Security Operations Center (SOC)

A security operations center (SOC) is a centralized unit responsible for continuously monitoring, analyzing, and improving an organization's cybersecurity posture. Think of it as the command center for all cybersecurity-related activities within an organization, operating 24/7 to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time.

At its core, a SOC (often pronounced “sock”) is a team of highly trained professionals responsible for threat detection and response, incident management, implementation of proactive security measures, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. These experts include analysts, engineers, and cybersecurity managers. 

A SOC uses advanced technologies and standardized processes to protect an organization's digital assets. These tools typically include security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and threat intelligence platforms.

SOCs gather and analyze data from various sources, including event logs, indicators of compromise, and system sensors, to promptly identify and respond to potential security threats. A SOC plays a crucial role in strengthening an organization's overall defense against cyberthreats by centralizing cybersecurity efforts, conducting vulnerability assessments, and maintaining security infrastructure.

• A security operations center (SOC) is a centralized team responsible for 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response to enhance an organization's cybersecurity defense.
• SOCs use advanced technologies and standardized processes to protect digital assets, while also ensuring compliance with relevant security regulations.
• Implementing a SOC provides continuous protection, quick incident response and access to specialized cybersecurity expertise — ultimately reducing costs and enhancing overall security.

A security operations center performs several critical functions to protect an organization's digital assets and maintain its cybersecurity posture. These are the key responsibilities and activities of a SOC:

• Continuous monitoring: SOC teams provide 24/7 monitoring of an organization's networks, systems, and devices to detect potential security threats and anomalies.
  
• Threat detection and analysis: They use advanced tools and technologies to identify suspicious activities, analyze potential threats, and correlate data from various sources to understand the nature and scope of security incidents.
• Incident response: When a security incident is detected, SOC teams are responsible for investigating, containing, and mitigating the threat. They follow predefined response plans and playbooks to act swiftly and effectively.
• Vulnerability management: SOC personnel identify and assess vulnerabilities within the organization's IT infrastructure and systems, prioritizing and remediating these weaknesses to reduce the attack surface.
• Compliance monitoring: They ensure the organization adheres to relevant security regulations and standards, monitoring compliance controls and generating necessary reports.
• Threat intelligence gathering: SOC teams collect and analyze threat intelligence from various sources to stay informed about the latest cyberthreats and vulnerabilities. They use this information to strengthen detection capabilities and proactively protect against emerging threats.
• Security policy development: They contribute to developing and implementing security policies and procedures to strengthen the organization's overall security posture.
• Asset management: SOC teams maintain an inventory of all digital assets that require protection, including applications, databases, servers, and endpoints.
• Security awareness training: They often provide or contribute to security awareness training programs for employees to help prevent security incidents caused by human error.
• Reporting and communication: SOC teams generate regular reports on security activities, incidents, and performance metrics. They also communicate with relevant stakeholders about security issues and incidents.

How an organization implements its SOC will vary from company to company. Regardless, a SOC can provide any organization with impactful cybersecurity benefits like these:

Continuous protection and monitoring

SOCs operate 24/7, 365 days a year, providing uninterrupted monitoring of an organization's digital assets. This constant vigilance is crucial for detecting abnormal activities, as cyberattacks don't follow standard business hours. The continuous monitoring significantly reduces the time between a compromise occurring and its detection.

Quick and effective incident response

When a potential threat is detected, SOC teams can respond rapidly. They investigate and verify the incident, then work to contain and mitigate it promptly. This swift response is critical in minimizing the impact of security breaches.

Cost reduction

SOCs can help businesses decrease breach-related costs and operational expenses. By quickly detecting and responding to threats, they reduce the potential damage and associated costs of data breaches, lawsuits, and reputational harm. Centralizing security operations also prevents duplication of efforts across departments, leading to operational cost savings.

Threat prevention

SOCs don't just react to incidents; they actively work to prevent them. Through continuous analysis and threat hunting, SOC teams help organizations stay ahead of potential attackers. They improve existing security policies and infrastructure, update antivirus and firewalls, and implement other preventive measures.

Access to security expertise

A security operations center’s staff is a team of cybersecurity experts with diverse skills and specializations. This includes roles such as SOC managers, incident responders, security analysts, threat hunters, and forensic investigators. This collective expertise is invaluable in detecting, analyzing, and responding to a wide range of cyberthreats.

Enhanced compliance

SOC monitoring capabilities are integral to meeting regulatory compliance requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). SOCs assist in ensuring companies meet security standards and can provide the necessary documentation and reporting for compliance audits.

Improved business reputation

Having a SOC demonstrates to employees, clients, and stakeholders that an organization takes data security and privacy seriously. This can help build trust and customer confidence, potentially increasing business opportunities.

Centralized security management

SOCs provide a centralized approach to security, ensuring a coordinated response to incidents. This centralization improves accountability and makes monitoring, evaluating, and reporting security actions and results easier.

Bridging the IT security skills gap

Amid a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, a SOC (especially a managed SOC service) gives companies access to critical security skills that might be difficult to recruit and retain in-house.

Access to advanced technologies

SOCs typically use the latest security technologies and solutions. This helps organizations keep up with the evolving threat landscape without continually investing in new tools and technologies.

The value of a SOC comes from its team members' high level of expertise and experience. An organization’s SOC can take on many structures and involve different personnel roles. However, here are five key roles found across most security operations center (SOC) teams:

• Security analyst:
  • Acts as cybersecurity first responder
  • Monitors alerts and investigates potential security incidents
  • Reports on cyberthreats and implements changes to protect the organization
  • Considered the last line of defense against cybersecurity threats
  • Works alongside security managers and cybersecurity engineers
  • Usually categorized into tiers (Tier 1, 2, 3) based on experience and responsibilities
• Security engineer:
  • Typically a software or hardware specialist
  • Responsible for maintaining and updating security tools and systems
  • Designs, implements, and maintains technical controls and defenses
  • Configures firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls
  • Conducts security assessments and audits
  • Creates documentation, such as digital security protocols, for other team members
• Threat hunter:
  • Also called expert security analyst or SOC analyst
  • Specializes in detecting and containing advanced threats
  • Proactively hunts for new threats or threat variants that evade automated defenses
  • Relies on experience, data analysis, and threat intelligence
  • Uncovers hidden vulnerabilities and potential breaches
• SOC manager:
  • Oversees the SOC team and directs operations
  • Responsible for syncing between analysts and engineers
  • Handles hiring and training of team members
  • Creates and executes cybersecurity strategy
  • Directs and orchestrates the company's response to major security threats
  • Typically reports to the organization's CISO (chief information security officer)
• Chief information security officer (CISO):
  • Senior-level executive overseeing the organization's cybersecurity strategy
  • Establishes security-related strategies, policies, and operations
  • Works closely with the CEO and other executive leadership
  • Informs and reports to management on security issues
  • Develops and implements the organization's overall cybersecurity strategy
  • Monitors and analyzes the organization's security posture
  • Advises on best practices and emerging trends in cybersecurity

While the detailed structure of an organization’s SOC may vary, it will typically fall into one of three categories — in-house, managed security services provider (MSSP), or hybrid. Learn about the details and benefits of each below.

In-house SOC

An in-house SOC is a dedicated internal team within an organization that handles all security monitoring and incident response activities. In-house SOC teams:

• Are staffed entirely by the organization's own employees
• Are located on-premises at the organization's facilities
• Have complete visibility and control over the organization's infrastructure and data
• Are tailored specifically to the organization's unique environment and needs
• Require significant investment in personnel, technology, and facilities
• Allow for tight integration with other IT and business units
• Provide maximum control and customization of security processes

The benefits of an in-house SOC include deep institutional knowledge, rapid response times, and the ability to fine-tune operations. However, in-house teams can be expensive to build and staff and may struggle to provide 24/7 coverage.

Managed security services provider (MSSP)

An MSSP is a third-party service that provides outsourced monitoring and management of security devices and systems. An MSSP:

• Provides security experts employed by the MSSP, not the client organization
• Offers monitoring and management performed remotely from MSSP facilities
• Leverages economies of scale to provide 24/7 coverage cost-effectively
• Brings broad expertise from working with multiple clients
• Typically uses standardized tools and processes across clients
• May have limited visibility into the client's entire infrastructure
• Reduces the need for in-house security expertise and staffing

MSSPs offer round-the-clock coverage without the overhead of a full in-house team. They can provide access to advanced tools and threat intelligence. However, they may lack deep knowledge of the client's specific environment and culture.

Hybrid SOC

A hybrid SOC combines elements of both in-house and outsourced models. Hybrid teams:

• Include a core team of in-house security staff
• Are augmented by MSSP services for specific functions or time periods
• Allow an organization to maintain control of critical security operations
• Leverage external expertise for specialized skills or technologies
• Can provide 24/7 coverage through a combination of in-house and MSSP staff
• Offers flexibility to adjust the balance of internal vs. external resources
• May use a mix of on-premises and cloud-based security tools

The hybrid model aims to balance the benefits of in-house control and expertise with the scalability and specialized skills of an MSSP. It can be particularly effective for organizations with varying security needs or those transitioning between models.

Here’s what to keep in mind when selecting the right SOC solution for your organization:

1. Assess organizational needs

Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify your organization's specific security requirements, critical assets, and threat landscape. This involves evaluating your current security maturity level, including existing tools, processes, and in-house expertise.

Next, you’ll need to determine any compliance requirements within your industry — such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) — and any industry-specific regulations. If your company is subject to industry or compliance regulations, consider whether they necessitate 24/7 monitoring and incident response.

It’s also helpful to look to the future. Consider your organization's growth plans and their impact on future security needs. Identify any gaps in your current security posture that a SOC solution should address.

2. Evaluate SOC provider capabilities

Compare the different SOC models (in-house, managed, and hybrid) based on the needs you identify in Step 1. Once you decide which model is best, the evaluation process can begin.

Start by requesting specific case studies, client references, and proofs of concept to vet the provider's capabilities. Inquire about the provider's use of advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and automation in their SOC operations. Good providers should be proficient with the latest platforms and technology and understand industry trends. It’s also essential to communicate your growth plans to your provider to ensure they have the resources to accommodate your organization's future vision.

3. Consider costs

After determining how a SOC fits into your specific business, you can start to run cost projections for your particular security operations center. Calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO) for different SOC models over a three- to five-year period is a great place to start. To accurately arrive at these figures, you’ll need to include the following:

• For in-house SOC: Staffing, training, tools, infrastructure, and ongoing operational costs
• For managed SOC: Service fees, any required on-premises equipment, and integration costs

You’ll also need to consider hidden costs such as:

• Potential downtime or productivity loss during implementation
• Costs associated with meeting compliance requirements
• Potential costs of a security breach if you choose inadequate protection

Once you have completed these primary steps, you can begin to analyze the cost-effectiveness of different models in relation to your security needs and budget constraints. Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) in terms of improved security posture, reduced risk and operational efficiencies. To understand how each model would affect your organization, factor in the scalability of costs as your organization grows or security needs change.

If you’re considering managed services, carefully review pricing models (e.g., per device, per user, or flat rate) to determine the most cost-effective for your organization.

As you evaluate, your goal is to find the provider that offers the best balance of security, functionality, and value for your organization.

See how Barracuda’s Extended Detection Response (XDR) and SOC solutions can help your company’s cybersecurity

About 30,000 websites are hacked every day. Given these numbers, companies can’t afford to leave gaps in their cybersecurity protection.

Leveraging the help of a security operations center can expand your team’s cybersecurity capabilities and minimize your attack surface. And Barracuda has the resources to help.

Not only will you strengthen your company’s cybersecurity by adding tools like Managed XDR and SOC, Network Protection solutions, and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE),  but you’ll also add a team of experienced cybersecurity experts to watch over your network 24/7.

Contact the Barracuda team today and discover why a SOC may be just the thing to keep your team’s data safe.