Introduction

This article is the second part of our series “Unlocking your true Security Potential by deploying a Security Operations Center (SOC)”. In the first part we examined how a SOC enhances an organization’s security posture. Now, in this second part we will explore various deployment options for a SOC, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, in the last part of the series we showcase exclusively Senthorus’ capabilities, and what truly establishes it as a next generation SOC amongst its competitors.

Recap: Why a SOC helps in the Cyber Risk Management Process

Before we take on the different SOC types, we recapitulate: the deployment and operation of a SOC drastically improves the security posture of any organization by guaranteeing the continuity of the risk management process. Further, a SOC offers following benefits:

• Proactive Threat Detection
• Rapid Incident Response
• Enhanced Visibility
• Compliance and Regulatory Alignments
• Stakeholder Confidence

These key points underscore the crucial role of a SOC fortifying organizational defenses. From proactive threat detection to ensuring compliance and bolstering stakeholder confidence, a SOC stands as a cornerstone in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats, enabling businesses to navigate the digital landscape with resilience and assurance.

Which different SOC types exist

1. In-house SOC

An in-house SOC is operated internally within the organization’s premises, utilizing the organization’s own resources, staff, and infrastructure.

Advantages:

• Complete control over SOC operations.
• Tailored to meet specific organizational requirements and compliance standards.
• Maximal visibility and alignment with internal security objectives.

Disadvantages:

• High resource and workforce demands.
• Financial hurdles and recruitment challenges.
• Risk of unutilized manpower and scalability issues.

2. Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) or Managed SOC

MSSPs like Senthorus are third party providers that offer outsourced security monitoring, threat detection, incident response among other capabilities on a 24x7 basis.

Advantages:

• Specialized expertise and up-to-date technologies.
• Cost-effective subscription model.
• Seamless onboarding without staff recruitment.
• High scalability and flexibility.

Disadvantages:

• Risk of over-reliance and reduced internal expertise.
• Potential coordination and communication challenges.
• Compliance concerns regarding data sovereignty.

3. Co-Managed SOC

The organization collaborates with the MSSP to augment its internal security capabilities.

Advantages:

• Combines internal SOC strengths with MSSP benefits.
• Scalable and flexible with retained control.
• Knowledge transfer from MSSP to internal team.

Disadvantages:

• Coordination and integration challenges.
• Potential conflicts between teams.
• Need for clear service definitions in the SLA.

Factors to consider when choosing a SOC type

Security needs and requirements

Scale of operations

Define the SOC scope considering:

• Number of endpoints and geographical distribution
• Estimated data volume
• Network architecture complexity
• Existing environment
• Data storage and backup needs

Compliance requirements

Regulatory frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR must be considered.

Example: The PCI DSS mandates continuous logging for organizations handling cardholder data. A non-compliant SOC choice can result in fines (USD 5,000 to 100,000/month), legal issues, and reputational damage.

MSSPs can help meet these standards quickly. In a co-managed SOC, collaboration ensures compliance within existing infrastructure.

Budget and cost considerations

Initial investment and operational costs

Internal SOC:

• High upfront investment: personnel, infrastructure, consulting, software/hardware.
• Potential hidden costs due to complexity.
• Ongoing costs: salaries, licenses, subscriptions, training, 24x7 shifts.

MSSP:

• Low initial cost due to subscription model.
• Ongoing subscription fee.
• Extra charges for special services (e.g. forensics, malware analysis).

Co-Managed SOC:

• Similar to MSSP with potential onboarding delays.
• Additional internal salaries and training.

Scalability and flexibility

Elasticity for seasonal or event-driven demands

Internal SOC:

• Limited adaptability without cloud-based infrastructure.
• Difficult staff scalability due to talent shortage.
• Risk of slower incident response and operations.

MSSP:

• Better equipped for varying workloads due to shared resources.

Co-Managed SOC:

• Internal team handles alerts, MSSP supports triage and escalation.
• Shared workload with flexible focus areas.
• Recommended to define clear roles and use cloud infrastructure for agility.

Distribution of competences

Internal SOC:

• Full control, no external dependencies.
• Lack of external experience.

MSSP:

• Gains expertise but may cause over-dependence.
• Important to retain internal IT control.

Co-Managed SOC:

• Balanced approach.
• Retains in-house team and benefits from MSSP expertise.

Conclusion

The choice of SOC type is critical for shaping an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. Each type has unique pros and cons. Careful consideration of the organization’s needs, infrastructure, budget, and compliance is essential.

1. Assess security needs and compliance requirements. Consult experts if necessary.
2. Consider budget and cost structures, especially long-term investments.
3. Evaluate scalability and flexibility, especially in the context of cloud integration.
4. Ensure competence distribution avoids dependencies while maintaining control.

Each organization is unique. With thorough evaluation and expert guidance, organizations can choose a SOC type that fortifies their security posture against evolving threats.