What is an SOC? Security Operations Center?

Cyber security command center

Security Operations Center (SOC), is where network security information is collected and analyzed. This is where various types of IT security threats are monitored and then responded to.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities of security professionals at the Security Operations Center? What tools and technologies are used to monitor network traffic and detect threats? How can security be ensured for employees working remotely? ITH Blog editors respond!

• SOC – security monitoring.
• Tools for Security Operations Center.
• Remote work vs. security – how to protect employees?

Security Operations Center – main responsibilities of specialists. Responsibility for security

The main task of the specialists is to ensure the organization’s IT security by monitoring and analyzing network activities, detecting potential threats and responding to dangerous incidents.

Below you will find a list of sample duties:

1. Monitor network traffic to detect potential threats – Security professionals at the SOC can use various tools to monitor network traffic, such as firewalls, firewalls or intrusion detection systems (IDS), which allow them to analyze network traffic for disturbing or unexpected activity.
2. Analyze system logs to identify anomalies and potential threats – If the logs record unexpected connections to external IP addresses or unauthorized changes to the system, SOC specialists can initiate further investigations to identify the source of the problem and then take appropriate action.
3. Prepare reports and analysis on network security.
4. Provide reports and analysis to the appropriate people in the company or institution – it is the responsibility of the staff of cybersecurity specialists to work with various departments in the company, such as the information technology (IT) department, sales, or marketing.
5. Training employees on network security and risk management – The Security Operations Center department prepares training materials, such as presentations and manuals, in addition to providing comprehensive training, which allows the company to increase security by improving employees’ understanding of threats and their role in preventing potential attacks.

In addition to this, the SOC command center is responsible for implementing and maintaining security procedures and verifying their proper operation.

TOP 5 tools used in Security Operations Center to monitor network traffic

Below we will present a list of tools that are most often used by the SOC cyber security command center. We would like to point out that this is not a sponsored post – there is no product placement here, the numbering is random – all tools are equally useful.

1. NMS – software that allows you to monitor and allows you to manage computer networks. Useful functions include: collecting data on network traffic, such as the number of packets transmitted, network bandwidth and the status of network devices.
2. IDS – software for detecting unauthorized or unwanted network activity – helps detect ddos, phishing and malware attacks.
3. NTA – the tool is used to monitor traffic inside the network (and at its border).
4. SIEM – This software enables collection and analysis from multiple sources, such as operating systems, firewalls, applications and network devices, making it easier to identify dangerous threats on the network.
5. NTM – an interesting alternative to NTA.

However, no program can replace the knowledge and experience of a SOC specialist – it is the flexibility and creativity of the team that makes the company feel safe!

What solutions can the SOC put in place to ensure the safety of remote workers?

This question is particularly pertinent – if we consider that the number of remote workers is steadily increasing, it is worth considering what we can do to increase the security of remote workers.

Encryption of data between the employee and the employer can be used at the very beginning, as telecommuters often use mobile devices, such as laptops and phones, which without proper security are vulnerable to attack, which can result in the loss of valuable data. Access to secure communication channels can also be provided.

Typically, the SOC team installs specialized tools to manage network traffic, so it is able to secure the Internet connection of remote workers.

It is worthwhile to raise awareness among your employees and implement specialized security training to provide remote workers with the right skill set.