Benefits of Continuous Cybersecurity Monitoring with a Managed Security Operations Center (SOC)

Introduction: The Importance of Robust Cybersecurity in Today’s Digital Age

As a leading managed service provider, we’ve seen cyber threats explode in recent years, posing significant risks to organizations of all sizes. To effectively protect themselves, organizations must adopt a proactive and continuous security approach. This is where a managed Security Operations Center (SOC) —a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts using advanced technology to protect your organization from cyber threats — comes into play.

The Cyber Security Skill Gap Is Wide and Growing

One of the biggest challenges for businesses is recruiting and retaining cyber security talent. There is a limited pool of talent, the demand for these professionals is high, and the competition is fierce. 

CyberSeek has reported that there are approximately 1.1 million people employed in cybersecurity in the U.S., but there are more than 500,000 unfilled positions available. Cybersecurity Ventures has reported that 3.5 million people will be needed by 2025.

A managed security operations center offers a solution by providing access to a dedicated team of specialists. These experts are well-versed in the latest cyber threats and defense mechanisms and are laser focused on identifying and defending against threats. 

They possess the necessary certifications, experience and expertise to ensure a fortified defense against advanced, evolving risks. With a managed SOC, you can have peace of mind knowing that your organization is protected by a team of experts solely focused on safeguarding your digital assets.

The Overwhelming Nature of Cyber Alerts

If you’re a working professional, you’re all too familiar with how businesses face a constant barrage of cyber security alerts. This overwhelming volume of alerts can lead to alert fatigue, and critical threats go unnoticed or receive delayed attention. 

There’s a solution to your alert fatigue.

A Managed SOC relies on AI-driven tools and advanced expertise to streamline alert management by identifying, prioritizing and addressing critical threats promptly. With vigilant monitoring, potential data breaches are minimized, and your organization can operate without the distraction of constant alerts. 

The Managed SOC team filters out the noise and provides you with actionable insights to protect your organization effectively.

The Challenge of Retaining Skilled IT Personnel

Retaining top cyber security talent can be a significant challenge. The competitive job market for cyber security professionals makes it difficult to attract and retain skilled IT professionals. 

However, by partnering with a Managed SOC, you gain access to a consistent, expert-level security management and monitoring solution that is unaffected by the dynamics of external hiring trends. You can ensure uninterrupted protection for your business regardless of market conditions. 

With a managed SOC, you can leverage the expertise of a dedicated team without the burden of recruitment and retention.

The Business Impact of Diverted Focus

Managing cyber security internally requires diverting business resources and attention away from core operations. This diversion can have detrimental effects on your business. However, managed SOC solutions offer flexibility tailored to your needs:

Fully Managed: The SOC handles everything, allowing your business to focus on core operations.

Collaborative: The SOC works alongside your in-house IT team, providing expertise and assistance when and where needed.

Advisory: Ideal for organizations with a robust technology team seeking security guidance and oversight.

These flexible options ensure that your business can strike the right balance between cyber security and core operations, without compromising. Want to learn more? Check out our Managed SOC offerings to find the right solution for your specific needs.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Managed SOC

The unpredictable nature of cyber security expenses in a dynamic threat environment can strain budgets. Managing cyber security internally often leads to unforeseen costs. 

A managed SOC, with its fixed-fee service model, provides predictable costs. This approach allows organizations to allocate resources strategically and spread cost savings to other areas. 

By opting for a managed security operations center, you gain a clear understanding of your cyber security expenses and can make informed decisions about resource allocation.

Action Items Your Organization Can Take Today

We get it if you don’t immediately want to look into a managed SOC. So, here are six action items your business can take today to increase your overall security measures:

1. Employee Training and Awareness:

• Train your team to spot scams and protect your data by offering regular cyber security training for all employees to raise awareness about common cyber threats, phishing attacks, and best practices for secure behavior.
• Regularly conduct simulated phishing exercises to test and reinforce employees’ ability to recognize and report phishing attempts.
• Foster a culture of cyber security awareness, emphasizing the importance of individual contributions to the overall security posture.

2. Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

• MFA mitigates risk by requiring additional verification step(s), which means that even if your login credentials are compromised, unauthorized access won’t be granted.
• MFA is particularly crucial for businesses safeguarding sensitive data, a point that Microsoft, Google, and many other organizations have repeatedly stressed.

3. Patch Management and Software Updates:

• Establish a robust patch management (software update) process to ensure all software, operating systems, and applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Regularly audit and update configurations to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure that security updates are applied promptly.
• Implement automated tools to streamline the patch management process and reduce the risk of exploitation due to outdated software.

4. Network Segmentation and Access Controls:

• Implement network segmentation to compartmentalize sensitive data and limit the lateral movement of attackers within the network.
• Enforce the principle of least privilege by granting employees and systems the minimum level of access required to perform their duties.
• Regularly review and update access controls to align with organizational changes and employee roles.

5. Incident Response Plan:

• Develop, test and regularly update an Incident Response Plan (IRP) outlining the steps to be taken in the event of a cyber security incident.
• Conduct tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of the IRP and familiarize key personnel with their roles during an incident.
• Ensure clear communication channels and contact lists for reporting and escalating incidents are readily available to relevant staff.

6. Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments:

• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses in your IT infrastructure.
• Engage third-party cyber security experts for penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and identify vulnerabilities that might go undetected through automated scans.
• Prioritize and remediate identified vulnerabilities promptly to reduce the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

If any of these action items leave you scratching your head wondering how to start, contact us. Our certified experts are ready to help you on your cyber security journey.

Embracing the Managed SOC Paradigm

When you partner with a managed SOC, your business gains holistic benefits. From cost savings to enhanced security, the peace of mind you get from professional, dedicated cyber security monitoring reduces risk and ensures business continuity. 

By partnering with a trusted managed SOC provider like Intrust IT, you can navigate the complex world of cyber security with confidence. 

Rest easy knowing that your cyber security is in the hands of experts committed to protecting your digital assets. Schedule a quick consultation with us today, and let us help you fight back against cyber threats.