IT risk mitigation in Fintech: The role of SOC in business protection

Brief summary_

As part of the project, we implemented a Security Operations Center (SOC) service, providing round-the-clock security monitoring and incident response (24/7/365). The primary goal was to reduce IT risk through rapid detection and neutralization of high-priority threats (CRITICAL, HIGH). The solution was built on Microsoft’s advanced ecosystem, utilizing Sentinel and Defender XDR technologies, which significantly enhanced operational efficiency and reduced incident response times. 

 

 

Client_

Our client is a company that provides specialized support services for the financial sector, with a particular focus on the private investment market. Its offering includes advanced data analytics, comprehensive information management, and precise reporting—tools that help institutional investors make better investment decisions. It is a large enterprise distinguished by the scale of its operations and expert know-how. 

 

 

Challenge_

The client approached us with a need for comprehensive protection against cyber threats and the minimization of IT risk within their organization. 

 

 

Business goals_

The main reasons for implementing a SOC were: 

• Improved security monitoring: To ensure continuous monitoring of the IT infrastructure for rapid threat detection and response. 
• Enhanced threat detection capabilities: Implementation of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to more effectively identify threats. 
• Faster incident response: Enabling quick and effective responses to security incidents, minimizing damage, and ensuring smooth restoration of normal system operations. 
• Prevention of future attacks: Threat analysis and the implementation of appropriate protective measures to prevent future incidents. 
• Ensuring client security: Applying best-in-class security measures within the organization to guarantee ongoing protection for the company’s clients. 

 

 

Solution_

In response to the client’s needs, we implemented a 24/7/365 SOC service using Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR. 

 

 

Solution architecture and key components_

Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-based SIEM/SOAR solution (Security Information and Event Management / Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) that enables the collection, analysis, and real-time response to security-related data. The platform provides advanced analytics, automates processes, and integrates diverse data sources, supporting faster threat detection and more effective incident response. With its scalability and flexibility, Microsoft Sentinel allows SOC teams to manage security at scale while minimizing risk and increasing operational efficiency. 

 

Microsoft Defender XDR (Extended Detection and Response) is a comprehensive security solution that integrates threat detection, analysis, and response into a single platform. It provides multi-layered IT protection—from devices and applications to networks. As a tool supporting SOC teams, Defender XDR enables centralized monitoring and rapid response to threats using advanced artificial intelligence and automation. With tight integration with other Microsoft products, the platform boosts operational efficiency by accelerating the detection, analysis, and neutralization of threats across the organization’s IT environment. 

 

As a SIEM platform, Microsoft Sentinel collects and analyzes data from various sources (Data Connectors, Threat Intelligence module), while Microsoft Defender XDR ensures in-depth protection at the device, application, and network levels. Together, these tools enable rapid incident detection, automated response, and effective management of the entire threat response process. The result? Enhanced operational efficiency for SOC teams and significantly reduced response time to threats. 

 

 

Used frameworks and tools_

• Microsoft Sentinel
• Microsoft Defender XDR
• MITRE ATT&CK
• CYBER KILL CHAIN 

 

 

Benefits of the solution_

The implementation of Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR provides full visibility and advanced threat analysis in real-time, enabling faster detection and response to incidents. Through the integration of both tools, the organization gains automated incident response processes and security alerts, improved operational efficiency, and better protection against complex threats across the entire IT environment. 

 

 

Summary_

The solution, implemented in Q1 2024, is performing excellently. The system’s performance, analyzed incidents, and individual detected threats are discussed in weekly meetings focused on the client’s IT security matters. 

In the future, a vulnerability management process will also be implemented, including the integration of External Attack Surface Management (EASM) with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender. This will allow for even more accurate identification and monitoring of external threats that could serve as entry points into the organization. With this solution, potential vulnerabilities in publicly available resources such as websites, applications, and APIs will be detected more quickly, improving incident response times. Additionally, the integration with the existing security ecosystem will enable more effective risk management, further strengthening the overall defense against external attacks.