It seems like cyberattacks are all over the news these days. From major data breaches to ransomware attacks, any size of business is vulnerable to cyber threats—and every MSP is offering cybersecurity solutions. But what are these services and what do they actually do? SOC-as-a-Service is one of the many cybersecurity offerings out there.
What Is SOC-as-a-Service?
A Security Operations Center (SOC) traditionally offers 24/7 monitoring and threat detection to protect a company’s digital assets. However, an in-house SOC is costly and time-consuming, especially for SMBs.
That’s where outsourced SOC comes in. It allows your business to maintain its security needs and access the expertise of a SOC without investing in expensive infrastructure. You’ll have a virtual SOC team working around the clock to secure your organization’s network.
Plus, providers typically combine advanced technologies and human expertise to protect your business. This includes:
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Software
- Threat Intelligence
- AI Machine Learning (ML)
- Highly Skilled Security Analysts
How It Works
If you decide to leverage SOC-as-a-Service, they’ll start by analyzing your current security posture:
- Deployment and Implementation: First, the provider will deploy security tools within your network to establish a baseline and identify any vulnerabilities within your system.
- Monitor and Analyze Security Events: Once the tools are in place, the provider’s SOC team will monitor and analyze security events in real time. They’ll look for any suspicious activity or potential threats to your business, and pay special attention to your weaker areas.
- Incident Response and Mitigation: In case of an attack, the SOC team will respond immediately to mitigate any damage and contain the threat.
Is SOCaaS the Same as MDR?
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is another buzzword in the cybersecurity world. While SOC-as-a-Service and MDR share similarities in providing security services, each has distinct features and focuses.
SOCaaS provides comprehensive protection across an organization’s IT infrastructure. In contrast, MDR has a narrower scope, specializing in detecting and responding to advanced threats through machine learning and behavioral analysis.
Both SOC and MDR offer valuable protection for businesses, so deciding which is best for your organization will depend on your unique security needs.
Cybersecurity Isn’t the Only Benefit
Aside from enhanced protection against cyber threats, SOCaaS also offers these benefits for your business:
Faster Detection and Response
A SOC team is dedicated to monitoring and responding to security events in real time. Any potential threats can be detected and addressed much more quickly than if you were relying solely on internal IT staff.
Access to Expert Cybersecurity Resources
Outsourcing your SOC allows your business to tap into the expertise of highly skilled security analysts without having to hire them as full-time employees.
Cost-Effectiveness
Outsourcing your security needs to a SOC provider can be much more cost-effective than building, training, and maintaining an in-house SOC.
Scalability
As your business grows, your security needs will also evolve. SOC-as-a-Service can easily scale to meet the changing demands of your organization.
Continuous Monitoring and Compliance
With a virtual SOC team constantly monitoring your network, you can ensure continuous compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
How to Determine if Your Business Needs SOCaaS
Not every business may need this advanced cybersecurity service. If you’re still unsure, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have limited IT staff with highly specialized cybersecurity skills or the ability to provide 24/7 coverage?
- Do you lack dedicated and secure physical space to operate an on-premises SOC?
- Does your company have relatively low cybersecurity maturity?
- Do you handle sensitive data or have regulatory compliance requirements?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider SOC-as-a-Service as part of your cybersecurity strategy.
Upgrade Your Cybersecurity with Services from adrytech
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, forcing businesses to do the same. At adrytech, we offer advanced cybersecurity solutions and informative resources to protect your organization. Plus, our team has over 20 years of dedicated experience protecting businesses.
Contact us today to learn more about our cybersecurity services.
