If you work within the realm of cybersecurity you’ve likely at least heard the terms SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and SOC (Security Operations Center). But since a complete cybersecurity strategy depends on both, understanding SIEM versus SOC more in-depth can lead to invaluable results.
In addition to helping you build a stronger cybersecurity strategy overall, being able to distinguish between SIEM versus SOC — and when to use each one to yield the greatest benefits — can enable you to make better-informed decisions when searching for security partners and MSPs.
We’ll break down SIEM versus SOC, look at the benefits of each, and guide you through the process of connecting with the right SOC partner.
SIEM vs. SOC — What’s the Difference?
SIEM and SOC work together within your organization to identify and respond to cyber threats. Here’s how to distinguish SIEM versus SOC:
- SIEM is essentially a data collection tool — it gathers and aggregates large volumes of data from across your organization to discover potential threats.
- SOC isn’t a tool but rather a department or service where security specialists use the data collected by the SIEM to monitor threats and respond to incidents.
You can think of SIEM as a resource that your SOC team needs to effectively do its job. Without well-functioning SIEM capabilities, your SOC specialists will be unable to keep your organization safe.
SIEM vs. SOC — What Are the Benefits of Each?
Now that we’ve covered the basic differences between SIEM versus SOC, it’s time to explore each of their benefits.
Benefits of SIEM
SIEM is a collection of tools and solutions in one central point, dedicated to collecting and analyzing cybersecurity information. It offers benefits like:
- A central hub for security teams to gather, analyze, and categorize data from many different sources that relate to your security. This simplifies the process of monitoring for threats, while also making it easier to notice trends and access important information.
- The option to store data, create reports, and gain fast visibility into important trends. When a cyber threat emerges, the ability to act fast and access all the information you need can make all the difference.
Tools and resources to deal with the aftermath of a cyber incident — finding out what went wrong, preventing further issues, and allowing you to log key details for future reference.
Instead of approaching things from the perspective of SIEM versus SOC, it’s important to look at the two in tandem. It’s not about choosing one over the other but rather choosing an SIEM that enables your SOC partner to maximize its performance and results.
Benefits of SOC
Your SOC team members will draw on the above benefits of the SIEM, combined with other tools, to keep your organization safe. Here are the benefits of SOC:
- The ability to monitor security on an ongoing basis, gaining deep visibility into key trends and threats and identifying potential threats long before they pose a serious problem.
- A centralized point that allows security specialists to collaborate much more easily with each other and with other parts of the organization.
- A place for in-depth analysis and investigation following cyber attacks, allowing your organization to take proactive steps to prevent incidents and build a more secure and robust company.
A SOC is necessary for any reasonably sized organization. You may choose to have an in-house SOC team, with its very own physical space, or outsource SOC tasks to a third-party provider like DYOPATH.
Choosing the Right SOC Provider
Your success with SIEM and SOC will depend largely on the quality of your SOC partner. Here are some questions you should ask to help you choose the right one for your company:
- Does it align with your goals? Every SOC partner is different — look for one that can help address your specific cybersecurity concerns and has experience working with similar companies in your industry.
- What tools does it use? SOCs have a wide range of capabilities — 24/7 threat monitoring, post-incident analysis, threat ranking, and much more. Take the time to investigate the different solutions and tools your potential SOC provider offers.
- Will it scale with you? As your business grows, your security needs will change. Your chosen SOC partner should have the ability to scale and grow alongside you.
- Does it help you comply with regulations? For today’s businesses, complying with relevant data privacy regulations is a major part of cybersecurity. The SOC partner you choose should be able to ensure that you’ll comply with all the right rules.
It’s possible to build your own in-house SOC team, but for many organizations — smaller and midsize companies, especially — the best option is to outsource.
Work With DYOPATH
DYOPATH’s collection of managed security services includes advanced SIEM and SOC capabilities. Our team of experts will work closely with your internal teams to help you access all the advantages we’ve covered in this blog post, helping you build a more secure, aligned, and mature organization.
If you want to tap into the power of SIEM and SOC with the help of seasoned security veterans, schedule a call with us.
