


Having a strong Security Operations Center (SOC) is crucial for developing, maintaining, and monitoring a comprehensive security posture. Additionally, SOC as a Service (SOCaaS) pricing includes other cyber posture management activities, such as vulnerability management, security engineering, situational awareness and communications, and incident response. However, building and maintaining an in-house SOC can be costly and complex. This is where SOC as a Service pricing comes in, providing specialized security capabilities through an outsourced model.
A reliable SOC doesn't just wait for threats to occur—it leverages threat hunting, baselining, and other techniques to actively recommend ways to strengthen security posture. This proactive approach, combined with swift incident response, can make all the difference in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
This discussion will explore SOC as a Service pricing, key factors influencing costs, and how you can choose the right model for your organization.
Benefits of managed SOC services
Managed SOC services offer a range of advantages that can significantly enhance your cybersecurity posture and operational efficiency. Here are the main benefits of SOC as a Service pricing compared to building in-house.
Proactive threat detection and response
SOCaaS providers continuously monitor your networks, systems, and endpoints, enabling early detection of security threats and vulnerabilities. The early detection must include Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) collection and processing, followed by threat hunting with that data. Providers also offer incident response planning to minimize the impact of security incidents. This proactive approach helps prevent data breaches and reduces downtime caused by cyberattacks.
Access to advanced security expertise
When you choose managed SOC services, you gain access to a team of experienced cybersecurity professionals. These Managed Security Services Provider (MSSPs) experts have extensive backgrounds in threat detection, incident response, and security operations, and typically have certifications. This expertise can be challenging to develop and maintain in-house, especially in today's competitive talent market.
Cost-Effective operations
Experience shows that SOCs are as unique and customized as business operations. The creation of an internal SOC requires substantial investment in infrastructure, technology, and skilled personnel. It also requires flexibility as a SOC changes with business technology choices, growth, and threats. Service-delivered SOCs (SOCaaS) are created with this type of customization, scaling, and cost-efficiency as baseline design criteria. The results of SOC as a Service pricing are savings on capital expenditure, human resources, and increased responsiveness to changing internal and external challenges.
Compliance and regulatory support
Compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as IRS Publication 1075, NIST 800 Variants, and ISO 27001, is essential for avoiding legal repercussions and maintaining customer trust. SOCaaS providers offer services that help you meet regulatory requirements, including continuous monitoring, incident reporting, and detailed documentation. This compliance support can be invaluable during audits and regulatory assessments.
Enhanced threat intelligence and analysis
SOCaaS providers often have access to sophisticated threat intelligence feeds and analytics tools. This access allows them to identify and analyze emerging cyberthreats, providing you with actionable insights to strengthen your security posture. The providers can also generate a battlefield analysis, meaning you get a quick view of a global threat, a slightly deeper view of an industry threat, and a deep dive into threats that apply directly to you. That contextual threat analysis helps you prioritize and respond to the most critical threats effectively.
Value of strategic log management
Understanding the security value of each log is crucial when utilizing managed SOC services. Since most platforms are priced based on the amount of data ingested, it's essential to know the security relevance of what is being included. This helps avoid unnecessary costs while ensuring critical data is properly monitored. Experts can assist you in evaluating your logs, ensuring your SOC platform remains both cost-effective and secure.
Building an internal versus external SOC
Organizations often face the decision of whether to establish an internal SOC or opt for an external SOC as a Service pricing model provided by a third-party vendor.
Many businesses find it challenging to build and maintain an in-house SOC, facing hurdles like staffing, specialized expertise, and significant technology investments. That's why SOCaaS has become an attractive solution. By outsourcing SOC functions to specialized partners, like MSSPs, you can access advanced security capabilities without the high costs and operational complexities of an internal SOC. Understanding how SOCaaS is priced and what factors contribute to those costs is key to making an informed decision.
While both approaches have their merits, there are compelling reasons why choosing an external SOC solution can offer significant advantages over building an internal SOC.
Cost and infrastructure
Building an internal SOC involves significant upfront costs, including technology infrastructure, data storage solutions, and security tools. You'll also need to hire and train a team of security experts, adding to the overall expenses. SOCaaS, with its subscription-based pricing, reduces these costs and provides a more predictable budget.
Expertise and talent acquisition
Recruiting and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals is a challenge. By choosing SOCaaS, you can leverage the expertise of an experienced team without the complexities of hiring and managing personnel internally.
Scalability and flexibility
As your business grows, your security needs will evolve. SOCaaS providers offer flexible solutions that can scale with your organization, allowing you to adapt to changing security requirements. Expanding an internal SOC may require additional staffing, infrastructure, and hardware, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges. Conversely, SOCaaS providers can grow with you and adapt as the best-in-breed technologies change or your business requirements shift, providing the same outcomes on different paths.
Coverage 24/7 and continuous monitoring
SOCaaS providers often offer round-the-clock security monitoring. This ensures you have constant visibility into your security posture without the need to maintain internal overnight shifts or weekend coverage. This comprehensive monitoring reduces the risk of undetected security incidents and dwell time of security events before detection, helping mitigate potential risks to the business.
Compliance and regulatory requirements
External SOC providers often have multiple teams and skill sets available to you. One key area is compliance. They offer strong reporting and documentation capabilities, simplifying compliance efforts and facilitating audits. This can be a significant advantage for organizations operating in regulated industries.
Factors influencing SOCaaS pricing
Several factors influence SOCaaS pricing, reflecting the complexity and scope of the services provided. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about the most suitable SOCaaS model for your organization.
Service level agreement
The terms of the service level agreement (SLA) define the scope of services, including response times, incident resolution, and service availability. There are minimum SLAs you need for security to be effective, and purchasing higher-level SLAs with shorter response times and broader coverage typically increases costs.
Scope of coverage
The breadth and depth of security monitoring and incident response capabilities impact pricing. Factors such as the number of monitored assets, the volume of log and event data analyzed, and the complexity of security alerts contribute to the cost.
Technology stack
The underlying technology stack used by the SOCaaS provider affects pricing. Features, such as AI-driven analytics, automation, and integration with other security tools, may incur additional costs.
Customization and flexibility
If you have specific security requirements, customization may be necessary. Providers offering tailored solutions or flexible service levels typically charge higher fees due to the additional resources required for customization.
Expertise and skill sets
The level of expertise and experience of SOC analysts and incident responders directly impacts pricing. Providers with highly qualified and certified personnel may charge more for their services.
Incident response capabilities
SOCaaS providers offer varying levels of incident response planning and support. Pricing can depend on the complexity and urgency of incidents and the scope of response activities, such as planning, triage, investigation, containment, and remediation.
Compliance requirements
Organizations subject to regulatory compliance mandates, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, may require SOCaaS services that meet specific compliance requirements. SOCaaS pricing may reflect the additional costs associated with maintaining compliance certifications and fulfilling regulatory obligations.
Scalability and growth
SOCaaS should accommodate your growth and evolving security needs. Flexible pricing models that allow for easy scaling without additional costs provide better long-term value.
Geographic location
The geographic location of the SOC and your operations can influence pricing. Regional differences in labor costs, regulatory environments, and infrastructure expenses may lead to variations in pricing.
SOCaaS models include entry-level, standard, and dedicated
With managed SOC pricing, you can typically choose from three distinct models: entry-level, standard, and dedicated. Each model provides varying levels of security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities tailored to the unique needs and resources of organizations of different sizes and security requirements.
Entry-Level SOC as a Service
Entry-level SOC as a Service is designed to provide foundational security monitoring and incident detection capabilities to organizations with basic security needs. This model is typically suitable for small businesses or organizations lacking dedicated security teams or resources.
Key features of an entry-level SOCaaS may include:
- Log monitoring: Continuous monitoring of security logs and event data to identify potential security incidents or anomalies
- Threat detection: Basic threat detection capabilities to identify known threats and suspicious activities within your network environment
- Basic incident response: Limited incident response capabilities to address detected security incidents, such as alert triage, initial investigation, and notification
While entry-level SOCaaS may not offer the advanced features and capabilities of higher-tier models, it provides essential security monitoring and incident detection capabilities to help you improve your security posture and respond to potential threats effectively.
Standard SOC as a Service
Standard SOC as a Service offers more comprehensive security monitoring and incident response capabilities compared to the entry-level option. This model is suitable for mid-sized businesses or organizations with moderate security requirements and resources.
Key features of a standard SOCaaS may include:
- Advanced threat detection: Enhanced threat detection capabilities, including behavior-based analytics, anomaly detection, and correlation analysis to identify sophisticated and targeted threats
- Log analysis and security analytics: In-depth analysis of security logs and data to identify trends, patterns, and potential security risks within your environment
- Incident investigation: Advanced incident response capabilities, such as detailed investigation, forensic analysis, and remediation guidance to mitigate security incidents effectively
Standard SOCaaS provides you with strong security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities to help detect and respond to security threats proactively, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.
Dedicated SOC as a Service
Dedicated SOC as a Service offers a complete level of security monitoring and incident response capabilities, tailored to the specific needs and requirements of large enterprises or organizations with complex security environments and regulatory compliance obligations.
Key features of a dedicated SOCaaS may include:
- Customized security solutions: Tailored security solutions and configurations based on your unique security requirements, industry regulations, and compliance standards.
- Continuous monitoring: Real-time, 24/7 monitoring of your network, systems, and applications for potential security threats and incidents
- Real-time incident response: Immediate response to critical security incidents, including rapid incident triage, recommendations for containment, eradication, and recovery to minimize the impact of security breaches
- Threat hunting: Proactive threat hunting to identify and mitigate advanced and persistent threats that may evade traditional security controls
Dedicated SOCaaS provides you a comprehensive suite of security services, advanced technologies, and expert security analysts to defend against evolving cyberthreats and protect sensitive data assets effectively.
How do you choose the right SOCaaS model?
When choosing a SOCaaS model, consider your organization's size, security maturity, and specific security requirements. Here's a breakdown to help you determine which model is best for you.
Entry-Level SOCaaS
Entry-Level SOCaaS is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with limited security resources and budgets. This model is suitable for organizations at the foundational level of security maturity seeking basic security monitoring and incident detection capabilities.
Standard SOCaaS
Standard SOCaaS is ideal for medium to large enterprises with moderate security maturity levels and evolving security needs. This model is suitable for organizations prioritizing proactive threat detection, incident response, and compliance requirements.
Dedicated SOCaaS
Dedicated SOCaaS is ideal for large enterprises with advanced security maturity levels, complex IT environments, and stringent security requirements. This model is suitable for organizations seeking a fully customizable and dedicated security operations center tailored to their unique security needs.
Pricing mechanisms for managed SOC
SOCaaS providers typically use these two primary pricing models:
User-Based pricing
With user-based pricing, the cost is determined by the number of users within your organization. This model is ideal for organizations with a fluctuating number of users or those prioritizing user-centric security monitoring and incident response.
Device-Based pricing
Device-based pricing calculates the cost based on the number of devices connected to your network or requiring monitoring. This model is suitable for organizations with complex IT infrastructure and those requiring comprehensive endpoint monitoring.
How to evaluate managed SOC vendors
When selecting a managed SOC vendor, thorough due diligence is crucial. Here are some key questions to consider during your evaluation process.
1. Expertise and experience
- What is the vendor's experience in providing managed SOC services?
- Do they have certified security professionals with expertise in threat detection and response?
- Can they provide references or case studies demonstrating their success in protecting organizations from cyberthreats?
2. Technology and infrastructure
- What security technologies and tools does the vendor utilize?
- Are they leveraging advanced threat detection and response capabilities, such as AI-driven analytics and automation?
- How scalable is their infrastructure to accommodate your growth and evolving security needs?
3. Threat intelligence and monitoring
- How does the vendor gather and analyze threat intelligence to proactively detect and respond to security incidents?
- Do they offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities?
- Can they provide insights into their detection and response processes, including incident triage and escalation procedures?
4. Compliance and reporting
- Is the vendor compliant with relevant industry regulations and standards, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR?
- Do they offer comprehensive reporting and compliance support to meet your regulatory requirements?
- Can they tailor reporting and provide actionable insights to support decision-making and risk management?
5. Incident response and collaboration
- What is the vendor's incident response process, and how do they collaborate with you during security incidents?
- Do they offer incident response tabletop exercises or simulations to test and refine your incident response readiness?
6. Service level agreements and support
- What SLAs does the vendor offer for response times, resolution, and uptime?
- Is there dedicated support available to address inquiries, concerns, or escalations?
- How does the vendor ensure transparency and communication regarding service performance and status updates?
7. Cost and value
- What is the pricing structure for the managed SOC services, and what is included in the package?
- Can the vendor provide a detailed cost breakdown and help you understand the value proposition of their services?
- Are there any additional fees or hidden costs that you should be aware of?
Find a reliable SOC partner
Choosing a SOC as a Service provider is a significant decision that can greatly impact your cybersecurity strategy. By outsourcing SOC functions to specialized providers, you gain access to advanced security expertise, 24/7 monitoring, and incident response capabilities. Understanding the factors that influence SOCaaS pricing and choosing the right model for your security maturity and specific needs is essential.
As you evaluate managed SOC vendors, focus on their expertise, technology stack, threat intelligence capabilities, compliance support, incident response processes, and SLAs. Take the time to assess your options carefully, and don't hesitate to ask questions to ensure you're getting the best value for your investment.
With the right SOCaaS partner, you can enhance your cybersecurity posture and protect your organization from evolving cyberthreats.
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Kyle Smith is the Vice President of Product Management at NuHarbor Security. He leads the development and execution of strategic product initiatives, ensuring that NuHarbor’s solutions are aligned with the evolving needs of both public and private sector organizations. During his two decades in the cybersecurity industry, Kyle has held leadership roles across multiple domains, including security operations, network architecture, and product innovation. Before joining NuHarbor, he led cross-domain technology teams, spearheading security and systems initiatives to protect organizations from advanced threats. Kyle's experience as an IT technologist, security operator, and client advocate has combined to make him an empathetic and practical leader as NuHarbor develops and delivers new, valuable capabilities to our clients.