CyberSOC: Understanding the basics and why it’s important for cyber security

Being proactive minimizes any impact or damage from a threat or breach. Without a centralized hub like a CyberSOC, discovering a cyber-incident can take about three days in the US or 194 days globally, based on 2024 Statista figures.

What is a CyberSOC?

A CyberSOC collects and analyzes data in real-time to identify suspicious activity that may endanger an organization’s digital assets. These activities include ransomware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, hackers, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).  

The CyberSOC’s human team creates a strategy and manages processes to support its operations. Aided by security tools and industry frameworks, it establishes and mobilizes a streamlined response to threats. It covers triaging (reviewing whether alarms and alerts are justified or false positives), resolution, and recovery.

Relying solely on an organization's IT division to build and operate a coordinated cyber security program can be tedious and costly.  In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly 28% of senior IT decision-makers 28% outsource this function.

A CyberSOC is distinct from traditional IT security in the following ways:

• Unlike traditional solutions that run periodic analyses, a CyberSOC is like a security guard that monitors your digital assets 24/7. This facilitates immediate threat identification and mitigation.
• Compared to the preventive nature of traditional IT security solutions, a CyberSOC assumes some attacks can bypass established defenses. Attackers constantly find ways to evade firewalls and anti-virus tools, and a CyberSOC investigates the threats these mechanisms fail to block.
• A CyberSOC follows a pre-planned and centralized process to monitor and respond to threats. In contrast, conventional security uses separate, stand-alone security tools.

Key functions of a CyberSOC

A CyberSOC previously referred to a physical room where the security team worked. It has evolved into a core security function in business due to the prevalence of remote work and cloud-based solutions.  

Below are a CyberSOC's essential functions that form the backbone of an organization's defense strategy:

Monitoring and analyzing security events in real time

This role starts with asset inventory or taking stock of an organization's threat landscape. A CyberSOC can only safeguard data and devices they're aware of. Thus, the team begins by acquiring a complete picture of all on-premises endpoints, software, servers, and third-party services.  

The CyberSOC examines event logs on systems, networks, devices, and infrastructure for unusual or suspicious activity 24/7.  

Detecting and responding to threats quickly

A CyberSOC uses automation and AI for threat detection and response. In particular, the solution-aided team:

• Acts on alerts, filtering out false positives and prioritizing threats based on severity to allow prompt response to critical threats.  
• Stops harmful processes by isolating or shutting down endpoints.
• Restores systems and recovers any compromised or lost data.

Preventing breaches and securing sensitive data  

A CyberSOC team’s strategy for deterring and deflecting risks involves:

• Conducting a regular security assessment of digital assets.
• Developing targeted strategies to eliminate or mitigate threats identified in the assessment.
• Performing regular maintenance and updating of computer systems and firewall policies and patching vulnerabilities.  
• Drawing up an allow list and deny list of apps and IP addresses.
• Conducting threat intelligence to stay abreast of the latest cyber-attack tactics, techniques, and procedures.  

Coordination and reporting in case of incidents  

A CyberSOC ensures a well-coordinated incident response, assigning specific tasks to team members based on skill sets and expertise. The communication specialist informs stakeholders—including senior management and external parties—with timely updates on the incident and ongoing response efforts.  

Meanwhile, analysts investigate the cause of incidents, and tech experts focus on remediation (risk reduction and prevention of further breaches) and recovery.

Core components of a managed CyberSOC service

A managed CyberSOC is more than a security alert monitoring and reporting center. It harnesses automated threat detection and response, as well as advanced analytics. This makes it a proactive service that puts you ahead of emerging threats. The mix of cutting-edge technologies enhances efficiency and reduces risks should security incidents occur.  

Managed CyberSOC solutions (SOC-as-a-service or SOCaaS) is a subscription-based service. It can be fully managed by a third-party provider or co-managed, meaning you and the provider have shared responsibilities.  

Several core processes are involved to ensure a managed CyberSOC operates efficiently:  

1. Leveraging industry frameworks for standardized security - A managed CyberSOC follows proven frameworks instead of ad-hoc security measures. These frameworks are structured cyber security best practices for managing and reducing cyber threats.  

One of the most widely adopted frameworks is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. It was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the US Department of Commerce. Other examples include the MITRE ATT&CK Framework and Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls.

Using these standardized roadmaps ensures alignment with regulatory mandates and improves security consistency across industries.

2. Advanced threat intelligence and AI-driven analytics ‍

By incorporating the following tools in its tech stack, a managed CyberSOC reduces undetected vulnerabilities and refines detection accuracy:  

• Threat intelligence platforms (TIPs), which collect and analyze real-time data from internal and external sources (cybersecurity vendors and government agencies)

• AI-powered behavioral analytics, which identify suspicious activities

• Machine learning models, which refine detection and minimize false positives

3. Security automation for faster incident resolution

Managed CyberSOC solutions also use Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms to implement "playbooks" or protocols for common security incidents. SOAR automates the following tasks:

• Threat isolation and containment, blocking malicious IPs automatically
• Automated remediation or response, applying security patches to vulnerable endpoints
• Real-time incident tracking and escalation to SOC analysts when human intervention is needed

4. Multi-layered security tools for comprehensive protection

By providing end-to-end visibility, a managed CyberSOC can minimize security gaps across networks, endpoints, and cloud environments.

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): collects and correlates logs and alerts across networks
• User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA): monitors deviations from normal user behavior to detect insider threats and generates alerts  
• Extended Detection and Response (EDR): gathers data directly from sources or endpoints (desktop PCs, laptops, and servers). EDR can quickly isolate and remediate threats (such as removing malware or malicious code or applying patches) on affected endpoints.
• Extended Detection and Response (XDR): This is an expansion of EDR that detects sophisticated threats by analyzing cross-platform activity. XDR uses threat intelligence, advanced analytics, and automation to reduce alert fatigue and incident response.  
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): identifies and blocks malicious network traffic.

5. Continuous optimization and compliance alignment

A competently administered CyberSOC isn't reactive but boosts a company’s readiness and resilience by:  

• Reviewing past incidents to refine threat models.  

• Performing regular system audits in compliance with regulatory standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, and others.

• Conducting simulated cyber attack drills and training on new tech to strengthen response protocols.

Benefits of a CyberSOC

Cyber threats are more than IT problems. They put your finances, reputation, and good legal standing in the industry on the line. But with CyberSOC's advanced technologies and expert threat response, your business can thrive in an environment of risk mitigation, compliance, and customer trust. Here's how a CyberSOC delivers measurable value:

Non-stop monitoring for immediate threat response

With a CyberSOC's 24/7 security oversight, you get rapid threat identification and mitigation regardless of your time zone and the attack type that may hit your systems. Remember, cyber criminals don't wait, so neither should your defenses.

Minimized downtime and data breach risks

When security incidents paralyze operations, your business can suffer financial loss and a marred reputation. A CyberSOC can ensure business continuity by preventing unauthorized access and blocking cyber attacks proactively.

Strengthened compliance and risk management

Failing to meet industry and national cyber security regulations can result in heavy files and legal cases. A CyberSOC ensures you comply with laws, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS, through adherence to security frameworks and regular reporting.

Peace of mind for your businesses and customers

Security breaches can destroy the trust consumers have in your company. As a CyberSOC strengthens your cyber resilience, you demonstrate your commitment to data protection. This bolsters your brand reputation and customer loyalty.

How CyberSOC supports businesses of all sizes

Cybercriminals aren't picky. Their opportunistic mindset puts businesses of any size at risk. Their modus operandi evolves, becoming more sophisticated as new technology enters the market.  

Organizations with online operations must be responsible for securing their systems, devices, and data from online theft and fraud. Incorporating managed CyberSOC solutions into your cyber security program is one of the wisest ways of addressing this concern. Here's how they can help businesses of every size:

Small businesses and startups

ConnectWise's The State of SMB Cybersecurity in 2024 reported that 94% of SMBs experienced at least one cyber attack. Moreover, 76% didn't have in-house skills to handle security issues, causing concern that they might close up shop in the future when they experience a severe incident.  

However, the same report said that hiring managed services is growing among SMBs, with over 90% relying on them. A CyberSOC offers an affordable yet scalable way to access enterprise-grade tools and experts.

Medium-sized companies

As a startup scales into a medium-sized business, the number of users and devices increases. Cybercriminals also see mid-sized firms as backdoors to larger organizations, which may give the former access to their networks if they have a client relationship.  

In the UK alone, 70% of medium-sized businesses experienced cyber security breaches in 2024. When attack surfaces increase amid business growth, a CyberSOC can help maintain strong security without recruiting more IT security staff.

Enterprises  

Established enterprises have ramped up investments in a proactive security architecture due to the sheer volume of information they manage. Real-time threat detection tools that embrace automation are necessary, as in-house cyber security teams may overlook critical alerts amid a broad threat landscape.  

With a CyberSOC, you don’t just beef up your existing security with vigilant threat detection. You get rapid incident response capabilities to withstand and quickly recover from inevitable incidents that may arise.

Managed CyberSOC for resource-limited organizations

Managed CyberSOC solutions are a smart choice for businesses without internal resources due to the following:

• Economies of scale - You gain access to solutions and hardware at a lower price than if you acquire licenses and equipment on your own.

• Software and equipment - A CyberSOC runs advanced systems, which can be integrated into your IT infrastructure for immediate deployment.

• Large teams of experienced security experts - While hiring qualified professionals is another option, finding them can be difficult due to a shortage of talent with such specialization. You save on job advertising, interviewing, training, and onboarding people.

• Scalability - Unlike internal teams, a managed CyberSOC can scale support when your workforce, product line, or clientele expands.

Industries that benefit the most from managed CyberSOC

• Financial institutions: protection of sensitive customer information and compliance with regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
• Retail and eCommerce: protection against shopper account takeovers, payment fraud, and data breaches
• Healthcare: protection of patient data and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ‍
• Other industries: other sectors that face increasing digital adoption, such as government agencies, energy companies, manufacturing firms, critical infrastructure providers, and educational institutions  

Common cyber threats addressed by CyberSOC  

CyberSOC teams combat the following modern threats before they cause major damage:

1. Malware and ransomware attacks  - Malware is short for malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and malicious code or Trojans. These intrusive or hostile programs or files collect or destroy sensitive data and manipulate or block access to network components. This happens through a link to an unwanted software download or untrusted website.  Ransomware is among the most feared attacks because cybercriminals encrypt a user's files or data and threaten to erase them unless they pay a ransom. However, payment doesn't guarantee restoration of full access.

2. Social engineering and phishing - Social engineering involves tricking users into revealing sensitive information or granting access to malware. Threat actors pose as reputable individuals or organizations and create personalized email or text messages to get login credentials.  In phishing, attackers target victims by email, pretending to be a trusted source, often to dupe recipients to provide credit card data.  

3. Insider threats and accidental data leaks - Insiders can include disgruntled employees or contractors with access to privileged accounts. Meanwhile, some attacks occur due to human error, such as unknowingly installing malware or losing a company-issued device, which gets into the hands of a cybercriminal.

4. Advanced persistent threats (APTs) - APTs are long-term targeted attacks often originating from state-sponsored actors or well-funded cybercriminals. They remain undetected for an extended period and seek to infiltrate a network to gather information or disrupt operations over time. APTs typically aim at national governments, infrastructure, and large corporations.

What to do if your business does not have a CyberSOC  

With digital fraud on the rise, businesses of all sizes must enforce internal controls for survival and growth. Thanks to the evolving IT security industry, managed CyberSOC solutions are no longer only for large corporations. You can choose from among these options to avoid the risks of high exposure and slow threat detection and recovery, whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise:

• Virtual SOC: a remote team uses cloud-based tools and collaboration platforms  
• Managed SOC: an outsourced service that handles 24/7 monitoring and security infrastructure management, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and other security devices.
• Co-managed SOC: your business and a third-party provider share incident monitoring, detection, and response roles

Here are the factors to consider when deciding which managed CyberSOC solution to select for your business:

1. Understand your needs, vulnerabilities, and risks - You should also identify the data types that need protection, your users' location, and how accessible their systems should be.  

2. Evaluate your SOC provider's capabilities - After choosing from the three options above, shortlist your preferred solution providers. Then, inquire the following from each of them:

• Proofs of concept, case studies, and client references
• Integration capabilities  
• How they incorporate automation and AI into their operations
• SOC team's skills, experience, and compliance certifications  
• Service level agreement for response times, incident resolution, and reporting

3. Consider your budget - Run cost projections spanning three to five years. Include service fees, integration costs, on-premises equipment, compliance requirements, and the potential security breach costs if you choose inadequate protection.

CyberSOC in the Future  

Here are some trends shaping the future of cyber security. They stem from reactions to prominent cyber threats, emerging tech, and enduring security objectives.

• AI and machine learning - Cybercriminals are using AI to develop more complicated attacks. In response, SOCs have also started tapping AI to spot unusual behaviors and patterns that may indicate a security breach. Also, ML analyzes historical data to predict potential risks. These proactive prevention measures bolster current AI usage to automate more accurate detection, analysis, and response.  

• Zero trust architecture (ZTA) - ZTA follows the "never trust, always verify" principle. It verifies the identity and context of every user and device before granting access.  At the same time, it performs micro-segmentation, where each segment has its own access controls and firewall policies. This approach prevents a threat from spreading into your entire operation by isolating the affected segment.

• Quantum-resistant algorithm - Cybercriminals have begun using quantum computing to break into encrypted files. Quantum-resistant or post-quantum cryptography adoption will increase among CyberSOC to withstand future attacks from quantum computers. Transitioning to this technology is ideal for businesses dealing with large volumes of multimedia digital assets shared via email.

• Internet of Things (IoT) device protection - IoT devices running on 5G networks are vulnerable to external threats. As their use becomes widespread, CyberSOCs must implement robust measures to secure devices through authentication, encryption, and access control.

• Supply chain security - Cyberattacks on supply chains target vendor relationships to gain access to customer networks. CyberSOC functions will expand to cover vendor risk assessments, access control, and data encryption for supply chain protection.

• Increased demand for cyber security specialists - Organizations will continue to seek cyber security talent, with demand rising in AI, ML, and automation specializations. This comes amid automated hacking tools, AI-generated malware, and deepfake phishing scams.

Conclusion

As cybercrime grows in frequency and severity, managed CyberSOC solutions provide the frontline defense for your company's IT infrastructure and data. It ensures continuous risk management with faster threat detection and regulatory compliance.  

By preventing security incidents from turning into operational crises, a CyberSOC can strengthen business continuity. What used to be a challenge, therefore, becomes a competitive advantage, whether you're an SMB or an enterprise.

If you don't have a CyberSOC, explore your options now instead of waiting for a breach to expose your vulnerabilities. Our managed CyberSOC service can bring enterprise-level security without the cost and complexity of building an in-house team. Contact us for more information about our service packages.

Claro's CyberSOC is a scalable and comprehensive 24/7 security solution that combines advanced technologies, such as XDR, web filtering, firewall management, and incident response. It

leverages certified cyber security experts and industry frameworks to prevent cyber threats, mitigate risks, and ensure seamless business continuity. It also only costs a fraction of what traditional in-house management would require.

Success stories  

A Texas city government

A city government in Texas turned to Claro after its small IT department realized that its current IT infrastructure couldn't cope with the security, scalability, and network speed demands of running the locality. After choosing Claro to counter cyber threats, the average incident response time dropped to 30 minutes from four hours. Resolution time also dramatically improved from 12 hours to two.

Alumina

Colombia-based aluminum supplier Alumina worked with Claro as it possessed the mix of services to manage its SAP ERP cloud platform safely. The company was searching for a “single point of support” for its 900-strong workforce spread across the country, Ecuador, and the US.

Alumina adopted a co-managed setup, with the SOC streamlining 24/7 incident monitoring and resolution. According to its IT director, the SOC enabled its IT team "to focus its efforts and knowledge not only on the operation but mainly on continuous improvement, innovation, strategy, security and thus provide real added value to the company."