Security operation center (SOC) from inside

Introduction

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Is now an essential element in the data protection and Security system That reduces the level of exposure of information systems to external and internal risks.

Definition

SOC Security Operation Center

It Can Be summed up as a team in charge of the Security of the company’s information system.

It makes It possible to subdivide the management of Security in the company via the different actors who compose It and through technical and managerial Tools (SIEM Is the main tool generally used by SOCs.

Goals

The goal of a SOC Is to detect, analyze, and remedy cyber Security incidents using technological solutions and a well-defined set of procedures.

It monitors and analyzes activity on networks, servers, terminals, databases, applications, websites, and other systems, looking for abnormal behaviors that could be indicative of a security incident. Security and therefore which could be a risk of malfunction of the information system.

The SOC should ensure that potential security incidents are properly identified, analyzed, defended, investigated, and reported.

Actors

SOCs are typically made up of Security analysts and engineers, as well as managers overseeing Security operations.

Other SOCs may include R&D managers in Security/cyber Security, analysis, cryptology, …

SOC teams work closely with IT infrastructure administration teams to ensure that the Security issue Is addressed and That There are no short or long term fallouts.

Operation

The first step in establishing a SOC Is to clearly define a strategy That incorporates the business-specific goals of various departments. Then the necessary infrastructure to support It Is put in place. The typical SOC infrastructure includes firewalls, IPS / IDS, breach detection solutions, probes, and a Security information and event management (SIEM) system. The technology Is implemented to efficiently collect data for analysis through data feeds, metrics, packet capture, Syslog, and other methods to keep SOC teams in sync. The SOC also monitors networks and endpoints for vulnerabilities to protect sensitive data and to comply with applicable regulations.

Benefits

• Have a team available and dedicated to Security management ;
• A good division of roles ;
• Continuous improvement of organizations’ Security systems ;
• Increased data protection ;
• Improvement of threat and incident management ;
• Centralization and consolidation of Security functions
• Remain in compliance with the regulations relating to data protection

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• The installation Is complicated and requires time
• The return on Investment takes time to be remarkable

Conclusion

In short, a SOC provides dynamic Security That acts as a real bastion of analysis, surveillance, prevention, and remediation.

HOUGBEKEY E. Sylvanus

Computer scientist

France