Optimizing Security Operations Centers for Enhanced Cyber Resilience

Introduction

A Security Operations Center (SOC) represents a sophisticated infrastructure pivotal in providing comprehensive oversight and situational awareness for an enterprise, bolstering security by swiftly detecting anomalies, threats, and potential intrusion attempts through continuous monitoring. It is a centralized hub where all IT-generated events converge for analysis by a team of skilled security analysts. When searching for “SOC” on Google, one is likely to encounter images depicting rooms adorned with large screens, actively displaying data and graphs—a visual representation of a typical SOC setup. However, the intricacies of a SOC extend beyond mere visualizations and encompass a diverse array of components and processes. The concept of SOC has evolved over the past fifteen years as a strategic defense mechanism against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. SOCs vary in scale and scope, ranging from smaller, internally managed setups to expansive operations staffed by numerous analysts operating around the clock. Most SOCs operate as managed services, as establishing and maintaining an in-house SOC entails considerable expenses. While imperative for organizational security in today's landscape, financial barriers often deter small enterprises from establishing their own SOC (Taqafi et al., 2023).

Information security management is not a cornerstone of the information systems and technology strategy. In that case, the systems' availability and quality might be compromised, making it impossible to reach the strategic goals specified by Senior Management. This is significant proof since Information Security Management is a course of study in the Master's program in Strategic Management of Information Systems and Technologies. With the skills honed in a Master's program, one may portray security operations centers as a technical component and a whole management solution. Security management will take a new turn, integrating technological and managerial expertise (Muniz, 2021).

The purpose of this study is to argue that a SOC is the best managerial response to the issue of cyber protection. To accomplish the overarching goal, it is essential to attend to the first particular purpose, which is to present security operations. This includes explaining why a SOC was created and what services it offers. The second particular goal is to describe the process-people-technology triangle that helps with SOC management via their interaction and synergy. Lastly, a third particular aim will be created to detail the steps to take when developing a SOC.

This chapter is structured into six main sections to comprehensively understand Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and their maturity assessment. Beginning with exploring the background, Section 2 delves into the various functions, challenges, benefits, and types of SOCs, setting the stage for a deeper examination. Section 3 outlines the methodology employed in developing the proposed maturity framework, elucidating the research approach and data collection methods. Section 4 presents the theoretical framework underpinning the SOC maturity model, offering insights into its conceptual foundation. The paper's focal point, Section 5, introduces the proposed SOC maturity framework, elucidating its components and domains in detail. Finally, Section 6 encapsulates the findings and implications drawn from the study, providing a conclusive overview of the research outcomes and potential avenues for future exploration.