SOC stands for Security Operations Center. The term cyber security operations are directly related to modern business. They need cyber security teams to protect infrastructure data and assets. If they hire an external cyber security team then it’s called Outsourced SOC, if they build an internal cyber security team it’s called in-house SOC.
The Outsourced SOC and in-house SOC’s goal is the same they aim to protect the organization’s security infrastructure. But have their own pros and cons and also some differences.
What is In-house SOC?
When business organizations build their own security operations center within their business infrastructure it is called in-house SOC. This group can be associated with the IT department. In-house SOC is very useful for 24×7 hours monitoring. In-house SOC focuses on infrastructure protection rather than customer service. In-house SOC plays an important role in IT businesses like software development companies, e-wallets, etc.
What is Outsourced SOC?
When business organizations hire an outside cyber security team for their security operations, it is called an outsourced SOC. Outsourced SOC saves a lot of money for business organizations Outsourced SOC can be very helpful for small, medium-sized businesses. Outsourced SOCs are very popular due to cost-efficiency systems. Outsourced SOC also referred to as MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider).
Outsourced SOC vs In-house SOC
Outsourced SOC and In-house SOC both have their differences. In the bellow table, we RedNode have shown the major differences between Outsourced SOC and In-house SOC. Here:
| Factor | Outsourced SOC | In-house SOC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally more cost-effective. | It can be more costly than Outsourced SOC. |
| Monitoring | Seasonal or rutine based. | 24×7 hour of monitoring. |
| Expertise | Can be hired any kind of security expert with the necessary skill set. | It is more costly to hire every kind of skilled experts. |
| Risks | It is risky because you have to hire outside people. | It is less risky because they are inner people. |
| Flexibelity | Less flexible than in-house SOC | More flexible than outsourced SOC. |
Pros and Cons
Both outsourced SOC and in-house SOC have some pros and cons. In the below points, the pros and cons of Outsourced and In-house SOCs have been described.
Pros and cons of Outsourced SOC (MSSP)
Pros:
- Outsourced SOCs are less expensive.
- According to the needs, the skilled person can be hired within the affordability.
- Ready tool set and more experienced in cyber security.
- MSSP comes with more expertise and more skilled personnel.
Cons:
- It can be a struggle for finding the right MSSP for your organization.
- MSSP takes more time than In-house SOC to start operations.
- MSSP can’t monitor your infrastructure for 24×7 hours.
Pros and Cons of In-house SOC
Pros:
- In-house soc provides 24×7 hours of monitoring which is very essential for infrastructures like e-wallets, software development companies, etc.
- Can provide you with service anytime.
- Always keep updating the security system against new cyber threats.
- Great protection against updated malware.
- In-house SOC plays a vital role in blue teams and incident response.
Cons:
- Costly.
- It’s hard to hire every kind of expert for in-house SOC.
- Mostly the time in-house SOCs contain only Blue team persons that can’t secure the organization fully.
In conclusion
both outsourced SOC and in-house SOC have their own pros and cons. The decision of which type of SOC to choose depends on the specific needs of the organization. For example, small businesses with limited resources may find that outsourced SOC is a more cost-effective option. However, larger businesses with more complex IT infrastructure may require the 24/7 monitoring and expertise of an in-house SOC. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right SOC for your organization is to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements.
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