Everything You Need to Know Before Outsourcing Your Security Operations Center (SOC)

The landscape of IT threats has changed dramatically in recent years with the spread of ransomware and devastating cyberattacks. Combatting these emerging risks requires an effective security solution and high-level skills, which can be challenging to find for those without experience or training on how to use them effectively. This is where a SOC comes into play.

Choosing between an internal SOC vs. an outsourced SOC is a strategic decision. There's no correct answer, but some companies may require more support than others, so it's important to assess your specific needs before making a choice.

A Brief History of Outsourced SOC

What is an Outsourced SOC?

The term outsourced SOC, or security operations center, first came into use in the early 2000s. At that time, many businesses outsourced various IT functions to third-party providers. However, as the threat landscape evolved, it became clear that cybersecurity was too critical to entrust to an external provider. As a result, businesses began to move away from outsourced SOCs and instead established in-house teams of security experts.  

Today, however, outsourced SOCs are becoming popular among businesses of all sizes. The reasoning is simple: managing a comprehensive security program is a complex and time-consuming task. By outsourcing this function to a third-party provider, businesses can focus on their core competencies, without compromising security.  

Internal SOC vs. Outsourced SOC

Organizations seeking to implement or improve their cybersecurity posture have to make several strategic decisions. One of the most critical decisions is whether to build an internal security operations center (SOC) or to outsource this function to a specialist provider. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to consider the organization's specific needs before deciding.

Building an Internal SOC

Building an internal SOC requires a significant investment of time and money, but it can give an organization more control over their cybersecurity posture. Internal SOCs can be tailored specifically to the organization's needs and offer greater transparency and accountability. However, they require organizations to have the necessary tools, expertise, and in-house resources to update security skillsets, which may not always be possible.

Hiring an Outsourced SOC

Outsourcing SOC can be a cost-effective way to benefit from the experience of skilled cybersecurity professionals. It can also free up internal resources to focus on other business areas. However, outsourced SOCs can be less flexible than internal ones, and there may be concerns about data privacy and security.

Selecting an Outsourced SOC Provider

When selecting an outsourced SOC provider, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The size and complexity of your organization: Make sure that the provider you select has experience working with organizations of a similar size and complexity.

• Your specific needs: Make sure that the provider you select offers services relevant to your organization. For example, if you are primarily concerned with data security, look for a provider specializing in this area.

• The provider's reputation: Make sure that the provider you select has a good reputation and is known for providing high-quality services.

• The provider's policies and procedures: Make sure that the provider you select has robust policies and procedures to protect your data.

• The provider's customer service: Make sure that the provider you select has a customer service team that is responsive and helpful.

What does outsourced SOC-as-a-service mean?

Outsourcing the SOC function means that an organization contracts with a specialist provider to manage its security operations. The term "SOC-as-a-service" is used to describe this type of arrangement. SOC-as-a-service providers offer various services, from threat detection and response to incident management. Typically, they will have a team of security analysts who work around the clock to monitor your network for threats. In addition, outsourced SOCs ensure continuous coverage, which is crucial for safeguarding against today’s advanced cyber threats.

What are the Pros and Cons of outsourced SOC?

Pros of Outsourced SOC

There are many benefits to outsourced SOCs. Perhaps the most significant advantage is the cost savings that come with outsourcing this critical area of cybersecurity. Outsourcing SOC allows companies to benefit from economies of scale, reducing their overhead costs and freeing up resources to focus on other priorities. Additionally, outsourced SOC provides access to specialized expertise, cutting-edge tools, and different security integrations, which may not be available in-house. This means that organizations can stay ahead of emerging threats while also benefiting from continuous monitoring and immediate incident response when needed. Overall, outsourced SOC offers a wealth of benefits for businesses across all industries and sectors.

Cons of Outsourced SOC

While outsourced SOC can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization, some potential drawbacks should be considered. One concern is that outsourced SOC providers may not have the same knowledge or expertise as an in-house team, which could lead to security issues if customization is necessary. Additionally, outsourced SOC providers may not be familiar with the organization's specific processes and procedures. This could lead to delays or errors in responses. Finally, outsourced SOC providers may be located in different time zones, making it difficult to coordinate activities promptly or respond to emergencies. Overall, outsourced SOC can provide many benefits, but it is essential to weigh the potential risks and drawbacks before deciding.

Why choose outsourced SOC-as-a-Service Over Build Your Own?

An outsourced security operation center (SOC) is a function for which an organization partners with a third party to monitor and defend against threats within their environment. Unlike traditional managed security, SOC-as-a-Service provides an alternative to in-house teams by providing 24/7 monitoring and management of everyday cybersecurity events such as malware.

• Faster detection and remediation of security incidents:

A team of experienced security analysts working in shifts can provide around-the-clock protection for your organization, allowing for more rapid detection and remediation of security incidents.

• Reduced Costs:

By outsourcing your SOC, you can avoid the high costs associated with building and maintaining an in-house team, including the cost of training and cert.

• Better-trained and more experienced staff:

Outsourcing to a vendor that provides SOC-as-a-service allows you to benefit from their specialized security team with experience in detecting and defending against everyday cybersecurity events. This can help improve your organization's overall security posture, allowing you to focus resources on other areas of organizational growth.

• Economies of scale in both technology and personnel:

Large SOC-as-a Service providers have access to specialized technology, such as malware and vulnerability detection alerts, to detect threats more quickly and accurately. They also have more excellent resources for training their analysts on the latest security tools and techniques, ensuring that your organization benefits from the most up-to-date protection possible.

• Reduce the burden on your internal staff:

By outsourcing your SOC, you can free up your internal staff to focus on other important tasks and initiatives rather than spending time monitoring and managing security incidents. This can help improve employee morale and productivity and reduce turnover.

• Handling complex networks:

Companies with large, complex networks can benefit significantly from having a specialized team monitoring and defending their network against threats. By outsourcing to a vendor specialized in securing large companies, your organization can ensure that it has the necessary resources to defend against even the most sophisticated attacks.

• Strategic Consulting:

In addition to the day-to-day monitoring and management of your organization's security, a SOC-as-a-service provider can also offer strategic consulting services. This can include helping you develop and implement security policies and procedures, as well as providing guidance on the latest security threats and trends.

• Improved Compliance:

Organizations that are required to comply with industry or government regulations can benefit from the assistance of a SOC-as-a-service provider in meeting their compliance obligations. By outsourcing your compliance needs, you can ensure that your organization will have the resources and expertise necessary to satisfy even the most stringent requirements.

What is In-house outsourced SOC?

In-house outsourced SOC refers to a type of security operations center managed entirely by a company's employees. In other words, a company will have an outsourced SOC team onsite that can leverage SOC provider toolsets or customer security toolsets (such as SIEM). Unlike outsourced SOCs, which are typically managed externally by a third-party provider, in-house outsourced SOCs employ staff who work directly for the company. These teams often have deep knowledge and understanding of the company's systems and operations, allowing them to respond to any potential threats or problems quickly. Additionally, they often have access to more resources than outsourced SOCs, giving them greater flexibility and effectiveness in detecting and responding to threats. Overall, in-house outsourced SOCs provide companies with an efficient and cost-effective way of protecting their data and networks from potential security breaches.

Conclusion

In today's rapidly changing tech landscape, outsourced SOCs are an essential tool for businesses looking to protect their critical data and systems. With outsourced SOCs, organizations can benefit from skilled security professionals who have deep knowledge of best practices and industry trends. Additionally, outsourced SOCs offer responsiveness and flexibility that in-house operations cannot match. By outsourcing their SOC needs, companies can keep tabs on emerging threats while enjoying greater peace of mind knowing that their valuable data is being proactively safeguarded. In short, outsourced SOCs are a powerful and effective solution for protecting critical systems against today's increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.  

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