SOC, also referred to as an in-house SOC, is fully managed within the organisation, requiring an in-house team, dedicated infrastructure, and tailored security processes. While it provides complete control, it also comes with significant resource and operational challenges.

  • Pros: An internal SOC provides full control and customisation, ensuring security operations align with internal policies and processes. It offers deep integration with business objectives, compliance requirements, and IT infrastructure while maintaining enhanced data security through direct management of sensitive information.
  • Cons: High costs and resource demands make it expensive to maintain, requiring significant investment in personnel, infrastructure, and technology. Staffing is a challenge, as hiring and retaining skilled professionals is costly. Scalability is also limited, with expansion needing continuous investment in hardware, software, and expertise.

External SOC:

An external SOC, or an outsourced SOC such as a Managed SOC (MSOC), is managed by a third-party provider, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative without the operational burden of running an in-house team. Some pros and cons of this SOC approach are:

  • Pros: Outsourcing is cost-effective and scalable, eliminating major infrastructure investments while offering flexible service models. Expert security teams provide 24/7 monitoring, leveraging advanced tools and automation for faster threat detection and response. It also reduces the operational burden by minimising hiring, training, and tech maintenance.
  • Cons: With less direct control, organisations must establish clear agreements and trust that the provider will effectively manage security operations while supporting compliance with industry regulations, such as NIS2.

Given the resource-intensive nature of an internal SOC, outsourcing security operations is often the most strategic and efficient choice for organisations looking to optimise their security posture. An external SOC ensures a strong mandate, effective governance, and continuous improvement in cybersecurity capabilities without the financial and operational strain of maintaining a dedicated internal team. By leveraging an external SOC, organisations can focus on their core business while benefiting from state-of-the-art security, expert support, and a more resilient cybersecurity framework.

Explore our MDR service

Looking for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to your organisation's needs? Explore our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. As highlighted, an external SOC provides scalability, cost-effectiveness, and access to specialised expertise. Our MDR services help organisations detect, analyse, and respond to cyber threats in real time, leveraging advanced threat intelligence and proactive monitoring to identify and mitigate risks like ransomware and cyber espionage. We also assist in navigating cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2, providing visibility into security telemetry and log retention. With an “assume breach” mindset, we help organisations strengthen their security posture and reduce the impact of potential threats.