SOC vs MDR
30/05/2023Security Operation Centers (SOC), today, have become a critical solution for public institutions and large-scale organizations as a result of the improvement and evolution over long years. Increasing complexity and the serious degree of cyber threats led to the diversity and enhancement of SOC-based security solutions. Security Operation Centers are more than a 365-day, 7/24 monitoring department for organizations and governments, comprising expert security specialists and advanced technologies against cyber threats.
Let’s take a look at the evolution of SOC technologies together, before going forward with its contemporary structure.
2000’s - First Security Operation Centers
Security Operation Centers were small departments, usually positioned in larger organizations at the beginning of the 2000s. Cyber Security used to be managed by IT departments and the scale of the cyber threats was quite low compared to the scale of today’s cyber threats. Therefore, tasks of the 2000’s SOC were comprised of network protection & reinforcement and regular reporting only.
2010’s - SOC Dominated Operation Centers
Cyber Security Centers started to face an increasing number of cyber threats in the 2010s. Security Operation Centers started to grow in size and become independent bodies. Meanwhile, the hardware and software technology solutions for SOC have been upgraded and integrated with various interfaces.
Thus, the odds of successfully avoiding cyber threats have increased considerably.
2020’s – SOC and Artificial Intelligence
Development and widespread of AI technology from the 2020s onward led to the use of it in cyber security centers as well. AI can contribute to cyber security in different ways: Firstly, AI can be used for submitting automatic detection of cyber threats via upgraded threat prevention and detection solutions. Likewise, AI can be hired for building up machine learning-based security solutions which are independent of each other for the prevention of cyber threats.
Cybersecurity centers transformed radically in recent years. This transformation took place due to the increasing number of cyberattacks and the introduction of new technologies. As a result, SOC solutions have become more effective and protective against cyber threats. In light of these facts, it is expected that the Security Operation Centers are expected to develop more in the future.
Having mentioned the brief history of SOC, now we can go further with technologies related to security operations.
What is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?
MDR (Managed Detection and Response) concept in the modern-day cyber security world has recently become acquainted. Reactive approaches which only report the alarms are not sufficient in reducing the security risks of the organizations. That’s why, MDR providers come up as an integrated security solution that detects and responds to the new generation threats as conventional security measures fall behind.
MDR applies a series of technologies and services in terms of detecting and responding the threats. MDR Services are customized according to the security needs of the organizations, to facilitate developed and multifaceted models. MDR services also require high skills in monitoring and analysis in order to build security with a proactive approach. Therefore, MDR services are better provided by highly skilled and experienced teams of cyber security companies.
MDR service continuously monitors, detects, and responds to cyber threats. Automatic threat detection service helps threat intervention to start as soon as possible. MDR also uses additional technologies which are specially configured to scan company networks in detail to accelerate threat elimination.
MDR service is a key component in building security in various aspects. Among these aspects, we can list regular data backup, system updates, and continuous testing of the services. A well-configured and proactive MDR service can reinforce the security of the organization noticeably while minimizing the threats and damages of a potential attack.
What is Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)?
Another SOC-related technology that makes cyber security analysts’ work easier is SOAR. It makes the security incident response time even shorter by automatizing the human factor including workflows. In this matter, SOAR contributes to the efficiency of cyber security analysts and enables them to handle more than one incident at a time.
SOAR technology, therefore, is quite important in establishing fast decision-making processes in the cybersecurity industry. Many organizations and institutions can reduce the risks of attack and threat levels by using SOAR service.
MDR service, on the other hand, plays an important role in detecting and guarding against cyber security threats towards the SOAR and other technologies & organizations gather around it. SOAR contributes to the process by facilitating automatization. MDR Service, including SOAR, brings efficiency to the whole cyber security process of an organization. Therefore, it is suggested that organizations take cybersecurity issues seriously and invest in cybersecurity related technologies and services.
What are the Points to Take into Consideration While Getting SOC Service?
Risk Assessment
The threat is an important element of cyber security that should be paid attention. Each and every risk factor or security gap should be discussed and carefully handled in terms of risk assessment. Hence, it is a necessity to conduct a risk assessment for organizations and institutions that receives SOC service based on their hardware and software technologies, activity fields, and business history.
Regular and Timely Updating
Regular and timely updating is vital to take the necessary cyber security measures. In this respect, SOC should pay attention to the update of all security software and hardware, and take the necessary measures on time to keep the network safe and protected against threats.
Data Analysis
SOC should analyze all of the activity that takes place on the network and system and be able to interfere immediately in case of any potential threat or attack.
Security analysis should be conducted and reported regularly with network monitoring software, network information, incident management software, and network analyzer tools.
Precautions Against Technical and Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks and technical attacks are popular methods used for accessing the system, retrieving data, and spoofing. SOC should create awareness about data security, take precautionary measures in order to avoid such attacks, and keep the customers informed.
What are the Supplementary Services of SOC?
Early Response Services
SOC service should be able to intervene on time and effectively in case of an attack or a cyber threat.
Because of this requirement, the operation center ensures the safety of customers by providing immediate intervention within the scope of the emergency response service.
Safety Advisory and Test Services
SOC also provides advisory services to customers with regard to cyber security. It further ensures customer security by running tests for the applications and systems of the organizations.
Event Log Monitoring
SOC can track, monitor, and analyze previous security-related events, conduct a risk assessment, and advise on necessary security precautions in light of the log information.
Event Safety Management Services
Event safety management is also among the SOC services and faster event intervention is provided via this service. All interventions and security incidents are logged and reported.
In summary, MDR is distinguished from conventional cyber security services that usually rely on a single technology or solution and finish with alarm reports. MDR includes services such as non-stop attack surface monitoring, and detection of indicators of attack (IoA) thanks to its structure that includes integrated and active operational services.
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Author
Nebil Vural Gündoğan
Service and Business Development Manager