Understanding SOC Models: A Quick Guide to Hybrid Strategies

Understanding SOC Models: A 5-Minute Guide to Staffing, Technology, and Operations

Security operations centers (SOCs) act as the central nervous system for organizations' cybersecurity defenses, continuously monitoring and analyzing security threats. The structure of a SOC can vary based on factors like company size, resources, and security needs.

Most Common SOC Model: Hybrid SOC

The hybrid SOC is the most prevalent, used by 63% of organizations. It combines internal staff with external resources for a balanced approach to control and expertise. 34% of organizations, usually larger ones, opt for a fully internal SOC, supporting round-the-clock operations with their own resources. Digital initiatives often drive the adoption of new SOC models, with over half of the organizations assessing their SOC’s operating model quarterly.

Factors like people, process, and technology play a significant role in SOC success. Process and technology factors account for 71.2% of the variance in SOC performance. Let's dive into the different organizational and operational models of SOCs, highlighting their unique characteristics and applications.

SOC Organizational Models According to MITRE

MITRE’s book on running a world-class SOC outlines how different SOC models serve various strategic needs and sizes, from small operations to national-level cybersecurity.

Ad Hoc Security Response

• Description: No standing incident detection or response capabilities.
• When Used: Cybersecurity incidents are handled as they arise.
• Common In: Small businesses.
• Example: A small bakery experiencing a cyber threat might gather a team temporarily to resolve the issue.

Security as Additional Duty

• Description: SOC functions are part of other job duties.
• When Used: Formal SOC structures are absent.
• Common In: Small businesses, small colleges, local governments.
• Example: A system administrator at a small college may also handle incident response.

Distributed SOC

• Description: Decentralized resources spread across the organization.
• When Used: Specialization in different areas.
• Common In: Medium-sized businesses, local governments.
• Example: A medium-sized tech company using localized experts for better response.

Centralized SOC

• Description: All security resources are consolidated in one location.
• When Used: A comprehensive approach to managing security.
• Common In: Medium to large-sized businesses.
• Example: A large corporation having a single, secure location for all cybersecurity operations.

Federated SOC

• Description: Semi-autonomous units share some security policies.
• When Used: Balance between independence and unified security.
• Common In: Diverse organizations, multinational corporations.
• Example: Different branches of a global company sharing security practices but operating independently.

Coordinating SOC

• Description: Oversees and coordinates other SOC activities.
• When Used: Focuses on situational awareness and incident management.
• Common In: Large businesses, government institutions.
• Example: A central team guiding various SOC teams in a government department.

Hierarchical SOC

• Description: Coordinates activities while directly offering SOC services.
• When Used: Handles broader responsibilities like engineering and threat intelligence.
• Common In: Very large businesses, government institutions.
• Example: A large organization's headquarter SOC providing support to regional SOCs.

National SOC

• Description: Enhances cybersecurity at a country level.
• When Used: Orchestrates proactive security across multiple constituencies.
• Common In: National governments.
• Example: A national center managing cybersecurity threats for government agencies.

Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

• Description: External service providers offering SOC services.
• When Used: Lack of internal capabilities or resources.
• Common In: Organizations of all sizes.
• Example: A small business hiring an MSSP for cybersecurity services.

SOC Models and Types: Key Differences

Every SOC operates uniquely, adjusted to its organizational context. Key operational aspects include staffing configurations, geographic considerations, and service delivery methods.

Staffing: Insourced, Outsourced, Hybrid

• Insourced: Complete control and deep integration with organizational culture.
• Outsourced: Cost-efficiency and access to external experts.
• Hybrid: Blends both, enhancing flexibility and scalability.

Geographic Distribution: Centralized vs Distributed SOC

• Centralized SOC: Single location fosters enhanced collaboration.
• Distributed SOC: Spreads resources across locations for improved response times.

Service Delivery: Virtual SOC, Command SOC

• Virtual SOC: Operates remotely, leveraging cloud technology.
• Command SOC: Physical centers with advanced tools for managing security.

Operating Hours: 24/7 SOC, Follow-the-Sun SOC

• 24/7 SOC: Continuous monitoring and response.
• Follow-the-Sun SOC: SOCs in different time zones ensure round-the-clock coverage.

Governance Model: Centralized, Federated

• Centralized: Singular authority dictating policies ensures uniformity.
• Federated: More autonomy within units, suitable for multinational environments.

Smart SOAR: Support for Every SOC Model

As SOC models vary in maturity and focus, D3’s Smart SOAR enhances security automation, effortlessly scaling to support MSSPs and MDRs that oversee millions of endpoints. With vendor-agnostic integrations, Smart SOAR ensures SOC operations are future-proof and not confined to any specific vendor's tools.

Ready to elevate your SOC operations? Explore how Smart SOAR can transform your cybersecurity framework.