Category: Computers & Software

Leading cyber security solutions provider, DigitalXRAID, recently released an article discussing the benefits of a Virtual Security Operations Centre (vSOC). In this article, the CREST-accredited cyber security expert discusses how a vSOC can help businesses protect themselves against cyber threats.

A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is used to “collect and collate data from across the organisation” and the information collected is used for detecting, analysing, and responding to cyberattacks and threats.

Since this is a highly technical department, building an in-house SOC is not viable for most businesses. It requires specialised tooling, technology, and security professionals, which can be expensive.

Also, in the case of specialised cybersecurity professionals, a lack of talent in this sector has led to a worldwide crisis.

These are the reasons why businesses are turning to managed SOC providers of vSOC.

However, the vSOC model can have two different meanings, which can cause confusion. The first meaning is a SOC that’s hosted in a cloud without a physical location. The second is when the service is outsourced, which has been referred to as SOC-as-a-service, but which is now also known as vSOC. 

As the name suggests, an outsourced vSOC is run entirely by a managed security service provider. However, the service acts like an extension of the client’s in-house IT team.

With an outsourced SOC, clients can take advantage of the sophisticated tooling and technology that they might not be able to afford themselves.

In short, this service provides businesses with the latest technology and talent for “24/7/365 monitoring of all network infrastructure, systems, and applications.”

DigitalXRAID then goes on to talk about the benefits offered by vSOCs. The first is that the responsibility for providing cyber security expertise falls to the experienced service provider—a significant advantage considering the lack of available cyber security talent.

The second benefit is continuous monitoring. According to the cyber security expert, cyber-attacks are a matter of “when” rather than “if” for businesses. 

For a business with no in-house SOC function, fighting back against ransomware and other attack vectors is challenging. 

The proactive protection provided by 24/7 monitoring can be especially helpful, considering more and more attacks are happening outside of working hours.

Since a SOC assures real-time breach detection, clients can expect a quicker response which enables better data protection.

At the same time, the in-house IT team can focus on tasks that help the business grow.

In addition to continuous monitoring and threat detection, a vSOC also provides the following services:

• Proactive threat protection and incident response
• Deep analysis of security log data
• Identification and mitigation of the root cause of security breaches
• Security policy and procedure implementation

DigitalXRAID provides comprehensive cyber security services, including penetration testing, cyber awareness training, and ISO 27001 certification. To learn more about its services, please visit https://www.digitalxraid.com/ 

World-class cyber security expert, DigitalXRAID, has urged businesses to take a proactive approach to their cyber security with a 24/7 SOC (Security Operations Centre), to address the threat of time-based cyberattacks and increase in attacks over the last year. 

In light of the well reported attacks on Rackspace, Intersport and recently The Guardian, it is clear that cybercriminals are using holiday periods and out of hours timing to target businesses who may have their guard down.

Timing is a key factor when it comes to attacks and therefore it is essential for cyber defence. Cyberattacks that happen when IT and security staff are operating with skeleton staff or are away from the office altogether are more devastating, resulting in the exfiltration of much larger quantities of data and causing greater disruption. 

A cyberattack that isn’t detected immediately can take more than 300 days to contain. If several hours pass before an attack is identified, attackers have the possibility to move laterally across a company’s networks undetected, which can be dire for an organisation’s business operations and result in downtime. 

The most recent example of a devastating cyberattack comes as Royal Mail announced that they had suffered a crippling cyber incident which halted all international deliveries. The attack follows a similar pattern to the cyber incident at delivery service Yodel which reports suggest was the result of a ransomware attack launched at the weekend. With a delay in the identification of the attack, Yodel experienced widespread disruption and systems being unavailable for days following. 

A similar attack early in 2022 on another delivery company reported an overall cost of $60 million to the business. 

Hackers don’t exclusively operate during office hours, so neither should security measures. With such high profile incidents advertising the advantages of out of hours attacks, cyber criminals will be looking to profit from these opportunities. 

Cyberattacks cannot be taken lightly. Reported statistics say there is a cyberattack happening every 39 seconds, with over 4,000 ransomware attacks taking place daily. Moreover, large companies that aren’t the only ones being targeted—43% of these attacks represent small businesses.

Most organisations, especially small to mid-sized businesses don’t have the resources to build and support a 24/7 security operations centre (SOC) in house. Setting up a 24/7 SOC in-house, with all of the tooling and manpower needed for 24/7 coverage, can cost over £500,000. This just isn’t achievable for most businesses, especially in view of the global cyber skills shortage.

In view of this, and the potential cost of cyber incidents reportedly reaching upwards of £3.18m, organisations are looking to 24/7 SOC providers for support.

Outsourcing cyber security to a specialised 24/7 SOC provider gives access to the latest in tooling and highly skilled security professionals, without risking sensitive information and protection. 

Outsourcing a company’s 24/7 SOC opens the door to world-class threat detection and response without having to spend time and money in hiring, training, and retaining competent analysts.

At the same time, a 24/7 SOC provides advantages such as:

• Skilled personnel overseeing their business 24/7
• The ability to stop attacks in minutes
• A lower cost of ownership to secure the business
• More time to pursue other business opportunities

An outsourced 24/7SOC team acts like an extension of the business, leaving IT and security staff to focus their skills and energy on other aspects of the operations. At the same time, businesses do not have to compromise on detection and remediation time if they’re targeted by threat actors.

DigitalXRAID provides a CREST accredited Security Operations Centre, offering clients cyber protection 24/7/365. 

The company also provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions and services such as penetration testing, cyber awareness training and phishing campaigns and ISO 27001 certification. To learn more about what they offer, please visit https://www.digitalxraid.com/