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One of the most effective approaches to ensuring protection against cyber threats is the implementation of a Security Operations Center (SOC) .
This is because SOC combines analysts specialized in information security with advanced technologies to offer a global view of IT systems, allowing you to identify threats and act quickly to contain them.
Nowadays, having a Security Operations Center is more than a luxury, but a necessity , because the number of cyber attacks grows year after year.
According to data from NetScout's Threat Intelligence Report, Brazil suffered 357,422 attacks in the second half of 2023 alone, an increase of 8.8% compared to the previous half.
However, implementing a SOC can be challenging , as several obstacles can arise during the process, from implementation costs, to the selection of qualified professionals, to the integration of technologies.
Therefore, in this text, we will bring to light the main challenges in implementing a SOC and present strategies and solutions to overcome them, with the aim of helping companies in the journey of strengthening their cybersecurity posture.
Good reading!
What is a SOC and why is it important?
A SOC (Security Operations Center) is a command center for a company's information security It combines human, procedural and technological resources to detect, analyze and respond to information security incidents.
With this combination, it becomes an important tool for providing a solid defense , minimizing risks, strengthening systems, ensuring data protection and continuity of operations .
Main functions
- Continuous monitoring : monitor the IT infrastructure 24/7 to identify possible threats;
- Incident analysis : investigate and detect suspicious events; determine the nature and impact of each threat;
- Incident response : implement actions to contain and eliminate threats quickly and accurately;
- Asset recovery: Restores information assets to their original state after an incident has been contained.
Benefits of a SOC
Implementing a SOC can generate several advantages for companies, including:
- Improved security: proactive monitoring and response to identify and contain threats before they cause harm;
- Minimizing the impact of incidents: quick action to minimize business impact, such as downtime, data loss and reputational damage;
- Regulatory compliance: Regulations require companies to implement appropriate security measures, such as a SOC;
- Image strengthening: a company that cares about information security gains the trust of customers and employees.
Main challenges in implementing a SOC
Now that we've seen what a SOC and how important it is, the time has come to understand the challenges of implementing it .
Implementing a Security Operations Center (SOC) involves complexities ranging from financial costs to technology integration. In addition to the shortage of qualified professionals.
Below, we will break down each of the challenges. Check out:
High implementation and operation cost
The first challenge involves financial resources. Implementing a SOC requires a investment .
We are talking about the advanced technologies software and artificial intelligence and automation tools, which are essential for the effectiveness of the SOC.
In addition, there are recurring costs with infrastructure, maintenance and adjustments necessary to keep up with technological developments. Initial investments also include hiring specialized professionals.
Shortage of qualified professionals
One of the difficulties in creating a SOC is finding qualified professionals. The market suffers from a lack of cybersecurity talent, resulting in stiff experienced experts
The absence of experts slows down implementation and reduces the efficiency of the SOC. Therefore, companies need to invest in training and development of their teams, which requires additional time and resources.
For this reason, many organizations look for alternatives, such as outsourced or external services specializing in SOC.
Technology integration
This is a point that requires attention during the implementation of a SOC , as these security centers must efficiently integrate heterogeneous tools without compromising operability.
Security tools, incident response systems and monitoring platforms must work harmoniously , as this integration is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of the SOC.
Compatibility between different software meticulous planning and precise execution.
Data management and analysis
The SOC handles a huge amount of data on a daily basis. The collection, storage and analysis of this data are processes that require robust solutions .
Additionally, managing data quality and integrity is also critical. Corrupt or inaccurate data can lead to false positives or negatives, affecting the effectiveness of the solution.
Therefore, implementing systems that guarantee data security and accuracy requires investment and advanced technical skills to deal with the complexity involved.
Strategies to overcome challenges
Once the challenges for implementing a SOC are understood, comes the good and most awaited part: the solutions !
Overcoming cybersecurity challenges requires a strategic combination of planning, technology adoption, partnerships and skills development.
Below, we present solid strategies for efficiently leaving challenges behind.
Planning and goal setting
It all starts with planning, with defining the company's objectives when it comes to protecting its assets.
It is crucial to align SOC operations with organizational goals. This involves assessing needs, setting security goals, and establishing a realistic timeline for implementation.
A good first step is to start by identifying the most important assets and the threats and vulnerabilities that could impact the organization. Having these definitions clear helps you direct resources effectively.
Furthermore, it creates an environment where security becomes an integral part of the strategy .
Adoption of scalable technologies
A great option to ensure the efficiency of a SOC and reduce costs is to adopt technologies that can scale according to the company's needs.
Advanced technologies, such as big data analysis and artificial intelligence , allow for faster and more accurate analysis of threats.
Furthermore, cloud solutions have excellent scalability and offer the possibility of including or reducing functionalities according to use, thus keeping costs under control and optimizing resources.
Strategic partnerships and outsourcing
Establishing strategic partnerships and considering outsourcing certain SOC functions is an interesting way to address resource shortages and increase efficiency .
This is because partnerships with cybersecurity allow access to technologies and experts that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Outsourcing specific tasks, such as continuous monitoring and incident response , also allows in-house staff to focus on critical areas . This alleviates workload and ensures threats are managed more efficiently .
Continuous training and development
Finally, constant training and professional development of the security team is vital to maintaining an effective SOC. It is an investment in a safety culture that will bring benefits to the company in the near future.
Certification programs and hands-on training help staff stay up to date with the latest threats and defense techniques.
Furthermore, with a well-trained team, the organization can respond accurately to threats, ensuring the integrity and security of data.
Count on SOC Skyone to protect your company
At Skyone , we understand the challenges that come with implementing a Security Operations Center (SOC) and the benefits that come with this solution.
Through our expertise, we help companies improve cybersecurity.
Our SOC information security specialists , who monitor events, threats, vulnerabilities and work to mitigate , remediate and contain attacks or malicious behavior.
Everything is done with the best and most up-to-date technologies in the sector, providing greater peace of mind for your business and efficiency against threats.
Request a demo on our platform and learn more about the SOC offered by Skyone!
Conclusion
We saw in this article that implementing a SOC can be challenging, but it is an essential for any organization that wants to protect its operations and data against cyber threats.
Among the main challenges for implementing a Security Operations Center (SOC) are the inherent costs, the search for qualified professionals and the integration of technologies.
However, by adopting strategic approaches , such as clearly defining objectives, using scalable technologies and forming partnerships with specialized companies, such as Skyone , it is possible to overcome these challenges with ease and ensure a successful implementation .
Want to know more about SOC? Access our special guide with all the information!
