In the previous blog, we focused mainly on creating a solid SOC plan, getting ready to succeed. Now that the plan is in place, it’s time to move on to implementation. This phase involves selecting the right technologies to run the SOC, building a competent and consistent team through recruitment and training, and encouraging collaboration to ensure long-term effectiveness. Whether you are building your first SOC or already have one, what follows are several tips and considerations that will keep your analysts working as efficiently, safely, and comfortably as possible.
In this section, we’ll walk through some of the considerations for the physical build of the SOC as well as SOC IT requirements.
When building out the physical space used for your SOC there are lots of considerations to keep in mind both at the room level and at the individual desk / work area level. You probably already have an idea of what a SOC room looks like in your head, and it’s probably correct, but some differences can make life easier if they’re planned in advance and don’t need to be added later when modifying the space would be more disruptive and costly.
To build a perfect SOC, you have some considerations to take into account for:
Designing the layout of a SOC room is a critical step in creating an environment that supports both collaboration and efficiency. There are a few popular layout options, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown:
The following table details the various advantages and disadvantages of SOC room layouts:
When selecting a SOC room layout, consider how your team works, how they communicate, and the importance of shared ressources such as a video wall. Depending on what’s most important to your operations, you can combine different layout styles to find the right balance between teamwork and concentration on monitoring tasks.
But you might be wondering, how can a virtual SOC be built effectively? This will be covered in the upcoming blogs, so stay tuned.
SOC tools and technologies are key parts of any Security Operations Center. Tools are software that help monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats in real-time. They gather and analyze data from different sources to give a clear view of the organization’s security.
Technologies, on the other hand, support these tools by making advanced features like automation, smart detection and threat intelligence work smoothly. Threat intelligence helps the SOC stay informed about current and emerging threats, making it easier to predict and prevent attacks. Together, tools and technologies help find weak spots, lower risks, and handle new cyber threats. Below are some tools and technologies commonly used in Security Operations Centers.
One of the most fundamental technologies that forms the core of a SOC is a SIEM tool as it analyzes log data from various sources to detect potential attack patterns. It provides graphical reports on an interactive dashboard for the SOC team to quickly investigate threats and attack trends. The tool also enables the SOC team to identify the root cause of a security incident through log forensic analysis, providing a comprehensive view of the enterprise network.
EDR solutions focus on monitoring and protecting endpoints, such as workstations and mobile devices. They provide visibility into endpoint activities, detect suspicious behavior, and facilitate rapid response to threats.
To stay ahead of the latest cyberattacks, the SOC team must be well aware of all kinds of possible threats to the organization. Threat intelligence is evidence-based knowledge of threats that have occurred or will occur shared by different organizations. With threat intelligence, the SOC team can gain valuable insights into various malicious threats and threat actors, their objectives, signs to look out for, and how to mitigate the threats.
Threat intelligence feeds can be used to obtain information regarding common indicators of compromise, such as unauthorized IPs, URLs, domain names, and email addresses. With new types of attacks surfacing every day, the threat feeds are constantly updated. By correlating these threat feeds with log data, the SOC team can be immediately alerted when any threat actor interacts with the network.
SOAR tools simplify SOC operations by automating repetitive tasks and coordinating incident response processes. They improve the SOC’s efficiency, shorten response times, and free up analysts to focus on more critical tasks, such as threat hunting and strategic decision-making. Additionally, SOAR tools help ensure consistency in responses and provide detailed reporting for better analysis and continuous improvement
Now that we’ve explored some of the tools and technologies used in a SOC, you might be wondering: what’s the difference between SIEM and EDR? To make it clear, here’s a simple table explaining their key differences:
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” — Michael Jordan
Building a strong SOC team is more than just hiring skilled individuals — it’s about creating a group that works well together and feels supported. That’s why it’s so important to understand the skills your SOC needs and, above all, how to encourage and guide new recruits. Helping them feel confident, giving them opportunities to grow, and showing them they’re a valuable part of the team makes all the difference. When people feel motivated and supported, they don’t just do their job — they excel
A successful SOC requires clear roles. This includes security analysts, incident responders, threat hunters, and SOC managers. By defining roles early on, you ensure each member understands their responsibilities and how they contribute to the overall security posture.
When it comes to building a SOC, recruiting the right people is essential. Some companies focus primarily on hard skills — such as technical expertise and certifications — while they should also focus on soft skills, like problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work well under pressure. It’s not just about finding technically skilled individuals, but also about identifying those who fit into the team’s culture and mission. The ideal candidates are those who have a passion for cybersecurity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. The right blend of skills, mindset, and teamwork will help drive the success of the SOC in both detecting and responding to threats effectively.
In cybersecurity, the landscape is constantly changing. Therefore, ongoing training is essential. This could involve hands-on labs, attending cybersecurity conferences, or participating in threat simulations to keep skills sharp. Training should cover everything from the use of SOC tools to incident response strategies. Continuous training is also beneficial for the team because it ensures everyone stays updated with the latest threats and technologies, boosts their confidence, and helps them work together more effectively during high-pressure situations. By investing in training, teams are better prepared to adapt quickly and respond proactively to emerging challenges, strengthening the overall security posture.
In both parts of this blog, we’ve explored the key elements of building an effective SOC, from the planning stages to the implementation of tools and technologies. However, it’s crucial to recognize that, ultimately, the success of a SOC depends on the people behind it. Building a strong team, fostering collaboration, and providing continuous training and support are what truly make a SOC successful. The technology may be advanced, but it’s the people who make the real difference in ensuring the security of an organization. So, as you move forward in creating or enhancing your SOC, always prioritize the development and well-being of your team.
