NOC vs. SOC: Determining the Right Fit for Your Organization

It’s no secret that businesses worldwide are becoming more dependent on technology for their operations. With this dependency comes the need for reliable security and network management. This is where Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and Network Operations Centers (NOCs) come into play. These two different types of operation centers serve crucial roles in a business’s overall IT strategy. Let’s dive into what each one does, their benefits, and how to determine which one is the right fit for your business.

What is SOC?

A Security Operations Center, or SOC, is a centralized function within an organization employing a team of cybersecurity analysts who are responsible for monitoring and combating security issues. The SOC team works continuously to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents using a combination of technology solutions and a strong set of processes. Basically, a SOC is the hub for a company’s cybersecurity efforts.

 

What is NOC?

A Network Operations Center, or NOC, on the other hand, serves as the command center for managing, controlling, and maintaining a network. The NOC team ensures the smooth functioning of the network, resolves network-related issues, and ensures optimal network performance and availability. Their functions include, but are not limited to, network troubleshooting, software distribution and updating, router and domain name management, and performance monitoring.

 

Not sure whether SOC vs NOC is right for your business? Let’s talk!

 

Benefits of SOC

The benefits of having a SOC are immense. The primary benefit is the assurance of ongoing cybersecurity vigilance. SOCs continuously monitor networks for any signs of threats or attacks, ensuring that these issues are identified and addressed promptly. SOCs also help maintain compliance with regulations by providing security incident reporting and monitoring. With a SOC, businesses can achieve an organized and strategic approach to handling security incidents, which can lead to significant improvements in response times and threat mitigation.

 

Benefits of NOC

NOCs bring their own set of benefits. They ensure that networks are always up and running efficiently, providing businesses with improved uptime and productivity. A well-functioning NOC can identify and address network problems often before users are even aware of them, thus reducing downtime and associated costs. Furthermore, NOCs are instrumental in maintaining network infrastructure, updating software, and managing several complex tasks that can free up your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives.

 

Which Businesses are a Good Fit for SOC?

All businesses, regardless of size, are targets for cyber threats. Many small businesses make the mistake of thinking that they’re too small for cybercriminals to target when in fact, 43% of cyber-attacks are on small businesses. Thus, any business that uses technology should consider establishing a SOC. However, a SOC may be particularly crucial for businesses that handle sensitive customer data such as finance, healthcare, or eCommerce companies. Large corporations and government organizations are also common users of SOCs because of the scale and sensitivity of their operations.

 

Which Businesses Are a Good Fit for NOC?

Businesses that rely heavily on network availability for their operations, such as telecommunication companies, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and cloud service providers, are excellent candidates for a NOC. Large enterprises with a broad network infrastructure that spans across multiple locations might also require a dedicated NOC. However, even small-to-midsize businesses that rely on consistent network performance can also benefit from NOC services.

 

Considerations Businesses Should Make When Choosing Between NOC vs SOC

While both SOCs and NOCs play vital roles, they are not interchangeable and serve different purposes. A business must consider its unique needs and resources before deciding to establish a SOC, a NOC, or both.

Key considerations should include the type of data your company handles and how critical network uptime is for your operations. If cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to your business, then a SOC might be the right choice. Conversely, if your primary concern is maintaining network performance and uptime, a NOC would be beneficial.

Businesses also need to consider the financial and logistical implications. Both SOCs and NOCs require investment in technology and skilled professionals. However, outsourcing options are available for both SOCs and NOCs, which can be a more cost-effective solution, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

RTCS Managed SOC Features

RTCS prefers to deploy managed SOC services for our clients because of how important security protection is to operate a modern business. Our managed SOC services work by monitoring your network for any potential security threats. This is done using advanced tools and technologies that are designed to identify and respond to security incidents in real-time. The cybersecurity experts who provide Managed SOC Services use a combination of automated and manual processes to detect and respond to threats, ensuring that your organization is protected around the clock.

In addition to threat detection and response, our managed SOC services also provide ongoing security assessments and audits, as well as incident management and reporting. This comprehensive approach ensures that your organization is always prepared and able to respond quickly and effectively to any potential security incidents. Here’s a list of our managed SOC features:

• SIEM & log management
• 24/7 security monitoring & triage
• Security event investigation
• Compromise detection
• Apps and account security
• Threat hunting support
• OT security monitoring
• Security orchestration, automation, and response
• Compliance reporting
• Ticket management
• Digital forensics & malware analysis
• Vulnerability management and configuration assessment
• Advisory services

 

If you’re interested in learning more about what our SOC can do for you, schedule a consultation with us.

 

 

Work with RTCS to Determine Whether NOC vs SOC is Right for You

SOC and NOC both play vital roles for businesses. Although RTCS puts a heavy emphasis on security-first practices and SOC for our clients, we do utilize NOCs for businesses who are a better fit for it. Understanding their unique benefits and functions will allow you to make an informed decision on which type of operation center will best serve your business’s needs.

Reach out to us today for help making the right choice for your business.