In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated and unpredictable. Hackers, malware, and data breaches are constant dangers that threaten the security of individuals and businesses alike. Unfortunately, many organizations find it challenging to effectively combat these threats due to limited resources, outdated technology, and insufficient expertise in managing cyberattacks.
This is where the Security Operations Center (SOC) becomes indispensable. Acting as the front line of defense, the SOC operates 24/7 to monitor, detect, and respond to potential threats before they escalate into larger issues. Without a SOC, businesses face increased risks of financial losses, reputational damage, and erosion of customer trust.
So, what exactly is a Security Operations Center (SOC), and why is it so important for every business? Read on for a full explanation in the following article.
What is SOC?
SOC, or Security Operations Center, is a command center team responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time. SOCs are typically run by teams of cybersecurity experts who use advanced technology to protect an organization’s data and systems.
The primary function of SOC is to safeguard IT infrastructure, such as networks, servers, applications, and sensitive data, from threats like malware, phishing, and other cyberattacks. Operating 24/7, the SOC ensures that threats are addressed quickly before they cause significant damage.
Additionally, SOCs help organizations comply with security standards and regulations, such as GDPR or ISO 27001. With a SOC in place, organizations can provide extra protection for user data and ensure their operations remain secure amid increasing cybersecurity threats.
The Role and Benefits of Security Operations Centers (SOC) in Addressing Cybersecurity in Businesses
The Security Operations Center (SOC) plays a crucial role in protecting organizations from evolving cybersecurity threats. With a professional team and advanced technology, SOC ensures that all potential threats are identified, managed, and resolved quickly to maintain operational continuity and protect critical data. Here are the main roles of SOC in cybersecurity:
Preventing and Detecting Cyber Threats
The SOC acts as the primary network security monitor, operating round the clock to watch for suspicious activity. By using advanced detection tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and intrusion detection systems, SOC can identify potential threats, such as malware attacks or phishing attempts, before they escalate into bigger issues.
Responding to Security Incidents
When a threat successfully breaches defenses, quick response is key to minimizing impact. SOC has standard procedures in place to handle incidents, including isolating the threat, analyzing its cause, and halting its spread.
Recovery and Operational Restoration
After a security incident is dealt with, the SOC helps restore affected systems back to normal operation. They perform a thorough analysis to ensure all vulnerabilities are addressed and recommend security improvements to prevent future attacks.
What are the Different Types of SOCs?
There are various types of SOCs that organizations can choose based on their needs and available resources. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered. From virtual SOCs offering flexibility and low cost, to Dedicated SOCs providing full control, each type takes a different approach to addressing security threats. So, what are the available types of SOCs, and which one is most suitable for your organization? Below is a table outlining the types of Security Operations Centers (SOC) along with their pros and cons:
| SOC Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Virtual SOC | A SOC that operates virtually, with teams working from different locations. | Flexible, low cost. | Vulnerable to cloud threats, difficult coordination. |
| Multifunction SOC/NOC | A combination of cybersecurity services (SOC) and network management (NOC). | Efficient, resource-saving. | Less focused on in-depth cybersecurity. |
| Co-managed SOC | A blend of internal teams and external services for SOC management. | Access to experts, lower cost. | Complex coordination, data risks. |
| Dedicated SOC | A SOC fully managed by internal teams. | Full control, more specific solutions. | High cost and resource-intensive. |
| Command SOC | A command center for monitoring and managing security across multiple locations. | Comprehensive oversight. | High complexity. |
Steps for Managing SOC for Your Business
To ensure the SOC functions optimally, there are several best practices that the security team should follow:
SOC Must Enable End-to-End Network Control
SOC should monitor not just internal networks but also external ones, including third-party connections and devices connected to the company’s network. Segregating access based on data sensitivity is also important to avoid potential threats.
Pay Attention to Shadow App Discovery.
Shadow IT, including unregistered apps, can be a security gap. SOC should regularly perform app discovery and classify the risks associated with those apps to stay protected from potential threats.
Monitor Hardware Developments
While SOC often focuses on software, hardware such as printers, routers, or external devices should also be monitored. Unauthorized devices can become threat vectors that compromise the system’s integrity.
Protect SOC Logs to Assist Investigations
Access logs should be stored in a separate, highly protected zone to assist in post-incident analysis. With consistent time-stamping across all devices, the SOC can reconstruct security incidents more effectively.
Prepare an Emergency Plan
Given the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats, it is essential for the SOC team to have an emergency plan that includes data backup and disaster recovery. Cloud-based backup systems protected by strong authentication can assist in data recovery after an attack.
By following these best practices, the SOC can function more effectively in protecting the company from increasingly complex threats.
Top SOC Solutions from Stellar Cyber
Stellar Cyber offers advanced and integrated SOC solutions to support modern cybersecurity needs. With the Open XDR (Extended Detection and Response) platform, Stellar Cyber combines different security tools into one dashboard. making it easier for SOC teams to monitor and respond to threats efficiently. This technology is designed to quickly detect threats, reduce response time, and increase resilience against cyberattacks.
The key advantage of Stellar Cyber’s solution is its ability to automate threat detection using AI-based analytics. This allows for the identification of suspicious patterns that are difficult to detect with traditional methods. Additionally, its strong data correlation feature helps reduce the team’s workload by prioritizing threats based on their risk level.
Moreover, Stellar Cyber offers high flexibility in integrating with existing IT infrastructure. Its solution supports a wide range of security and network tools, ensuring a seamless transition without compromising operational effectiveness. With Stellar Cyber, organizations can build a more resilient and responsive SOC to face the growing cybersecurity threats.
Why Choose Stellar Cyber?
1. Open XDR (Extended Detection and Response) Approach
Stellar Cyber integrates various security tools into one unified platform, offering complete visibility into all network activities and detecting threats faster and more accurately.
2. AI for Automated Threat Detection
By using AI technology to detect threat patterns that traditional methods might miss, SOC teams can respond more quickly and reduce potential losses.
3. Cost Efficiency
By combining multiple security functions into one platform, Stellar Cyber reduces the need for multiple separate tools, saving operational costs and labor.
4. Easy to Use and Integrate
The user-friendly interface and the ability to integrate with various existing security tools make Stellar Cyber easy to manage for internal teams.
5. Reliability and Scalability
This solution is designed for businesses of all sizes, enabling scalability to match the growing security needs of organizations.
6. Proactive and Responsive Security Management
Stellar Cyber allows real-time threat detection, helping teams respond to incidents quickly and minimize potential damage.
7. Comprehensive Support Services
Stellar Cyber is backed by a team of experts who are ready to provide technical assistance, training, and consulting to ensure the solution works optimally for your business.
Get Stellar Cyber Exclusively at MBT
MBT (Mega Buana Technology) is the authorized distributor and partner providing Stellar Cyber solutions in Indonesia. As a trusted technology provider, MBT ensures you get genuine products with full support, from implementation to after-sales services.
In addition to offering Stellar Cyber products, MBT also provides training and consulting to ensure optimal use of the technology. This support helps companies maximize the potential of the Stellar Cyber platform to build a solid security posture. With responsive local services, MBT is the best choice to ensure the smooth operation of your security systems.
As a subsidiary of CTI Group, MBT has an extensive network and a solid reputation in the technology world, ensuring Stellar Cyber is implemented with the highest standards. Choose MBT as your partner for reliable and effective cybersecurity solutions. Contact MBT today to begin consulting via the link provided.
Author: Ary Adianto
Content Writer at CTI Group
