INSIGHT

What is a security operations center (SOC)?

Sarah A. Lynn • November 15, 2024

Services: Security Operations Center

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A security operations center (SOC) is a centralized unit that monitors, detects, analyzes and responds to cybersecurity events. Acting as an organization’s security command center, a SOC provides the first line of defense against hackers and insider threats, allowing rapid response to security events in real-time. 

While many industry and government regulations now mandate continuous security monitoring, the real value of a SOC goes beyond compliance. It provides the comprehensive protection modern organizations need to operate securely in today’s complex digital environment. 

How a security operations center works 

Drawing from years of SOC operations experience, BPM has found that effective security monitoring requires a sophisticated combination of technology, skilled analysis, and proven processes. This is why our BPM Trust Center and SOC Services are ISO 27001 certified. 

A SOC protects your entire IT infrastructure through continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities. SOC analysts use sophisticated tools, such as SIEMs, EDR/MDR and threat analysis, to watch over your networks, devices, cloud services and business-critical applications. When potential threats are detected, the team investigates and coordinates appropriate responses to protect business assets. 

Core SOC components include: 

• Security monitoring systems: Advanced tools that provide real-time visibility across your digital environment 
• Threat detection tools: Sophisticated systems that help identify potential threats early 
• Incident response processes: Clear procedures for handling security events while maintaining business continuity 
• Skilled security analysts: Trained professionals who investigate alerts and coordinate effective responses

Why organizations need SOC protection 

Modern business environments face increasing security challenges that require sophisticated monitoring and response capabilities. Key challenges include: 

Evolving cyber threats 

Today’s threat landscape changes constantly, with new attack methods emerging regularly. SOC monitoring helps organizations stay ahead of these evolving threats through continuous monitoring and rapid response. 

Complex IT environments 

Modern businesses combine on-premise systems, cloud services and remote workers, sometimes with multiple devices. A SOC provides the centralized visibility needed to protect all these interconnected elements. 

Compliance requirements 

Many industries face strict security monitoring mandates. A SOC helps ensure continuous compliance while providing necessary documentation and certifications for auditors and regulators. 

Resource constraints 

Building and maintaining an in-house security operations center requires significant investment (time and budget). Many organizations find their IT teams don’t have the capacity or domain-specific proficiency to oversee something as sensitive and crucial as SOC operations. Working with established providers like BPM allows organizations to realize savings of 50 percent or more over fully staffing their own SOC team. 

How modern SOC monitoring protects your business 

Continuous monitoring and analysis 

Modern SOC monitoring combines advanced technology with skilled analysis to protect your organization around the clock. Analysts use sophisticated monitoring tools to: 

• Review network traffic patterns across your infrastructure 
• Monitor user and system behaviors 
• Track access to sensitive systems 
• Correlate security events to identify threats

“Most companies don’t have the subject matter expertise to follow the basics of monitoring. The sophistication of clouds, devices, hybrids, fail-over, high-availability, back-ups/no back-ups and the fact that they should be correlated to look for all bad events possible makes the task daunting. Fighting back on that daunting monster is what we do for a living and fun!” – Sarah A. Lynn, BPM Advisory Partner, IT Security & Compliance Subject Matter Expert 

Real-time threat response 

When security events occur, rapid response helps minimize potential impact. SOC teams provide: 

• Immediate threat investigation 
• Quick containment measures 
• Coordinated recovery efforts 
• Clear status communications

Benefits of professional SOC services 

Professional SOC services provide several key advantages for organizations: 

Immediate capability access 

Professional SOC services provide instant access to enterprise-grade security monitoring without the typical startup investment. Organizations gain: 

• Advanced security technologies 
• Proven monitoring processes 
• Multi-layer threat detection 
• Continuous updates and improvements

Business focus 

SOC services allow your internal teams to concentrate on core business initiatives while maintaining strong security. This provides: 

• Relief for in-house IT staff 
• Elimination of training costs 
• Access to security specialists 
• Scalable protection levels

Most companies choose, with BPM’s SOC Services, to be the implementer, co-designer, remediator and have our team provide the “eyes on glass”, rapid research and remediation advice and escalate when particular events occur. 

Efficient implementation 

Professional SOC providers streamline the security monitoring setup process, making it quick and cost-effective for organizations. BPM’s proven implementation approach includes: 

• Comprehensive IT architecture review 
• Strategic security gap analysis 
• Efficient tool deployment 
• Seamless system integration

Supporting your security journey 

As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations need sophisticated security monitoring and response capabilities.  

BPM’s SOC monitoring services help organizations realize significant cost savings while providing enterprise-grade security protection. Contact our team to learn more about strengthening your security operations.