What Is SOC-as-a-Service?

While some businesses rely on IT teams to maintain cybersecurity, this can overtax staff and budgets, and enable threats to slip through the cracks.

When cybersecurity isn’t managed by security professionals, potential knowledge gaps can impact an organization’s risk posture. Rather, enlisting a dedicated Security Operations Center-as-a-Service (SOCaaS) provider enables companies to outsource critical elements of cybersecurity so they can focus on their own core offerings.

With continuous monitoring, risk mitigation, and incident response managed by experts, a SOCaaS offers a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. It enables companies to achieve robust protection without the significant investment and complexity of building a comparable in-house function.

Here’s a brief explainer about the benefits of SOCaaS and enlisting a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that provides this as part of their service offerings to help protect your business.

SOC v. SOC-as-a-Service

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a key component of any cybersecurity program, leveraging technology, processes, and expert personnel to provide essential continuous monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.

In contrast, Security Operations Center as a Service (SOCaaS) is a subscription-based, outsourced alternative to a traditional in-house SOC. It provides the same core functions but does so through a third-party provider. A SOCaaS operates remotely, utilizing the service provider’s technology, processes, and cybersecurity experts to safeguard an organization’s digital assets.

SOC-as-a-Service Benefits

Implementing a SOC in house poses significant challenges for most businesses, making SOCaaS a preferable option. Here are a few reasons why outsourcing to SOCaaS is particularly advantageous.

Program Cost

The costs of infrastructure, software, and skilled personnel are substantial and ongoing. Building and maintaining an in-house SOC requires significant capital investment in state-of-the-art technology and security tools.

SOCaaS, on the other hand, is more cost-effective. It enables businesses to leverage the provider’s existing infrastructure and expertise, thus avoiding hefty upfront and ongoing expenses, such as training and development, infrastructure, and staff additions.

SOCaaS providers also spread these costs across multiple clients, lowering overall expenses for each business.

Managing Complexity

Creating a comprehensive cybersecurity posture requires integrating a diverse array of advanced tools and systems, including Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and threat intelligence feeds. These systems must be carefully configured and continuously fine-tuned to work harmoniously, creating a cohesive defense against incoming threats.

In contrast, SOCaaS providers handle this complexity on behalf of their clients. They offer integrated, state-of-the-art security systems and seasoned cybersecurity professionals, enabling businesses to access comprehensive security capabilities without navigating the intricacies of building and maintaining these systems themselves.

Staying Up-to-Date

An in-house SOC demands constant review and adaptation to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. This requires ongoing research, analysis of threat intelligence, and frequent updates to security protocols and technologies – a resource-intensive process that can strain even well-equipped organizations.

However, SOCaaS providers specialize in staying current with the latest threats. They leverage a broad range of threat intelligence sources and advanced technologies to ensure continuous protection. By outsourcing to SOCaaS, businesses benefit from the provider’s up-to-date knowledge and proactive security measures, significantly reducing the effort required to stay on pace with cyber threats.