Effectively combating cyber threats is an increasingly difficult challenge. As these threats grow more sophisticated and frequent, organizations of all sizes must constantly refine their cybersecurity strategies to safeguard their attack surface. A key question many face is whether to build and maintain their own security operations center (SOC) or to outsource this critical component to a managed security service provider (MSSP).
A high-functioning SOC is vital for identifying, responding to, and mitigating threats. However, the choice between an in-house or outsourced SOC involves balancing control, cost, expertise, and scalability.
What Is a Security Operations Center (SOC)?
A security operations center is a centralized function within an organization that employs people, processes, and platforms to continuously monitor and improve its security posture while preventing, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It maintains a unified and efficient front against malicious attacks, detects unauthorized activity, and provides 24/7 monitoring for your environment. Whether built in-house or outsourced, a SOC’s primary goal is to protect an organization’s IT assets, including intellectual property, personnel data, business systems, and brand integrity.
In-house SOC: Control Comes at a Cost
Building an in-house SOC offers organizations full control over their cybersecurity strategy and direct oversight of their security operations. For organizations with a larger security budget and ample IT staff, this can be the right choice. However, the internal approach comes with several significant challenges:
High upfront & ongoing costs
Establishing an in-house SOC involves substantial capital investments in technology, infrastructure, and personnel. Beyond initial setup costs, organizations must account for ongoing expenses related to software licenses, hardware maintenance, continuous training, and salaries. This total cost of ownership calculator provides an estimate for what it will cost your organization to build a SOC.
Talent acquisition & retention
Finding and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals is increasingly difficult and costly. An in-house SOC requires a team of experienced analysts and engineers who are knowledgeable in threat detection, incident response, and threat intelligence — skills that are in high demand and in short supply. Our experience shows most midsize organizations require a minimum of 11 security professionals in an internal SOC.
24/7 monitoring
Effective SOCs require round-the-clock monitoring and management, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Even with sufficient personnel, maintaining consistent coverage can be challenging, leading to coverage gaps and increased risk of unnoticed threats.
MSSP SOC: Leveraging Expertise & Flexibility
Outsourcing to a MSSP is a flexible alternative, providing expert guidance in a cost-effective, highly scalable manner. Key benefits include:
Cost efficiency
Most MSSPs utilize a subscription-based pricing model that can significantly reduce the financial burden of building and maintaining an in-house SOC. Organizations can avoid large capital expenditures and instead pay a predictable, recurring fee for the services they need.
Access to specialized expertise
MSSPs provide access to a team of dedicated security professionals with deep expertise who continuously update their knowledge and skills to stay ahead of emerging threats. Working with an MSSP also clears the hurdle caused by the long-standing cybersecurity talent shortage.
24/7 monitoring & rapid incident response
With an MSSP, you’ll have access to a SOC that is never offline, ensuring that any potential threats are identified and addressed in real time. This round-the-clock vigilance is critical in minimizing the damage caused by security incidents and reducing response times.
Advanced threat intelligence & technology
Effective MSSPs utilize proprietary advanced threat intelligence and platforms that could be out-of-reach for individual organizations to procure and maintain. This access enables them to detect, analyze, and respond to threats more effectively.
Key Considerations for Choosing an Internal vs. Outsourced SOC
Deciding to build an in-house SOC or partner with an MSSP is complex and depends on several factors unique to each organization:
- Budget: Organizations with limited budgets often find outsourcing a more cost-effective solution, while those with substantial resources may opt for the control and customization of an in-house SOC.
- Internal expertise: If an organization lacks sufficient internal cybersecurity expertise or simply can’t recruit and retain skilled staff, outsourcing to an MSSP can provide immediate access to the cybersecurity talent shortage.
- Risk appetite: Organizations with a low risk tolerance may favor the strict control of an in-house security operations center, while those with a more moderate risk appetite could benefit from the flexibility and adaptability of outsourcing.
- Compliance requirements: Cybersecurity mandates and regulations evolve constantly, making compliance a daunting task for small internal teams. Partnering with a MSSP can lighten the load, cutting through the complexity to manage the critical tasks of investigating and responding to incidents that could jeopardize your compliance — and your business.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when deciding between an in-house SOC and an outsourced MSSP. Each organization must carefully assess its specific needs, resources, and risk profile to determine the most effective approach to cybersecurity. For some, the control and customization of an in-house SOC are essential. For others, the cost savings, expertise, and scalability of an outsourced security operations center offer a compelling alternative.
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your organization’s unique circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term security strategy.
Fortra’s SOC teams have provided managed security services — including Fortra XDR, Fortra’s Alert Logic MDR, and Fortra Managed WAF — for more than 20 years, improving customers’ security posture for cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
Additional Resources:
Is Your Organization Ready for an In-house SOC?
Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap
“Insider the SOC” webinar series
Securing Success: Gaining Executive Buy-in for Cybersecurity
