Cyber-attacks only happen to other people and large companies, right? Wrong! Cyber attackers don’t often take into account the size, scale, or type of the company that they want to penetrate. Every company should always consider a set of security procedures so that in the case of an attack you are always prepared.

Because of this, there’s a lot of talk about cyber security and the need for companies to have a security operations centre (SOC). But, which is better? Is it better to have one internal to your company, or should you outsource it to a third party?

Internal or External? 

Cybersecurity is more important than ever for businesses of all sizes. In the past, small, and medium-sized businesses could get away with having minimal cyber security measures in place. However, as cyber-attacks have become more sophisticated, it’s no longer enough to just have a few basic security measures in place. A strong cyber security strategy requires a dedicated team of experts who can identify and respond to threats quickly and effectively. This is where a SOC, or security operations centre, comes in. A SOC can be either internal or outsourced, but either way, it’s a necessity for the modern business. With a SOC in place, businesses can rest assured that their cyber security needs are being met by experienced professionals.

Advantages of an Internal SOC

IN-HOUSE EXPERTISE: There are many advantages to having an internal SOC, including the ability to have in-house expertise. By having an in-house SOC, you can be sure that your team has the knowledge and experience to effectively protect your data whilst also being more flexible and responsible for your specific needs. 

INTERNAL DATA STORAGE: Having an internal SOC means that they can store all the data security on the premises of the organisation – this helps the organisation maintain visibility.

HIGH CUSTOMISABILITY: An enterprise with an internal SOC has full control over its security infrastructure and can deploy the security solutions that it wishes. This customisable approach allows enterprises to tailor their security posture to their specific needs and objectives.

Advantages of an External SOC

ROUND-THE-CLOCK DETECTION AND RESPONSE: 24/7 network monitoring is essential for any organisation that wants to be able to detect and respond to potential threats in a timely manner. A 24/7 SOC can provide your organisation with a dedicated team of security analysts who are ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

REDUCED COST: Having an internal SOC means that you may have to provide them with tools, licenses, wages and other necessary expenses which results in a much higher cost than having a SOC externally. However, an external SOC can distribute these costs across its entire customer base, making the cost much lower. 

LATEST SECURITY TOOLS: Many businesses choose to invest in their own security teams in order to keep their operations secure. However, this can be an expensive proposition, and it may take years to build up a team that has the skills and knowledge to implement cutting-edge security solutions. External SOCs are constantly staffed by highly trained security professionals who have access to the latest security tools and techniques.

A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE: External SOCs are experienced in providing support and consulting services to companies of all sizes. Due to this, they have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be invaluable to any company. 

Selecting the right service for you:

Making the choice between having the right SOC can be difficult. Having either an external or an internal SOC can be both good options but will mainly depend on the specific needs of your company. When considering which is most beneficial to you, you need to consider a provider that allows your company to take full advantage of the SOCs benefits.

Are you looking to hire in SOC? 

Does your company need internal or external SOC? Well, guess what? We have several SOC experts that are currently in the market for a new challenge – click here to see their CV’s on our website!