In this blog, we will focus on:
- The Rise of Cybersecurity Threats
- The Importance of Having a Robust Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Building an In-House SOC Vs. Partnering with a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)
- Which Approach Suits You Best?
Advancements in technology and the rise of AI have changed the game for all players involved; cyber attackers now have an increased amount of resources at their disposal to penetrate and subsequently derail information security management systems (ISMS) while companies in virtually every industry are scrambling to strengthen their online security defenses through a variety of different means.
In times like these, it has become imperative for organizations to establish a Security Operations Center (SOC) that not only has the capability to detect gaps within their security infrastructure but also help them proactively develop a strategy that enables the protection of key critical assets and ensure that they are always one step ahead of cybersecurity threats.
Once an organization has decided to set up an SOC, the question arises of whether to have it in-house or outsourced through a managed security services provider (MSSP). Through this blog, we intend to assist businesses in assessing which approach would be most suitable as per their needs, budget and goals. Let’s get started!
What is an In-House SOC?
An in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) can be described as a separated unit dedicated exclusively to the protection of the organization’s information management system, offering around-the-clock surveillance and security from external cyber threats.
One of the major advantages for organizations having an in-house SOC is the ability to have complete control over the whole process; whether it is in the form of leveraging their security and technology staff to help develop strategies related to security or tailoring solutions as per the company’s needs. Another advantage that businesses containing in-house SOCs have is intimate knowledge of their organization’s systems. No one knows more about the organization’s internal processes like its own employees. This gives them a slight edge when it comes to identifying threats or gaps in their business’s security defenses as well as developing immediate incident responses.
Lastly, organizations setting up in-house SOCs are attracted by the prospect of being able to maintain data sovereignty; it ensures that sensitive data does not leave the organization, thus keeping it secure.
“A Security Operations Center (SOC) is the control hub of your cybersecurity strategy. It’s where threats are detected, investigated, and responded to in real time, ensuring your business stays protected”
John M. Microsoft-Certified Service Adoption Specialist.
All of its benefits notwithstanding, in-house SOCs do come with their own set of challenges. Depending upon the size of the organization, an in-house SOC would require a substantial amount of investment for security tools, data centers as well as skilled security professionals. And it doesn’t stop there; in order for the SOC’s cybersecurity team to remain abreast and up-to-date on the latest security trends, threats and developments, the organization would have to inject additional investment as and whenever needed. This ultimately brings about scalability challenges as, in an attempt to expand their in-house SOC, organizations find themselves having to allocate separate resources and capital, thereby increasing their overall cost.
What Are Managed Security Services?
Managed security services are a packaged deal of cybersecurity solutions provided by a third-party organization or a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP). A company looking to completely outsource the cybersecurity of their organization will look for third-party vendors that specialize in securing their security framework, detecting threats and then developing effective remediation plans.
Once they are able to find one that promises cybersecurity solutions tailored to their needs, both parties enter into an agreement whereby the Managed Security Services Provider takes control of the organization’s entire cybersecurity infrastructure and fortifies it through internal and external threat management and protection strategies.
By leveraging the People, Processes and Technology of a company, Managed Security Service Providers are able to offer a range of cybersecurity solutions from threat hunting and incident response, user behavior analytics and 24/7 active monitoring to end-to-end surveillance and vulnerability assessments. One major component of Managed Security Services is the provision of a highly efficient Security Operations Center (SOC) that is tailored to suit any organization’s needs. It possesses all the elements of an SOC with the added advantages of advanced expertise and technology.
If a company were to enlist the services of a SOC powered Managed Security Services Provider, they would gain the following benefits:
- Access to Global Intelligence Regarding Threats: With the help of insights and knowledge provided by an outsourced SOC, organizations will be able to devise effective protection strategies against emerging threats before they even make impact.
- Adherence to Compliance and Regulations: Outsourced SOCs help organizations prepare and be able to meet the regulatory requirements and standards set by accredited regulatory authorities for the management of a company’s information management systems.
- Enhanced Incident Response Capabilities: Thanks to an abundance of resources including a dedicated team of experts that monitor and detect incoming security threats regularly, an outsourced SOC is able to develop increasingly sophisticated and efficient incident response strategies that help mitigate losses and ensure maximum protection of an organization’s critical assets.
As with every security system, a SOC powered Managed Security Services Provider does have its drawbacks. These include:
- Communication Gaps: Working with an outsourced SOC would result in a lack of communication between the organization and the Managed Security Services simply due to the fact that they are two different entities and, therefore, do not share the same communication network.
- Data Privacy: Enlisting the services of an outsourced SOC means giving them access to your organization’s sensitive information as the flow of data will be through their established security framework.
- Lack of Control: Since outsourced SOCs work with their own framework, technological processes and resources, organizations end up having very little control over what is done and how it is done.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
While there are many factors to consider before deciding whether to go for an in-house SOC or a SOC powered Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), they mainly fall into three broad categories:
What is Our Organization’s Size & Maturity Level?
How big or how experienced an organization is can be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing an in-house SOC or a SOC powered Managed Security Service Provider. In addition, how willing they are to give up control of their security processes can also impact their decision.
What is Our Annual Cybersecurity Budget?
Does your company have the resources to afford the high upfront costs (setting up, tools training of staff, etc.) needed to run and maintain an in-house SOC?
Can We Attract Qualified Security Personnel?
In order to ensure that an organization’s in-house SOC runs smoothly and efficiently, the presence of highly qualified and skilled security personnel is vital. This would involve setting aside a budget for additional salaries as well as training.
How Critical is 24/7 Surveillance for Our Business?
Does your organization operate in a high-risk environment where the security of highly sensitive information is paramount with the help of round-the-clock monitoring and a rapid response strategy?
Is Our Organization Subject to Strict Regulatory Requirements?
Organizations belonging to the technology, healthcare and financial sectors are required to adhere to strict standards when it comes to information security management. This helps keep their sensitive data safe and their security operations tightly controlled.
Do We Need to Scale Our Security Operations Rapidly?
For corporations that require rapid scaling of their security operations (either due to increased data or cyber threats), SOC powered Managed Security Services Providers ofer the flexibility to do so.
Explore Effective SOC Options with Catalyic Security
As part of our Managed Security Services (MSS), we operate from high availability Security Operation Centers (SOC) which means that they operate continuously without interruption, thereby providing 24/7 security coverage. Our SOCs can be tailored to organizations belonging to a variety of different sectors, whether local or international. In addition, our team regularly conducts a SOC Maturity Assessment which assesses the overall level of defense of the SOC, its level of maturity while operating on an established Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) framework and its level of efficiency and effectiveness through the application of in-depth knowledge and expertise.
If you’re interested in integrating our SOC powered Managed Security Services within your organization’s security framework, book a consultation with us and have our sales team guide on the best way to protect your security infrastructure.
Due to the complexity of the challenges organizations face and the increased emphasis on the need to secure our information security management systems, companies need to take their time and consider every aspect of their surrounding environment before arriving at any decision.
No matter which option they go for, it is important to maintain a proactive approach towards online security management as only through constant scrutiny and surveillance will businesses be able to avoid damaging cybersecurity threats as well as navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.