Pros and Cons of In-House vs. Outsourced SOC

Editor’s note: Dmitry compares in-house and outsourced SOCs and analyzes the key factors that may influence your choice of sourcing model. If you’re looking for a mature SOC partner to help you secure your business operations, don’t hesitate to contact ScienceSoft for our cybersecurity services.

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized IT facility or team responsible for monitoring, detecting, assessing, and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The primary goal of a SOC is to protect an organization’s digital assets, including data, networks, and systems, from various cyber threats, including malware, hacking attempts, and data breaches.

An in-house SOC is a dedicated IT unit within the organization that operates and maintains its own security tools and processes. An outsourced SOC is an external team provided by a third-party vendor that monitors, detects, and responds to cybersecurity threats on behalf of a client organization.

The Pros and Cons of an In-House SOC

Pros

• Control. Organizations have direct control over their internal SOC’s operations, allowing them to tailor security practices and policies to their specific needs and preferences.
• In-depth knowledge. Internal security teams develop a deep understanding of the organization’s systems, data, and unique security challenges, enabling more accurate threat detection and response.
• Immediate response. In-house SOCs can respond quickly to security incidents because they are present on-site and have immediate access to the organization’s infrastructure.
• Flexibility. The organization can customize its SOC tools and technologies to fit its infrastructure and security needs.

Cons

• High cost. Setting up and maintaining an in-house SOC can be expensive due to the need for skilled personnel, advanced security tools, and ongoing training.
• Limited scalability. In-house SOCs can be difficult to scale to handle increased workloads or sudden spikes in cyber threats.
• Expertise gaps. It may be challenging for smaller organizations to attract and retain top cybersecurity talent, potentially leaving them vulnerable to advanced threats.
• Internal bias. In-house SOC teams may have internal biases or cultural factors that affect their ability to assess threats objectively. Outsourced providers can offer a more independent perspective.

The Pros and Cons of an Outsourced SOC

Pros

• Cost efficiency. Outsourcing a SOC is usually more cost-effective because it eliminates the need for in-house infrastructure, tools, and cybersecurity talent hiring and training. Organizations can access SOC services at a predictable subscription cost or use the Time&Material model to only pay for the actual work done.
• Access to expertise. External providers typically employ a team of experienced cybersecurity professionals with diverse skill sets. Clients benefit from access to a broader range of expertise than they could maintain in-house.
• 24/7 monitoring. Many outsourced SOCs offer round-the-clock monitoring and threat detection, ensuring continuous protection against cybersecurity threats, even during off-hours.
• Advanced technologies. External providers invest in state-of-the-art security technologies and tools, giving clients access to cutting-edge solutions without significant capital expenditures.

Cons

• Privacy concerns. Sharing sensitive data with an external provider can raise privacy and security concerns, especially for organizations in highly regulated industries. A SOC vendor should be able to prove its mature approach to data security, which is usually guaranteed by certifications such as ISO 27001.
• Standardization. Outsourced SOCs often offer off-the-shelf security solutions that may not be fully customizable to meet a client organization’s needs. It is important to review a potential vendor’s service level agreements and portfolio projects to gather how flexible they are with each client.
• Dependency. Relying on an external provider means being dependent on their services and responsiveness, which can potentially lead to delays or issues in incident response times. To find a reliable vendor, seek client references and understand their escalation procedures for addressing delays and service interruptions.
• Communication challenges. There may be communication challenges between the client and the outsourced SOC, especially if there are language barriers or time zone differences. A mature SOC provider would provide a clear and efficient communication protocol, including multilingual support and well-defined processes for addressing time zone discrepancies.

In-House or Outsourced Cybersecurity: Which One to Choose?

When deciding between an in-house or outsourced SOC, consider your organization’s size, budget, security priorities, and risk tolerance. Some organizations opt for a hybrid approach, combining elements of both options to strike the right balance for their unique needs.

Regardless of the sourcing method, the SOC plays a crucial role in defending against evolving cyberthreats and ensuring the overall security of an organization. If you need a reliable SOC provider able to keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape and protect your business from cyberattacks, contact ScienceSoft.

Want to protect your IT environment to keep your business operations safe? We are ready to deal with cybersecurity challenges of any complexity.