18 Apr Managed SOC Vs. Dedicated SOC: Which One Is Right For MSPs?
Next generation security operations centers Sponsored by Bolton Secure
– Boca Raton, Fla. – Apr. 18, 2020
Understanding the shift from traditional SOC models to next-generation service-based offerings.
From business operations to data storage, the world has moved online. Hackers have quickly followed suit and are becoming more sophisticated, organized, and prolific. Recent studies have found that 54 percent of organizations have experienced an endpoint attack, and over 60 percent of attacks now use fileless hacking techniques, leaving companies dangerously exposed to data breaches and in dire need of security services. This uptick in demand is causing a massive global shortfall in cybersecurity talent, with an estimated gap of 1.5 million roles by the end of 2019 and 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2021.
Naturally, many companies are turning to managed service providers (MSPs) to help address the gap. Yet the sheer demand for cybersecurity services is outstripping supply and many MSPs are struggling to find the resources and investment needed to scale their security services to meet the growing market demand. These forces are ultimately redefining the delivery of security services in the market.
The shift from traditional SOC models
The SOC model is shifting from a traditional approach, known for its high barrier to entry with significant upfront investment costs, and high-priced training programs, to the next generation of SOC services. This new generation offers flexible pricing, speedy on-boarding, and on-demand access to high-quality, qualified talent. Although there are now various delivery models and SOC capabilities on the market, it can still be challenging for MSPs to evaluate which model is best aligned to their business needs.
Rather than building DIY or from-scratch security centers, many MSPs are turning to next-generation SOCs that operate using more flexible, service-based models to help scale and complement existing security teams and investments, resulting in:
- Zero cost of entry and reduced launch times. With next-generation SOCs, the infrastructure and teams are already in place, so MSPs can quickly launch and scale a security offering.
- On-demand access to hard-to-find talent. By outsourcing all (or components) of a SOC, MSPs can tap into a pool of hard-to-find security analysts who receive regular training and upskilling on the latest cybersecurity threats, as well as access to top-tier consultants for incident escalations, forensics, and emergency response participation.
- Proactive protection from threats. Next-generation SOCs benefit from economies of scale: if analysts identify a security threat for one client, they can roll out updates to protect others.
Whether you’re looking to completely outsource your security operations or supplement your existing offering with hard-to-find talent, there are options to suit your needs.
We’ve broken down two SOC-as-a-Service options to help you determine which solution is right for you.
What is a managed SOC?
A managed SOC is a service offering, which means you’ll have 24/7/365 security monitoring, as well as access to a shared team of fully trained security analysts, SOC managers, SIEM content authors, and engineers.
This SOCaaS model also offers transparency, with access to a single view portal of all activities, processes, and tracking on KPIs, as well as a turnkey SOC platform.
Key considerations for managed SOCs:
- A managed SOC is ideal if you’re an MSP whose customers are relying on you to monitor, detect, and respond to today’s cybersecurity threats AND you currently don’t have an existing 24/7 SOC.
- With a managed SOC, you don’t need to worry about choosing, implementing, and maintaining tools or recruiting dedicated analysts, meaning it’s quick and easy to launch and scale.
- Many SOCaaS providers have built their offer with little flexibility in mind. This often forces MSPs to stray from their desired delivery method or strategy in favor of quickly getting a security solution to market. Be sure to assess the flexibility of your SOCaaS provider’s tech stack, their in-house expertise, and their willingness to work with you to customize a solution that is tailored to you and your customers’ needs.
What is a dedicated SOC?
A dedicated SOC is a service offering that allows an MSP to have access to an exclusive, dedicated network of experienced security analysts to supplement or scale their existing teams.
In this model, security experts are trained to work within your organization’s existing processes and suite of security tools. Working hours can also be fully customized based on your needs.
Key considerations for dedicated SOCs:
- Dedicated SOCs are best suited for MSPs who have existing security products and teams but are struggling to cover 24/7 shifts, or for those who want to scale their existing security operations to meet customer demand.
- Dedicated teams are also the perfect option for MSPs who want to retain control and transparency over their security operations.
- As dedicated SOC teams operate within your existing framework, it can take 1-2 months to integrate and launch.
“One of the biggest challenges I face in growing my security business is ensuring that we have the right analyst team to scale with our customers. Bolton Secure is an integral part of our talent strategy – I have been able to build out an extension of my SOC rapidly and easily. As a result, our security business is growing faster than we originally planned.” – Tom Neclerio, Vice President of Security Services at United Data Technologies
Over to you
The next generation of SOC offerings deliver a range of benefits that can be tailored to best suit your business needs. Whether you’re looking for SOC-as-a-Service under a managed or dedicated model, Bolton Secure offers the right solution to support and scale your SOC operations; get in touch today.
This blog was originally posted here.
– Patrick Linton is Co-Founder of Bolton Secure where he and his team deliver cybersecurity services, training, and tools to managed service providers who want to scale their security and network offerings.
Sponsored by Bolton Secure
Bolton Secure is on a mission to simplify and improve how companies staff, manage and optimize their Security Operation Centers (SOCs) to deliver a world-class capability at a fraction of the cost. We are a team of experienced technology, security, and operations experts who work side-by-side with you to tackle cybersecurity challenges together. Learn more about our management team below, or better yet, drop us a line – we are here to listen, learn and help.
