How to Build an Effective Security Operations Center (SOC) from Scratch

What is a SOC and Why is it Important?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized facility where cybersecurity professionals, processes, and technology work together to monitor and improve an organization’s security posture around the clock. The SOC serves as the organisation’s watchdog, and is the first line of defence against cyber threats by detecting, analysing, and responding to security incidents in real time.

The benefits of having a SOC include:

• Enhanced Threat Detection: Continuous monitoring ensures threats are identified and addressed before they escalate.
• Faster Incident Response: A well-established SOC minimizes response times to security incidents, reducing potential damage.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have strict cybersecurity regulations; which are becoming a norm. Having a SOC helps maintain compliance with standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, and NIST.
• Improved Risk Management: A SOC provides both high-level and granular insights into security risks, allowing businesses to take proactive measures.
• Increased Business Continuity: By preventing or mitigating cyberattacks, a SOC ensures the stability and continuity of business operations.

Step 1: Define SOC Objectives and Scope

Before establishing a SOC, an organisation must define its purpose and objectives. Security teams should ask the following questions:

• What are the key security challenges your organization faces?
• What assets need protection?
• What compliance requirements must be met?

The scope of the SOC should align with business needs. A company may determine that it is necessary to create an internal SOC dedicated to the organization’s security, or it could opt  for a hybrid model with outsourced functions, or even adopt a fully managed SOC operated by a third party.

Step 2: Select the Right Technology and Tools

Choosing the right features is essential for a SOC’s effectiveness. The right combination will ensure that your key business functions are locked down. Core technologies include:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Aggregates and analyses security data from various sources. Without a SIEM, the SOC would have no centralized system to aggregate and analyze security data from various sources. This would lead to Delayed threat detection, as security teams would need to manually correlate logs from different systems. Organizations can come under threat of increased response time, since there’s no real-time event correlation. There is also a higher risk of missing attacks, as subtle indicators of compromise (IoCs) might go unnoticed.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitors endpoints for suspicious activity. Without EDR, the SOC would lack visibility into endpoint activities, making it difficult to detect threats targeting workstations, servers, and mobile devices. This could result in Undetected malware infections, including ransomware, that spread across the network. Increased dwell time for attackers, who can exploit endpoint vulnerabilities without being noticed are also a risk. Resulting delayed forensic analysis makes it harder to trace attack origins and assess damage.
• Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs): Provides insights into emerging threats and attack patterns. Without a TIP, the SOC would operate without up-to-date information on emerging threats. This would lead to Reactive rather than proactive defense, as security teams wouldn’t have insight into the latest threat tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Teams could have difficulty in prioritizing threats, as there’s no way to assess which threats are most relevant to the organization. Increased vulnerability to new and sophisticated attacks are also a danger, since intelligence feeds wouldn’t inform detection and response strategies.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Identifies and mitigates security threats in real time. Without IDPS, the SOC would have no mechanism to detect or block real-time threats entering the network. This could result in Higher risk of successful cyberattacks, as unauthorized access attempts and exploits go unnoticed. Data breaches and system compromises can also become pervasive, since malicious activities wouldn’t be actively mitigated. In addition, regulatory non-compliance can result, particularly in industries requiring active network security monitoring.
• Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR): Automates workflows to improve incident response efficiency. Without SOAR, the SOC would struggle with handling security incidents efficiently. The impact would include Manual, time-consuming incident response, increasing the likelihood of prolonged breaches. Analyst fatigue, could ensue, as security teams would be overwhelmed with repetitive tasks. Inefficient incident management, as lack of automation further slows down containment and remediation efforts.

If a SOC lacks all these features, it could be inefficient, slow to detect and respond to threats, and unable to defend against modern cyberattacks. The organization would be highly vulnerable to breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage. Selecting solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing infrastructure will ensure smoother SOC operations.

Step 3: Build a Skilled SOC Team

A SOC reflects the quality of the personnel managing and operating it. A successful SOC team typically consists of:

• SOC Analysts (Level 1-3): This team monitors security events, analyse threats, and escalate incidents.
• Incident Response Specialists: These individuals handle and mitigate security breaches.
• Threat Intelligence Analysts: Will assess and predict potential threats based on current attack trends.
• SOC Manager: The senior position will oversee SOC operations and ensures alignment with business objectives.

Staffing can be a challenge due to the cybersecurity skills gap, so investing in training and certifications is essential.

Step 4: Establish SOC Workflows and Processes

Well-defined workflows ensure SOC efficiency. Key processes include:

• Incident Detection and Response: Establish playbooks for identifying, investigating, and resolving security incidents.
• Threat Hunting: Proactively searching for threats that evade automated defenses.
• Vulnerability Management: Regularly scanning and patching security vulnerabilities.
• Security Monitoring and Logging: Ensuring continuous visibility into network activity.

Automating repetitive tasks using SOAR solutions helps optimize SOC efficiency and reduce analyst fatigue.

Step 5: Implement a Threat Intelligence Program

Threat intelligence enhances a SOC’s ability to predict and prevent attacks. A strong program includes:

• Internal Threat Intelligence: Logs, alerts, and forensic data from your own network.
• External Threat Intelligence: Information from industry sources, threat intelligence platforms, and government agencies.
• Collaboration and Information Sharing: Engaging in threat intelligence sharing with trusted partners enhances situational awareness.

Step 6: Conduct Continuous Testing and Improvement

Building a SOC is not a one-time effort; it requires continuous evaluation and enhancement. Regular activities include:

• Red Team vs. Blue Team Exercises: Simulated attacks to test SOC effectiveness.
• Security Audits and Compliance Checks: Ensuring adherence to industry regulations.
• Incident Post-Mortems: Reviewing past incidents to refine response strategies.

Building an effective SOC from scratch requires a clear strategy, the right technology, skilled personnel, and well-defined workflows. By implementing a structured approach, organizations can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect themselves against ever-evolving threats.

If your organization is looking to establish a SOC, Rewterz can help you design, build, and manage a state-of-the-art SOC tailored to your specific needs. Our expertise in cybersecurity ensures that your SOC is not just operational but truly effective in defending against cyber threats. Contact Rewterz today to take your security operations from basic to cutting edge.