In the world of cybersecurity, there is a vast array of services and solutions, each promising to be the key to protecting your business. One service that is often presented as the ultimate defence is a Security Operations Centre, commonly known as a SOC. If you have been in discussions with an IT provider, a Managed Service Provider (MSP), or a cyber firm, it is possible you have been offered a SOC service with a significant monthly fee.
While a SOC can be a powerful component of a mature security strategy, it is crucial to ask: is it the right first step for your business? We have observed a concerning trend where providers are recommending expensive SOC services before fundamental, and often more critical, security protections are in place. This approach can leave your business exposed and result in unnecessary expenditure.
What Exactly is a SOC?
A Security Operations Centre is a centralised team of cybersecurity professionals who monitor, analyse, and respond to cybersecurity incidents. They use a variety of tools and processes to continuously watch over an organisation’s IT infrastructure (networks, servers, endpoints, databases, applications, etc.) for signs of a security breach. In essence, it is a sophisticated 24/7 monitoring service.
The House with No Doors Analogy
Investing in a SOC without first establishing foundational security controls is like installing a state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring system in a house that has no doors or locks. The cameras will diligently record intruders as they walk in unopposed, but they do nothing to prevent the initial entry.
Effective cybersecurity is about building layers of defence. Monitoring is an important layer, but it should not be the first one you build. Its purpose is to detect threats that manage to bypass your preventative controls, not to be the primary line of defence itself.
Foundational Protections to Consider First
At Vertex, our experience in dealing with real-world cyber attacks has shown that many incidents could have been prevented by implementing basic, yet highly effective, security measures. Before considering a SOC, it is wise to ensure the following protections are in place:
- Phishing Protection: A significant number of cyber attacks begin with a phishing email. Implementing advanced phishing protection can be a cost-effective way to block the most common entry point for attackers.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is one of the most effective controls to prevent unauthorised account access. Even if a cybercriminal steals a password, MFA can stop them from logging in.
- Device Management and Hardening: Ensuring that all devices (laptops, servers, phones) used to access your organisation’s data are properly configured and secured is fundamental. This includes regular updates, proper configurations, and restricting administrative privileges.
These measures are often available at a fraction of the cost of a full SOC service, and some, like enabling MFA, can even be free. They are the doors and locks for your digital house.
Why Are Some Providers Pushing SOCs First?
A primary reason some providers may lead with a SOC offering is profitability. SOC services command high monthly recurring fees, making them a lucrative product to sell. Unfortunately, this can lead to situations where a provider’s financial interests are prioritised over the client’s actual security needs. An effective security strategy should be built on a proper understanding of risk, not on which service generates the most revenue.
Furthermore, did you know that many modern antivirus and endpoint protection solutions already include 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities? If you have such a solution in place, purchasing a separate SOC service could mean you are paying twice for the same type of monitoring.
Our Experience
We have assisted numerous clients who found themselves locked into expensive and inappropriate SOC contracts. By conducting a thorough assessment of their security posture, we were able to identify the foundational gaps. We helped them implement the necessary preventative controls, which not only significantly improved their security but also allowed them to save the money they were spending on a premature SOC service.
A SOC is not inherently a bad investment. For organisations with a mature security posture that have already implemented robust preventative controls, a SOC is the logical next step to enhance detection and response capabilities. The issue is one of timing and priority.
How Vertex Can Help
If you are questioning whether a SOC is the right fit for your organisation, or if you feel that your current cybersecurity provider is not addressing your core security needs, we are here to help. At Vertex, we believe in building security from the ground up, ensuring that your investment is directed towards the most effective protections for your specific situation.
Contact us today for an honest, expert assessment of your cybersecurity needs. Let us help you build a security strategy that is both effective and sensible for your business.