SOC Service vs. Traditional Security Solutions: Which Is Right?

As a business owner, you’re likely no stranger to the challenges of managing a growing enterprise, especially when it comes to keeping your IT systems secure. The world of cybersecurity can feel like a maze, one wrong turn, and your sensitive data, client information, or financials could be at risk. Unfortunately, cyber threats are real and ever-evolving, making it critical to stay one step ahead.

But how can you protect your business from cyberattacks and ensure smooth operations without constantly worrying about IT infrastructure? Enter SOC services. These services act as a safety net, allowing your business to focus on growth while a team of experts vigilantly guards your digital assets. But what makes SOC as a service a more effective option compared to traditional security solutions? Let’s break it down.

What is SOC service, and how does it work?

SOC as a Service is a managed security solution where a team of experts monitors your business’s digital environment 24/7, detects threats, and responds to incidents in real time. This service provides proactive cybersecurity without the need for an in-house security operations centre, making advanced protection accessible to businesses of all sizes.

A SOC team provides continuous monitoring of your IT systems, using advanced tools to collect and analyse data from all endpoints. When a threat is detected, they trigger alerts and respond immediately, ensuring your security is always active.

SOC as a service offers businesses access to these highly skilled teams without the need to invest in an in-house security operations centre. Instead, you benefit from outsourced expertise and advanced security monitoring at a fraction of the cost.

By combining threat intelligence, endpoint detection, and rapid incident response, SOC as a Service helps safeguard your systems and provides a level of protection that most businesses cannot achieve alone.

Key components of SOC as a Service

SOC as a Service combines people, processes, and technology to deliver complete security, not just software or tools.

SOC as a Service typically includes:

• A dedicated security team: 24/7 monitoring, alert investigation, and incident response.
• Advanced security technology: Tools like SIEM and EDR for log analysis and device monitoring.
• Defined security processes: Standard procedures for detection, investigation, and response.
• Clear reporting and SLAs: Regular security reports and guaranteed response times.

The key features of traditional security solutions

Traditional security solutions are common but often struggle to address today’s complex threats. Many security leaders now identify factors like AI-driven attacks and advanced threats, such as phishing and social engineering, as major concerns. Typical features include:

• Basic firewall protection: Firewalls are essential in controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic, but they don’t cover the full spectrum of security needs.
• Antivirus software: While useful for detecting known malware, antivirus programs may struggle to protect against newer, more sophisticated threats.
• Security patches and updates: Traditional security often relies on manual updates and patches, which can be time-consuming and prone to oversight.
• Limited monitoring: Many traditional security solutions lack continuous, 24/7 monitoring, leaving your business at risk. In fact, over half of security leaders in New Zealand report cyber burnout and stress among their security teams due to these resource limitations.

Comparing the effectiveness of SOC service and traditional security solutions

SOC services offer a more comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity than traditional solutions, helping your business adapt to evolving threats.

Feature	Traditional Security Solutions	SOC as a Service
Monitoring	Reactive, often only after a breach is detected.	Proactive, with continuous 24/7 real-time monitoring to detect threats before they cause damage.
Threat Intelligence	Relies on outdated threat signatures and known attack patterns.	Integrates advanced, evolving threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging risks.
Coverage	Limited focus on specific areas like firewalls or antivirus software.	Comprehensive, end-to-end protection covering the entire digital infrastructure.
Availability	Typically limited to business hours, leaving systems vulnerable overnight.	Around-the-clock monitoring and rapid response, ensuring constant protection.

Cost considerations: SOC service vs. traditional security solutions

When comparing SOC services to traditional security, consider both immediate costs and long-term benefits. Many businesses want strong security without overspending. Here’s how the costs compare:

Initial setup and infrastructure costs

Traditional security solutions, like an in-house SOC, often involve significant upfront costs for hardware, software, and staff. This can be a hefty price tag for smaller businesses that need effective protection but don’t have the budget for a full-scale internal team.

On the other hand, SOC as a service provides a more cost-effective approach by allowing businesses to outsource their security needs. With a managed SOC, you get access to state-of-the-art security tools and a team of experts for a predictable monthly fee.

Staffing and expertise

In-house security requires hiring, training, and retaining qualified professionals with competitive salaries. A SOC team already comes with cybersecurity experts, security analysts, and security engineers who have the knowledge to tackle the latest threats.

Ongoing maintenance and updates

Traditional solutions often require manual patching, updates, and maintenance of hardware and software. With SOC services, updates are included as part of the package, ensuring your systems stay current without constant input from your internal team.

Risk mitigation and ROI

While SOC services may come with a recurring monthly fee, the value they provide in mitigating risks far outweighs the cost. A single data breach can result in lost clients, legal fees, and damage to your reputation. In Q1 2025 alone, cyber incidents led to a $7.8 million loss in New Zealand, the second highest quarterly loss ever recorded by the NCSC. Investing in a SOC service reduces the likelihood of these costly events.

How to determine which security solution is right for your business

Choosing the right security solution for your business isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your business size, industry, and specific security needs. Here are some questions to consider:

What’s your budget?

If you’re a small to mid-sized business, your budget may not stretch to building an in-house SOC. In this case, SOC as a service is a more cost-effective solution, giving you access to enterprise-level expertise without the high upfront investment.

How critical is uptime to your business?

For businesses in accounting, finance, or legal industries, the costs of downtime can be catastrophic. SOC services are ideal because of their round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response, preventing major disruptions.

Do you have the resources to manage security internally?

If your business doesn’t have the internal IT resources to handle complex security needs, outsourcing to a managed SOC is an excellent choice. It allows your team to focus on core business activities while experts handle security.

What level of protection do you need?

The more comprehensive your security needs, the more a SOC service will benefit you. If you’re dealing with sensitive data or need to meet strict compliance regulations, SOC services offer peace of mind.

How do you want to scale your security as your business grows?

Traditional solutions often require continuous investment as you scale. SOC services are scalable by design and can quickly adapt as your business grows, ensuring your systems are always protected.

How SOC as a Service works alongside your existing IT team or MSP

A common question from business owners is whether SOC as a Service replaces their current IT support. The answer is no, it enhances it. Think of it as a partnership where each party has a distinct role.

• Your IT Team or MSP: Continues to manage day-to-day IT operations, user support, device setup, and network performance.
• The SOCaaS Provider: Focuses exclusively on security, monitoring your environment 24/7 for threats and leading the response to incidents.

When our SOC team detects a threat, we work with your IT team or MSP to contain and resolve it. This collaborative approach allows your IT staff to focus on what they do best, while our security specialists handle the complex work of cyber defence.

What to expect when implementing SOC as a Service

Implementing SOC as a Service is straightforward and designed to minimise disruption. The process usually includes these steps:

1. Discovery and Scoping: We start by understanding your business, your current IT environment, and your specific security requirements.
2. Onboarding and Deployment: Our team deploys lightweight monitoring tools and configures log collection from your key systems with minimal effort from your side.
3. Tuning and Baselining: For the first few weeks, our system learns what ‘normal’ activity looks like in your network to reduce false positives.
4. Go-Live and Continuous Monitoring: Once tuning is complete, your 24/7 monitoring is fully active, and our team becomes your round-the-clock guard.

Bringing it all together: choosing the right approach for your business

When choosing between SOC services and traditional security solutions, the decision comes down to what makes the most sense for your business. For a small to mid-sized company with limited resources, SOC as a service provides a cost-effective, scalable, and comprehensive solution.

The benefits of SOC services, from real-time monitoring and rapid response to advanced threat detection, cannot be overstated. With a SOC team managing your security, you can rest easy knowing your business is protected around the clock by a team of experts.

If you’d like to discuss whether SOC as a Service is the right fit for your business, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Frequently asked questions about SOC as a Service vs. traditional security solutions