Highlights
Building a SOC – where to start?
In a world where digital threats lurk behind every click, data protection is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. According to Check Point, in Poland alone, companies face an average of 1,700 cyberattacks per week*. Cybercriminals never sleep, which is why more and more organizations are investing in a Security Operations Center (SOC) – a digital fortress that guards the company’s security 24/7.
But what exactly is a SOC? And how do you build one?
What is a Security Operations Center?
A Security Operations Center (SOC) is the heart of an organization’s cybersecurity – a specialized hub that monitors, analyzes, and responds to threats in real time. It operates around the clock, 24/7 – because cyber threats don’t keep office hours.
A SOC is more than just technology. It’s a blend of people, processes, and tools working together to catch any warning sign before it turns into a real problem.
Where to begin when building a SOC?
Don’t go in blind – building a SOC isn’t a sprint. Before you invest in tools or hire experts, take the time to answer a few key questions:
- what are your biggest risks?
- should the SOC be internal or outsourced?
- what resources – human, financial, and technological – do you have?
Sometimes, outsourcing your SOC is the better choice – especially if you need a fast start and access to top-tier expertise.
Step-by-step: how to build a SOC
1. Needs and threat analysis
Want to avoid unnecessary expenses and match the technology to your actual needs? Start with an analysis of your infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and assess compliance requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR). A strong SOC starts with asking the right questions.
2. Choosing the operating model
What are your priorities and limitations? The SOC operating model should reflect your reality. An in-house SOC offers full control but demands significant resources. Outsourcing provides quick access to expertise and cost savings – especially early on. Think about what matters most to your organization.
3. Designing the SOC architecture
Define procedures, choose the right technologies, and ensure compatibility with your existing infrastructure. Develop an Incident Response Plan (IRP), escalation procedures, and reporting methods. Remember – SOC without procedures is like a fire brigade with no hydrants: it might function, but not effectively.
4. Implementation and testing
In cybersecurity, trust is built on control. After deploying systems and training your team, conduct comprehensive testing – run incident simulations and internal audits. Treat them as a test not just for technology, but for your people and processes too.
Read more about how a SOC works: What is a SOC?
What skills and team do you need?
A SOC is made up of experts who miss nothing. Key roles include:
- SOC analysts – your digital eyes and ears. They monitor, analyze, and escalate incidents.
- Security engineers – masters of configuration and automation.
- SOC managers – operational leaders who keep everything on track.
More advanced SOCs may also include threat hunters, threat intelligence specialists, and compliance experts. But remember – sometimes less is more. Your top priority should be quality.
Using Microsoft technologies in a practical SOC model
When building a SOC from the ground up, it is crucial not only to define processes and roles but also to choose tools that enable their effective execution. In this context, the Microsoft ecosystem brings significant value by naturally supporting the creation of a cohesive operational model. Microsoft Sentinel allows organizations to centralize telemetry data from many distributed sources and build detection rules based on contextual analysis, while Defender XDR integrates information from various security layers – from endpoints to identities – making it easier to correlate incidents into a single, coherent threat picture. Such an environment helps SOC teams develop repeatable, data-driven response mechanisms and prioritize actions more effectively, especially in organizations that are gradually building their operational security capabilities.
Technologies and tools supporting the SOC
There’s no room for shortcuts here. Every modern SOC should include:
- SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) – aggregates logs and analyzes events in real time.
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) – secures endpoints and enables rapid response.
- SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation and Response) – automates SOC activities and speeds up incident analysis.
- Threat Intelligence Platforms – provide external threat insights and help enable proactive defenses.
It’s also worth investing in tools for incident management, team collaboration, and knowledge building. A SOC is an ecosystem – the better integrated, the more effective it becomes.
Summary: how to build a SOC?
A SOC is a strategy. A command center protecting your business from digital chaos. Building it takes time, people, tools, and a clear awareness of potential threats. But it’s worth the investment – because a SOC is your guarantee of cybersecurity and the stability of your business.
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Bibliography:
- https://polandinsight.com/even-1700-attacks-per-week-here-is-the-ranking-of-main-threats-in-the-polish-network-45658/ [access: 16.09.202r.]
