If you don’t have a Security Operations Center (SOC) in place at your company, you are not alone. Some 44% of all US businesses are without one, too. Whether you run a small, medium or large business, these centers are an important element in keeping cyber criminals at bay. Outlined below is a SOC definition, why it makes sense to look at one and how ProActive Technology Group can help with the implementation.

Defining a Security Operations Center

A SOC functions to maintain situational awareness of the computer systems and networks it monitors. Events are monitored by software and transmitted to the SOC for logging and review by an analyst team. In addition, between the software and the team, cyberattacks can be prevented, detected early and responded to quickly.

Why a SOC Makes Sense

First, here are seven statistics that help build the case for a SOC:

• ‍Over four billion records were exposed to hackers last year 
• Over 250,000 new malware samples are identified every day 
• Average dollar impact of data breaches ranges from $86,500 to $891,000 
• 64% of companies only have an informal threat intelligence program and 
• 50% of IT professionals stated they could not predict or detect a sophisticated cyberattack 
• 43% of security incidents resulted in data losses 
• 32% of all computers are subject to at least one attack 

Sources:  2016-17 EY Global Information Security Survey  2017 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 

Second, compliance standards are coming your way regarding data privacy laws and regulations. Failure to comply can result in stiff governmental fines and open your organization up to costly lawsuits.  

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Monitoring and Compliance is Needed 

Real-time monitoring of your entire network and all the devices connected to it on a 24/7 basis will allow your cybersecurity team to engage in proactive defenses and rapid remediation.  Choosing the right option will also keep your organization in constant compliance, protecting it from costly regulatory fines.    Believe it or not, the cost of SOC deliverables is less than a traditional Managed Security Service Provider. The latter option only blocks limited functionality on the network. MSSP does not address compliance regulations that are constantly fluid.  

ProActive Technology Group Can Be Your SOC 

Though this decision may seem complicated, we can help make the streamlining of this process easier by handling all monitoring remotely. SOC practices can save your organization money, increase monitoring efficiencies and keep your company in constant compliance. Call us 516.876.8200 to speak with one of our technical team members today!