Mastering the art of building a Security Operations Center (SOC)

A Security Operations Center (SOC) gathers an organization's cyber-defense expertise into one team. A fully equipped SOC deals with threat detection and prevention. It monitors user activity and access patterns, maintaining policies for critical cybersecurity tasks. This article will explain the elements of a functional SOC and explore how to create one that meets your needs.

Key takeaways

• SOCs bring together an organization's security expertise in one location. Security Operations Centers can be in-house projects. However, companies can also source external expertise to deliver security services.
• Core components of a SOC include specialist personnel, security policies, and relevant technologies. Policies should address threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. Key technologies include SIEM solutions to manage every aspect of threat responses.
• In-house SOCs retain control and build internal staff skills. However, outsourcing SOC functions has many benefits. Advantages include access to skills and technology, easy scaling, and cost-effectiveness. Hybrid models that balance internal and external operations are also possible.
• When building a SOC, focus on assessing its business role. Select the right tools to secure critical assets. Assign roles and responsibilities. Train staff as needed and implement security policies to deliver core SOC functions. Establish policies for continuous monitoring and improvement.
• Future trends in SOC design include automation and the use of Artificial Intelligence. Companies that invest in the latest threat detection and mitigation tools will enjoy a competitive advantage. SOC operations must always consider long-term improvement.

Understanding the SOC landscape

What is a Security Operations Center?

Cybersecurity is a complex challenge with many technological and policy elements. A Security Operations Center simplifies cybersecurity by gathering together experts and stakeholders in one location.

SOCs can be in-house or externally sourced. In either case, the security operations team monitors digital threats. Team members handle threat detection and create plans to deal with emerging threats. They contain and respond to security incidents. And they constantly update security controls and policies to remain ahead of malicious actors.

The evolution of SOCs: past, present, and future

SOCs began life in the 1970s as security centers in large government organizations. The US military was an early adopter, creating Network Operations Centers to mitigate primitive code attacks and early forms of distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

Corporations and other public bodies developed SOCs as they came to rely on internet connectivity. Banks built internal SOCs in the 1990s featuring intrusion detection systems at the network edge. However, the modern SOC appeared in the early 2000s.

After 2005, companies and governments started grappling with Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) and malware varieties that could take down entire networks. Regulations like HIPAA also evolved, adding new compliance requirements. The scope of SOCs expanded to meet these needs and protect business assets.

SOCs integrate security information and event management (SIEM) to log security issues and organize effective responses.

As cloud computing grew, SOCs evolved. Virtualized threat surfaces and the widespread use of third parties created novel supply chain risks. From 2010 onwards, high-profile data leaks made cybersecurity an unavoidable priority for businesses worldwide.

Change has accelerated since then. Today's Security Operations Centers counter threats associated with the Internet of Things. Security teams must secure smart devices, remote workstations, and sprawling cloud environments featuring hundreds of apps and service providers.

Fortunately, SOCs now have advanced tools at their disposal. Security professionals leverage machine learning to detect threats and consult global threat databases. Automation reduces human error when managing employee access and delivering policies. The job of the SOC is to make this technology effective.

The inner workings of a SOC

Key components and their roles

A security operations center needs several core components to function effectively. When you confront the challenge of building a SOC, some elements should always be featured.

Personnel

At heart, a Security Operations Center is a collection of skilled individuals. SOC composition varies, but some positions are almost universal. Key officers include:

• The SOC manager. The manager oversees all aspects of the SOC. They assign projects and assess team performance. The manager reports at C-level and secures resources to build security controls and take corrective action. They take ultimate responsibility when security operations fail.
• Analysts. SOC analysts carry out threat detection tasks. Analysts use centralized management tools to track the status of critical network and cloud assets. They deliver regular security reports and incident response reports following alerts.
• Engineers. SOC engineers develop threat detection and monitoring systems. Engineers select appropriate hardware and software solutions to meet an organization's cybersecurity objectives. They should constantly update their knowledge to reflect the ever-changing threat landscape.
• Operators. SOC operators maintain and operate security tools on a daily basis. Tasks include log management and patching security systems. Operators may liaise with other employees to field security-related queries. They are often responsible for executing diagnostic tests.

Processes

Security Operations Centers are process-driven organizations. They manage security processes to safeguard enterprise assets, constantly assessing these processes and making alterations. Core SOC processes include:

• Discovering vulnerabilities. Vulnerability management starts with discovery. SOC teams look for security weaknesses for all network assets. This usually involves automated vulnerability scans.
• Asset management. SOC experts maintain a constantly updated inventory of connected devices and applications.
• Correcting vulnerabilities. The Security Operations Center must classify vulnerabilities and focus on high-level risks to sensitive assets. SOC members mitigate risks with suitable controls. And they track vulnerabilities over time to ensure continuous protection.
• Incident management. The SOC responds to security events by identifying risks and containing threats. SOC analysts quickly determine the cause of a security event and take action to limit damage to network assets.
• Post-incident response. After the incidents, SOC members check that the threat no longer existed. Staff updates security infrastructure to prevent a recurrence. They also integrate lessons learned into cybersecurity systems.

Technologies

A Security Operations Center uses many technologies to mitigate threats and secure data. The mix of technical controls varies between operational contexts. Common technologies include:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems
• Intrusion Detection or Prevention (IDS/IPS) systems
• AI-based threat intelligence

How a SOC detects, responds, and mitigates threats

Firstly, the SOC specializes in threat detection. Detection systems deploy continuous endpoint protection. Network monitoring tools cover on-premises workstations, cloud deployments, remote laptops, smart devices, internet-of-things sensors, and internet-facing applications.

The SOC also executes threat responses. SOCs respond to alerts by identifying high-level cybersecurity threats and avoiding false positives. Teams assess attack vectors and the targets of attacks. They then respond by closing affected endpoints and quarantining threats. Ideally, this minimizes the impact on network users.

The third technique is threat mitigation. Mitigation can occur before incidents. SOC teams identify vulnerabilities and assess risks. They implement controls to protect high-value assets against the most urgent threats. Mitigation also follows incidents as SOC teams fix weaknesses and improve their security systems.

Exploring different SOC models

In-house vs. outsourced: pros and cons

SOC planners can choose between in-house expertise and external providers. Both options have pros and cons, and select a strategy that suits your organizational needs.