In this modern digital era we are surrounded by acronyms which sometimes hide complexities that we seldom delve deeper to attain more information about but rather keep ourselves content that we at least know that they exist.
However, in many cases, that type of behavior hinders the potentiality that some technical words hold which we don`t get to know about. Therefore, we encourage you to be curious in life and question always.
Via this article we will get more knowledgeable about SOC and NOC, what they are, the features they hold and what differentiates them. The terms NOC (Network Operations Centre) and SOC (Security Operations Centre) are often used conversely, but there are important differences. Read on as we explore their features and the roles they have in your company’s security infrastructure.
What is a SOC?
For an organisation to manage and monitor its security threats via a physical or virtual location, they need a SOC or a security operations centre. Depending on the business needs, a SOC can be manned around the clock or during trading hours.
Without any doubt staff appointed must be knowledgeable about security technologies and processes, thus being in a prime position to protect their company`s networks, systems, and data. However, the SOC teams` duties don`t stop there, as they also respond to incidents, investigate potential breaches, and work together to prevent future attacks.
Thus, organisations are encouraged to be proactive and protect their critical assets by appointing a dedicated SOC team responsible for security. This way they reduce the chances of being breached.
What is a NOC?
Network administrators can monitor and manage the status of computer networks via a NOC (Network Operations Centre) which is a central location acting as the company`s network operations centre. Typically, a NOC involves large displays showing real-time performance of all networks that fall under its surveillance.
The NOC team`s tasks are not to manage the network performance only though, they also troubleshoot and tackle network issues as they arise. It is common practice that NOCs are heavily guarded, and the staff has strict procedures in place due to the critical role they play in keeping networks up and running.
SOC vs NOC – The Differences
So, as we saw so far, both SOC and NOC are centralised locations where network supervising and administration take place, but there are differences between them which we are listing hereunder for your benefit as follows:
- NOCs focus on network operations, while SOCs on security
- NOCs usually have employees with network expertise, while SOCs have staff with security expertise
- NOCs utilise network management tools to monitor network performance, while SOCs use security tools to monitor threats
- NOCs typically troubleshoot network problems, while SOCs typically respond to security incidents
In a nutshell then, NOCs and SOCs are diverse teams serving different purposes within an organisation, but they are both vital in keeping computer networks and systems running smoothly and securely.
SOC & NOC Challenges
As aforementioned then both SOC and NOC are vital parts of a company, but they also come with their set of challenges which make a company think its course of action and route to choose the right approach.
Let`s see some common challenges associated with each approach.
SOC Challenges:
- 24/7 staff and monitoring can be expensive
- Valuable time is consumed investigating and responding to incidents
- There is always a risk of missing important security events
NOC Challenges:
- Security tools can be intricate and difficult to configure correctly
- Constantly updating security policies and procedures can be challenging
- A present risk of losing visibility in the network if anything goes wrong
SOC vs NOC – Which is the Right Choice for my Organisation?
When deciding which type of team is right for your business here are some things to consider:
Size & Scope of the Company – SOC teams are responsible for security aspects, from monitoring to detection to response and incident management, thus they are larger and more comprehensive than NOC teams, while the latter focus on network security and monitoring
Type of Threats – NOC teams are better suited for dealing with more common issues like malware and DDOS attacks, while SOC teams are better armed to deal with APTs or Advanced Persistent Threats
Cost – NOC teams are usually less expensive to operate, while SOC teams can be expensive to maintain due to their size and complexity
Response Time – NOC teams may take longer to intervene as they also have to manage networks, while SOC teams are typically faster since they are focused exclusively on security
Ultimately, an organisation must undergo an assessment of its needs to decide on whether to implement a SOC or NOC. If you have the resources and the need for 24/7 monitoring a SOC would be your obvious solution. On the other hand, if you have a simpler network and can afford occasional monitoring then a NOC should suffice.
Creating an Effective SOC or NOC – Hot Tips
You always need to make sure that your business and data are being protected from malicious actors irrelevant if you are running a small or a big organisation. Now we know that one way of tackling this is to apply a SOC or NOC.
Here are some tips for creating a successful setup:
Goals & Objectives – Define them, what do you want your SOC or NOC to accomplish? Which specific threats do you want security from? Once these are established, you can start putting together the setup of your SOC or NOC
Identifying the Right Tools & Technologies – There exist a plethora of solutions on the market, so it`s essential to choose the ones that meet your needs, so do your research and network with other industries in your sector to see what they`re using
Create a Team of Experts – Ensuring you have professionals on board is key as your SOC or NOC will be as good as those manning them
These tips will assist you in creating effective SOC or NOC which will assist in keeping your data safe from harm.
In Conclusion
Both SOC and NOC are essential structures for a company which wants to protect its data, however check out their differences before deciding which is the best approach for your company.
An effective SOC or NOC can be created by following our strategies and tips in tandem with experts in the field.