What Are Common Misconceptions About SoC as a Service?

Cyber threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Every business, regardless of its size, faces the risk of a potential cyberattack. Statista reported that  almost 17 million incidents of cybercrime were recorded globally in 2023. This huge number shows how important it is to have strong cybersecurity measures.

For many businesses keeping up with the evolving threat landscape can be overwhelming. This is where SoC as a Service (Security Operations Center as a Service) comes into play. It offers a comprehensive, outsourced solution that provides around-the-clock monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response.

However, despite its growing adoption, many businesses still have misconceptions about SoC as a Service. Some see it as too costly, while others believe it means losing control over their security operations. In this post, we’ll break down these myths and show you how SoC as a Service can be a smart choice for businesses of all sizes.

Myth 1: SoC as a Service is Too Expensive for Small Businesses

Many small business owners assume that SoC as a Service is only affordable for large corporations with big budgets. It’s easy to see why this misconception exists. When people think of outsourcing security operations, they often imagine hefty contracts and high fees. But this belief overlooks a crucial point: outsourcing is usually more cost-effective than managing everything in-house.

Let’s break it down.

Building an in-house security team requires a huge upfront investment. You’d need to buy expensive security software, hardware, and infrastructure. Then there’s the cost of hiring, training, and retaining a qualified team of experts to check your systems 24/7. These capital expenses can quickly add up, especially for small businesses with limited resources.

On the other hand, SoC as a Service allows you to spread your operational costs over time. Instead of dealing with high initial expenses, you pay a predictable fee that covers everything. This approach makes top-tier security accessible without breaking the bank.

What’s more, many SoC providers offer flexible pricing models designed to fit businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, you can find a service plan that meets your needs and budget.

In reality, SoC as a Service isn’t too expensive for small businesses. It’s a wise, scalable solution that helps you get enterprise-level security without the hefty price tag.

Myth 2: SoC as a Service Means Losing Control of Security Operations

Another common misconception is that outsourcing SoC operations means giving up control of your security. Many businesses worry about handing over their security operations to a third party. They fear they’ll lose visibility into what’s happening with their systems. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Collaboration, Not Surrendering Control

SoC providers don’t take over your entire security operation. Instead, they work collaboratively with your internal IT team. You remain in control of your security policies and decisions. Meanwhile, the SoC provider handles the heavy lifting, such as 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. This partnership offers you the best of both worlds. You get expert-level security without losing oversight.

You’re not handing over the keys to your security system. Think of it more like bringing in a team of specialists to support your goals. You still decide how security is managed. But, you now have a professional team to ensure threats are identified and dealt with swiftly.

Tailored to Your Business Needs

One of the biggest advantages of SoC as a Service is its flexibility. These services aren’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, they are designed to be customizable. This ensures they align with your specific business needs and objectives. You can tailor your SoC services to include only what your company needs. This could be basic threat monitoring or full-scale incident management.

By doing so, your security operations remain aligned with your business goals. Your SoC provider helps enhance, not replace, your security strategy. With the right setup, outsourcing can complement your internal team. It also provides stronger, more proactive protection without compromising your control.

Myth 3: SoC Services Are Only for Large Enterprises

It’s easy for small to mid-sized businesses (SMEs) to assume that SoC services are designed only for large enterprises. After all, big companies are the ones with sprawling networks, vast amounts of data, and massive security budgets. But the truth is, cyber attacks don’t discriminate based on business size.

Cyberattacks Target Everyone, Especially SMEs

In fact, small businesses are becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. Why? Because attackers know that SMEs often have weaker defenses compared to large corporations. A lack of resources and security expertise can make smaller businesses vulnerable. This increases their risk of ransomware, phishing attacks, and other security breaches.

No matter the size of your business, you are at risk. And that’s where SoC as a Service comes in.

Scalable Solutions for Businesses of All Sizes

One of the key benefits of SoC as a Service is its scalability. These services aren’t just built for large corporations. They are designed to grow with your business. SoC services can be tailored to fit your requirements.

You don’t need a massive budget to gain access to top-tier cybersecurity. With SoC as a Service, you can protect your business without the costs of building and maintaining internal security. The result is enterprise-level security at a fraction of the cost. This helps you stay one step ahead of cyber threats, regardless of your company’s size.

So, don’t fall into the trap of thinking SoC services aren’t for you. They’re for any business that wants to stay protected in today’s digital age.

Myth 4: In-House Security Teams Are More Effective

Some businesses believe that keeping security operations in-house ensures greater control and effectiveness. While this approach might seem ideal, it comes with its own set of challenges. These can hinder security efforts in the long run.

The Challenges of an In-House Team

Building and maintaining an in-house security team is no easy task. The personnel costs alone can be staggering. You need to hire skilled cybersecurity professionals, which is difficult to find nowadays. Even if you manage to hire the right talent, keeping them trained and updated on the latest threats is another challenge.

Moreover, 24/7 monitoring is crucial in today’s threat landscape. But this can quickly lead to burnout among your team members. This is especially true in smaller organizations where resources are stretched thin. Fatigue can result in slower response times and missed threats. This leaves your business vulnerable.

Outsourcing Offers Continuous Protection and Expertise

Outsourcing to an experienced SoC provider helps overcome these challenges. With a dedicated team, your business gets access to around-the-clock monitoring. SoC providers have the necessary infrastructure and personnel in place. They can handle constant surveillance without the risk of burnout.

In addition, SoC providers are staffed with specialized experts who stay ahead of emerging threats. Their proactive approach involves constantly scanning, detecting, and neutralizing threats. This protects your business before an issue escalates. In contrast, in-house teams often end up being more reactive. They tend to respond to threats as they occur rather than preventing them in the first place.

Ultimately, an in-house team may seem like the safer option. But, outsourcing to a SoC provider offers a more comprehensive security solution. It relieves your internal team from the pressure of 24/7 monitoring. Plus, it gives your business the benefit of expert-level security at all times.

Clarifying the True Benefits of SoC as a Service

Now that we’ve addressed some of the common misconceptions, it’s time to clarify the true benefits of SoC as a Service. Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, outsourcing your security operations can be transformative.

1. Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

One of the biggest advantages of SoC as a Service is cost-effectiveness. Instead of spending money on costly security infrastructure, staff, and tools, you pay a set fee that includes everything. This not only saves you money upfront. This also helps you manage operational costs more effectively over time.

Moreover, SoC services are scalable. As your business grows, your security needs will evolve. SoC as a Service allows you to adjust the level of protection you need. This comes without the burden of building new infrastructure or hiring more staff. It’s a flexible solution that fits businesses of all sizes.

2. Continuous Monitoring and Proactive Threat Detection

Cybersecurity is not a 9-to-5 job. Threats can happen anytime, and that’s where SoC as a Service shines. With 24/7 monitoring, you get constant protection from potential attacks. Outsourced SoC teams are trained to detect threats early. This proactive approach ensures your systems are always under surveillance.

Outsourcing also grants you access to industry-leading tools and technologies. SoC providers use cutting-edge software and hardware that smaller businesses might not have the budget or expertise to deploy in-house. This results in more comprehensive security coverage for your business.

3. Focus on Core Competencies

One of the most overlooked benefits of SoC as a Service is the ability to focus on what you do best. That is, running your business. Security can be complex and time-consuming. By outsourcing to experts, you free up your internal resources. This allows you to focus on your core competencies, knowing that your security is in capable hands.

4. Better Threat Detection, Response, and Compliance

Outsourced SoC services improve threat detection and incident response. They also assist with regulatory compliance. Keeping up with the changing security regulations can be a headache. SoC providers stay on top of these changes. They make sure that your company remains compliant with industry standards and requirements.

With SoC as a Service, you get a complete security solution. This enhances your business’s protection, allowing worry-free growth.

How Businesses Have Thrived Using SoC Services

Businesses of all sizes have seen significant improvements after adopting SoC as a Service. By outsourcing security operations, they have strengthened their defenses. This also allows them to achieve better results without the burden of maintaining in-house teams.

1. Cost Savings

One of the major benefits of SoC as a Service is cost savings. Instead of investing in expensive security infrastructure and a full-time internal team, businesses can rely on expert SoC providers. This option comes at a fraction of the cost. This approach has helped companies of all sizes reduce capital expenses. At the same time, they still gain access to top-tier security services.

For instance, after partnering with STAFFVIRTUAL, Xpertechs achieved a 40% average savings on HR-related costs. This enabled them to allocate resources more effectively and scale their workforce sustainably.

2. Enhanced Security Posture

By using SoC services, businesses detect and respond to threats more efficiently. With 24/7 monitoring, companies can identify potential cyberattacks before they escalate. This has led to fewer breaches and a stronger security posture. As a result, business owners experience greater peace of mind.

3. Reduced Cyberattacks

Outsourcing security operations has also contributed to a significant reduction in cyberattacks. SoC providers are equipped with the cybersecurity best practices and  latest technology. This enables them to prevent, detect, and mitigate threats effectively. For businesses, this means fewer disruptions and less risk of data breaches or loss.

4. Greater Peace of Mind

Businesses that adopt SoC as a Service experience greater peace of mind. With dedicated security experts managing their cybersecurity needs, businesses can focus on their core operations. They can do so knowing that their business is protected from emerging threats. This frees up internal resources and reduces the stress of managing complex security issues.

Embracing the Reality of SoC as a Service with STAFFVIRTUAL

Nowadays, businesses can no longer afford to take a reactive approach to cybersecurity. The reality is that cyber threats are only growing more sophisticated, and outdated security practices just won’t cut it anymore. That’s why embracing SoC as a Service is crucial for staying ahead of these ever-present threats.

By outsourcing your security operations, you gain access to the latest tools and expert teams. You also benefit from 24/7 monitoring without maintaining everything in-house. This is especially important for small and mid-sized businesses looking to protect themselves without breaking the bank.

At STAFFVIRTUAL, we understand how critical it is to keep your business safe from cyberattacks. Our SoC services provide the proactive protection you need to detect, prevent, and respond to threats quickly and efficiently. With our expertise, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of your security.

Ready to unfold the full benefits of SoC as a Service? Call us today for a free consultation. Let us help you strengthen your security posture and safeguard your business against tomorrow’s digital threats.

Sources:

Global number of cyberattacks 2023 | Statista

What Is a Small Business? Definition, Characteristics, and Challenges | Investopedia

Small Businesses Are More Frequent Targets Of Cyberattacks Than Larger Companies: New Report | Forbes

The Cybersecurity Industry has an Urgent Talent Shortage. Here’s How to Plug the Gap | World Economic Forum

Cybersecurity Best Practices | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA