While prevention is a core tenet of cybersecurity, it’s impossible to prevent every threat. Organizations need the ability to detect and respond to attacks in real time. For midsize to large organizations, those capabilities are typically coordinated within a security operations center (SOC).
A SOC enhances an organization’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to security incidents by centralizing monitoring and mitigation efforts. Information is gathered from a variety of sources to help security teams identify, investigate, analyze and manage threats. By aggregating and consolidating security data, a SOC provides security analysts with the context needed to triage threat mitigation activities.
An effective SOC requires a careful balance of people, process and technology. Organizations must invest in enterprise-class tools and have skilled personnel to maximize their value. They must also have clear procedures that enable rapid detection and response whenever attacks occur.
Setting up a SOC is no easy task. For most small and many midsize organizations, it makes more sense to partner with a managed security services provider (MSSP) that offers SOC-as-a-Service solutions. Qualified MSSPs have a team of experienced security experts who leverage state-of-the-art tools to provide comprehensive protection against attacks.
SOC Technology Toolbox
SOCs require a number of technologies to provide complete visibility across the IT environment and minimize any gaps in coverage. Here are some of the most common SOC tools.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
SIEM solutions collect real-time log data from a wide range of hardware and applications, such as antivirus software, intrusion detection systems and firewalls. This data is then forwarded to a central console for inspection, analysis and correlation to generate reports that meet specific regulatory requirements.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
XDR doesn’t just aggregate data — it also provides a single-pane-of-glass view of multiple security layers, automatically correlating data from across the IT environment and prioritizing events and alerts. Our recent blog post covers the features and benefits of XDR in greater detail.
Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)
As the name suggests, SOAR platforms orchestrate security tools, automate tasks and streamline incident response processes. They collect data from various tools and threat intelligence feeds and use predefined playbooks to assess the severity of incidents and prioritize them for investigation. SOAR can also execute responses to certain incidents automatically.
Network Detection and Response (NDR)
NDR solutions continuously monitor and analyze network traffic, using techniques such as machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect unusual patterns or behaviors that could indicate a security threat. If NDR identifies a threat, it can automatically respond by blocking malicious traffic or isolating affected devices.
User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)
UEBA systems collect data on user and device activity, including logs, network traffic and access records. They then use machine learning algorithms to build baselines of “normal” behavior for each user and entity. UEBA analyzes current activity against these baselines, flagging any deviations or anomalies that might indicate a security threat.
Challenges of Building a SOC
Building a SOC isn’t as “simple” as implementing the right security tools. Organizations need a team of security experts who monitor systems, analyze alerts and respond to attacks. Assembling this team is difficult, given the persistent shortage of security talent. Even if organizations are able to hire the right personnel, they may be lured away by another employer.
Security teams also suffer from rapid burnout due to the heavy workloads and pressure placed on them. If security tools aren’t finely tuned, they can generate large numbers of alerts and “noise” that adds to the workload and makes security teams less effective.
Automating routine tasks can minimize manual effort, while standardized operating procedures and repeatable workflows ensure that all tasks — manual and automated — are handled efficiently. However, complete automation is an unrealistic goal. Advanced threats still require human investigation and risk assessments need human reasoning and insight.
How Cerium Can Help
Cerium has developed an advanced SOC that serves as the hub for defending our customers against today’s complex cyber threats. Our team has years of experience and uses the latest tools to monitor, analyze and respond to events and alerts. With Cerium as your partner, you don’t have to build a SOC. Our managed security services provide comprehensive coverage to minimize the risk of an attack and rapidly contain any attacks that do occur. Contact one of our experts for a confidential consultation.
