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Security Operations Centers, MSSPs, and Outsourced Security

The Security Operations Center (SOC) is central to this defense strategy – a dedicated hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. But as businesses grapple with establishing their in-house SOCs or outsourcing to specialized Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), many considerations come into play. 

In this article, we discuss the complexities of these choices, shedding light on the benefits of managed security. 

 

What is a SOC?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized facility where a team of IT professionals actively monitors and defends an organization against cybersecurity threats in real-time. Think of it as the command center or the war room for cybersecurity.

In today’s digital age, cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented rate. The potential damage to an organization’s reputation, finances, and operations is immense, from ransomware attacks to data breaches. A SOC acts as the first line of defense, ensuring that threats are detected, analyzed, and mitigated before they can cause significant harm.

The critical components of a SOC are:

 

What Are the Types of SOCs?

While SOCs have a few core functions, there are several different ways in which they may be deployed. Some of these primary organizational styles include the following SOC types:

While larger enterprises might lean towards the in-house model for its control and customization, smaller businesses might find the outsourced model more appealing for its cost-effectiveness and expertise. The hybrid approach offers a flexible middle ground, ensuring effective defense against cyber threats and safeguarding the organization’s digital assets.

 

What Are the Benefits of In-House SOCs?

Having dedicated security is always a huge boon for any company. Specialty tech companies and large enterprises often build SOC functionality internally, under the direct management of a CTO, CIO, or CISO. 

Some of the main benefits of an in-house SOC include:

While these benefits make a compelling case for an in-house SOC, organizations must weigh them against the challenges, such as the initial investment, talent acquisition, and continuous training and technology upgrades.

 

What Are the Benefits of an Outsourced SOC?

Not every business can build an internal SOC, however. Small businesses or startups typically aren’t in a place to field entire security departments, and yet still need advanced cybersecurity for their infrastructure.

Outsourcing the Security Operations Center (SOC) to a third-party provider, often known as a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), comes with its own set of advantages:

While outsourced SOCs offer numerous benefits, organizations should also consider potential challenges, such as data privacy concerns, less direct control over operations, and the need for clear communication and coordination with the third-party provider.

 

Why Is Internal Security Important for Third-Party SOCs?

Third-party SOCs, especially those operated by reputable Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), typically prioritize their internal security to maintain their reputation and ensure the trust of their clients. However, the extent to which they manage their security internally versus relying on external services varies based on several factors:

 

Outsource Compliance with Lazarus Alliance

Distributed security services are becoming the norm as different specialties break off into dedicated managed service providers. Lazarus Alliance is a compliance and security provider with decades of experience in State and Federal standards, HIPAA, SOC 2, CMMC, NIST, and more.

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