The SOC (Security Operation Center) serves as the frontline defense against cyber threats—an operational hub designed to ensure high standards of protection from cyber risks.

Depending on an organization’s security needs and available investment resources, a SOC can either be internal to the company or managed by an external provider.

Main differences between internal and external SOCs

Internal and external (or managed) SOCs represent two distinct models for managing cybersecurity operations.

The main differences involve control, resources, cost, expertise, and flexibility in implementation.

Control and integration

Internal SOC: offers maximum control over security operations and deep integration with business processes. The team works closely with other IT functions and has a thorough understanding of the organization’s specific needs.

External SOC: offers less direct control but benefits from the expertise and best practices of specialized providers. Integration with business processes may be less immediate, though services are often customizable.

Resources and expertise

Internal SOC: requires highly qualified personnel and dedicated resources. It’s suitable for companies with large budgets and the capacity to maintain a team of at least 10–12 people to ensure 24/7 coverage.

External SOC: provides access to advanced expertise without the need for in-house development. It’s ideal for companies that cannot afford or manage the complexity of an internal SOC, or that struggle to find specialized professionals.

Costs and scalability

Internal SOC: involves significant investment in personnel, technology, and training. Fixed costs are high, but there is full control over infrastructure and data.

External SOC: offers a more flexible and scalable cost structure, adapting quickly to business needs. It reduces upfront costs and allows payment only for the services actually used.

Flexibility and updates

Internal SOC: allows greater customization but may be slower to adopt new technologies or methodologies due to internal processes or budget constraints.

External SOC: providers are often at the forefront of implementing new solutions and updating skills, thanks to experience gained across multiple clients and contexts.

Availability and coverage

Internal SOC: can offer 24/7 coverage only with adequate resources. If staffing is insufficient, coverage may be limited.

External SOC: typically provides continuous 24/7 coverage, which is crucial for promptly responding to security incidents.