Security Operations Centre (SOC)

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 A SOC performs several key functions, including:

• 24/7 monitoring of security events.
• Threat detection and incident response.
• Forensic analysis and threat hunting.
• Vulnerability management and compliance support.

 A SOC uses Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), AI-driven analytics, behavioural monitoring, and threat intelligence to detect suspicious activities and cyber threats. 

 A SOC (Security Operations Centre) focuses on cybersecurity—detecting and responding to security threats.
A NOC (Network Operations Centre) focuses on network performance—ensuring system uptime and resolving IT issues. 

 A good SOC includes:

• SIEM solutions for log collection and analysis.
• Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) for automated response.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR).
• Threat intelligence and vulnerability management.

Organizations can choose from different SOC models:

• In-House SOC – Managed internally by the organization’s security team.
• Managed SOC (MSSP or MDR) – Outsourced to a third-party provider.
• Hybrid SOC – A mix of in-house and outsourced security operations.

 An outsourced SOC provides:

• Cost savings (no need for an in-house team).
• 24/7 monitoring without additional staffing costs.
• Access to advanced security tools and expertise.

• Security effectiveness (NGAV, EDR, AI-driven protection)
• Ease of deployment and management
• Cloud vs. on-premises options
• Integration with existing security tools
• Performance impact
• Compliance and reporting capabilities

• Viruses, worms, and Trojans that infect endpoints and spread across networks.
• Advanced malware that hides within legitimate applications to evade detection.

• Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
• EPP uses behavior analysis and rollback features to detect and stop ransomware before damage occurs.

• Social engineering attacks that trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• EPP prevents malicious attachments, links, and downloads from executing on endpoints.

• Attacks that exploit system tools (e.g., PowerShell, Windows Management Instrumentation) instead of using traditional malware files.
• EPP detects abnormal behavior and stops unauthorized script execution.

• Newly discovered software vulnerabilities that attackers exploit before patches are available.
• EPP uses AI, machine learning, and behavioral analytics to detect and block these threats.

• Employees or contractors intentionally or unintentionally exposing data or executing malicious activities.
• EPP includes monitoring, access control, and anomaly detection to detect suspicious behavior.

• Malware designed to steal passwords and other sensitive login credentials.
• EPP detects unauthorized access attempts and prevents credential theft techniques.

• Long-term, targeted attacks where hackers infiltrate systems and remain undetected for extended periods.
• EPP combines behavioral analysis and threat intelligence to detect unusual activities.

• Malware automatically downloaded when visiting a compromised website.
• EPP blocks execution of malicious scripts and downloads.

• Infected endpoints turned into bots to participate in large-scale attacks like DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service).
• EPP identifies and isolates infected machines before they are used in botnet operations.

• Malware spreading through USB drives and external storage devices.
• EPP includes device control policies to block or scan removable media.

• Attackers targeting vulnerabilities in outdated software and operating systems.
• EPP helps enforce patch management and virtual patching.

• Employees installing and using unapproved software that may pose security risks.
• EPP includes application control and whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software execution.

• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks where hackers intercept communications.
• Lateral movement within a network to gain access to critical systems.
• EPP integrates with firewalls and network security tools to stop unauthorized movement.

• Attackers or insiders attempting to steal sensitive business or customer data.
• EPP includes Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to monitor and prevent unauthorized data transfers.