What is a Security Operations Center (SOC)?
With the advent of digitalisation, we increasingly encounter various cyber threats and security risks endangering individuals and organisations. Cybersecurity is a set of measures aimed at protecting digital systems, networks, processes and programs against data theft or other disruption to an organisation’s operations. A Security Operations Center is the executive link in this respect, whose goal is the actual protection of this data.
A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a specialised centre that continuously monitors security in an organisation and responds to real cyber threats and incidents. A SOC is a centralised unit or team of experts who, around the clock, ensure monitoring and evaluation of potential cyber threats in real time.
What is the main task of a SOC?
The basic task of a Security Operations Center is to minimise the impact of security incidents and cyberattacks on the organisation and to proactively ensure its cyber and other security as needed and agreed.
How does a SOC work?
The Security Operations Center team usually consists of security analysts and IT experts who work with advanced technologies. These technologies help protect the organisation’s digital and other assets.
Which SOC models are used in practice?
In practice, there are two basic Security Operations Center models. In the first, the main functions of the centre are performed by the organisation itself, or rather a dedicated department of that organisation. In the second, these responsibilities are entrusted to an external entity. A combination of both models is also often used.
What are the main functions of a Security Operations Center?
A Security Operations Center provides organisations with the following main functions:
Monitoring and incident detection
As part of this function, the SOC provides 24/7 monitoring of systems and networks. It looks for suspicious activity using security tools that monitor network traffic and device activity.
Incident management
This function is used after a security incident has been identified and includes activities such as:
- gathering information that helps understand the scope and type of the incident,
- taking corrective measures, such as isolating or eliminating the risk, to reduce the negative impact of the incident as much as possible and prevent it from recurring,
- investigating the root cause of the incident to determine its source and introduce the necessary controls to close any security gaps in the future,
- verifying that the incident has been properly documented and resolved, and checking that all relevant processes have been updated.
Problem management
In this activity, the Security Operations Center focuses mainly on a deeper understanding of the causes of cyber and other security incidents in order to eliminate the same or similar problems in the future. It often works closely with the organisation, or forms its internal team.
Final recommendations
A Security Operations Center can also provide other security services that the organisation needs. Every organisation should therefore already be addressing cybersecurity and ensuring the security of its sensitive data, processes, information, systems, networks and devices.
Every organisation should create its own internal policy and procedures covering data and areas exposed to potential theft or other cyberattacks, misuse or security threats. As part of this process, we recommend:
- setting up monitoring processes,
- setting up escalation procedures,
- setting up options for responding to real incidents,
- staffing,
- other settings reflecting the practical needs and requirements of the specific organisation and its current situation.
For this purpose, you can create your own internal guidelines, templates and processes to help you protect sensitive data, information and devices effectively.
This article is an output of the project “Multitenant Cybersecurity Operations Center Delivered as an Open Cloud Service with Machine Learning Elements.” Project code – 09I05-03-V02-00010.
