Learn how to modernize your SOC with next-gen SIEM solutions. Discover key features and benefits of advanced security information and event management.
A security operations center, or SOC, is a central function in an organization where security experts monitor, detect, analyze, respond to, and report security incidents. A SOC is typically staffed 24/7 by security analysts, engineers, and other IT personnel who use a variety of tools and techniques to detect, analyze, and respond to security threats.
Most security operations centers follow a “hub and spoke” structure, allowing the organization to create a centralized data repository that is then used to meet a variety of business needs. SOC activities and responsibilities include:
The SOC team is also responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of the security center as an organizational resource. This includes developing an overarching strategy and plan, as well as creating processes to support the operation of the center. The team also evaluates, implements, and operates tools, devices, and applications and oversees their integration, maintenance and updating.
In addition to managing individual incidents, the SOC consolidates disparate data feeds from each asset to create a baseline understanding of normal network activity. The SOC then uses this assessment to detect anomalous activity with added speed and accuracy.
One key attribute of the SOC is that it operates continuously, providing 24/7 monitoring, detection and response capabilities. This helps ensure threats are contained and neutralized quickly, which in turn allows organizations to reduce their “breakout time” — the critical window between when an intruder compromises the first machine and when they can move laterally to other parts of the network.
Watch our webcast, “A Day in the Life of a SOC Analyst”, to explore the typical SOC activities, including the pitfalls and failures, and learn a new approach to alert investigation and response.Watch CrowdCast
When a cyberattack occurs, the SOC acts as the digital front line, responding to the security incident with force while also minimizing the impact on business operations. The SOC team usually consists of security analysts, threat hunters, and networking professionals with backgrounds in computer engineering, data science, network engineering and/or computer science. Common SOC roles include:
The SOC maintains an increasingly complex purview, managing all aspects of the organization’s cyber security. For many organizations, creating and maintaining an effective security operations center can be challenging. Common issues include the following:
The most common challenge facing many organizations is the sheer volume of security alerts, many of which require the use of both advanced systems and human oversight to properly categorize, prioritize and remediate. With a large number of alerts, some threats can be miscategorized or insufficiently addressed. This underscores the need for advanced monitoring tools and automation capabilities, as well the need for a team of highly skilled professionals.
The global nature of business, the fluidity of the workplace, increased use of cloud technology and other issues have increased the complexity of both defending the organization and responding to threats. Today, relatively simple solutions like firewalls offer insufficient protection from digital adversaries. Security requires a sophisticated solution that combines technology, people and processes, the likes of which can be difficult to build, integrate and maintain.
Building a security operations center requires significant time and resources. Maintaining it can be even more demanding, as the threat landscape changes constantly and requires frequent updates and upgrades as well as continuous learning and development of staff. Further, cybersecurity is a highly specialized field, with few organizations having the needed talent to understand the full needs of the organization and the current threat landscape. Many organizations engage managed security service providers as a way of ensuring strong outcomes without significant technology or workforce investments.
Building an in-house security solution is made even harder by a limited candidate pool. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand around the world, making it difficult to recruit and retain these individuals. A turnover within the security organization can potentially affect the security of the organization.
Government and industry regulations are subject to change. The SOC must be prepared to monitor these issues and ensure the organization is compliant. This is especially important given the use of data within the SOC, the collection and application of which may be subject to strict standards based on location, industry or intended use. Adherence to these regulations is absolutely essential to the ongoing operation of the organization and the preservation of its reputation.
Building a first-class security operations center is no simple feat – maintaining it is even harder. Learn the four security operations center best practices that every organization should strive for.4 SOC Best Practices
When you become embedded in a daily routine of alert fatigue, it’s difficult to realize the gaps that may exist. In addition, simply keeping up with the latest trends, technologies, processes and threat intelligence becomes a luxury that few have the time for.
The CrowdStrike Security Operations Center (SOC) Assessment helps organizations quickly understand how to mature their security monitoring and incident response capabilities and takes them to the next level.
The SOC Assessment methodology has been developed based on many years of combined consultant experience, in conjunction with CrowdStrike’s front-line IR experience and threat intelligence expertise. The assessment is uniquely positioned to provide organizations with an industry-leading approach that helps define their program.
The SOC Assessment: