SOC vs. NOC: Differences Explained 
 

The terms SOC (security operations center) and NOC (network operations center) are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. Here, we'll explain those differences and their roles in your organization's security infrastructure. 

What Is a SOC? 

A SOC, or security operation center, is a physical or virtual location from which an organization monitors and manages its security threats. The SOC may be staffed around the clock or only during business hours, depending on the organization's needs. 

Typically, SOC staff members have a deep understanding of security technologies and processes, and they use this knowledge to protect their organization's networks, systems, and data. In addition to monitoring for threats, SOC teams also respond to incidents, investigate potential breaches, and work to prevent future attacks. Organizations can proactively protect their critical assets by having a dedicated team responsible for security and reduce the chances of being breached. 

What Is a NOC? 

A NOC, or network operations center, is a central location from which network administrators can monitor and manage the status of computer networks. A NOC typically includes a large display wall with monitors that show the real-time performance of all the networks under its purview. In addition to monitoring network performance, NOC staff may also be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving network problems as they arise. Because of the critical role that NOCs play in keeping networks up and running, they are often heavily guarded and have strict security procedures in place. 

SOC vs. NOC - What Are the Differences? 

SOCs and NOCs are both centralized locations where network monitoring and management take place, but there are some key differences between the two. 

• SOCs focus on security, while NOCs focus on network operations. 
• SOCs typically have staff with security expertise, while NOCs typically have staff with network expertise. 
• SOCs use security tools to monitor threats, while NOCs use network management tools to monitor network performance. 
• SOCs typically respond to security incidents, while NOCs typically troubleshoot network problems.

In short, SOCs and NOCs are different types of teams that serve different purposes within an organization. However, both SOCs and NOCs play vital roles in keeping an organization's computer networks and systems running smoothly and securely.

SOC and NOC Challenges

While critical to an organization’s security environment, both SOC and NOC have their own set of challenges which can make it difficult to choose the right approach for your organization. Here are some common challenges associated with each approach: 

SOC challenges:

• The need for 24/7 monitoring and staffing can be costly.
• Investigating and responding to incidents can be time-consuming.
• There is a risk of missing important security events.

NOC challenges:

• Security tools can be complex and difficult to configure correctly.
• The need to constantly update security policies and procedures can be challenging.
• There is a risk of losing visibility into the network if something goes wrong. 

SOC vs NOC: Which Is Right for My Organization? 

Here are some things to consider when deciding which type of team is right for your organization: 

• Size and scope of the organization: SOC teams are typically larger and more comprehensive than NOC teams. They are responsible for all security aspects, from monitoring and detection to response and incident management. On the other hand, NOC teams typically focus on network security and monitoring. 
• Type of threats: SOC teams are better equipped to deal with advanced persistent threats (APTs), while NOC teams are better suited for dealing with more common threats like malware and DDOS attacks. 
• Cost: SOC teams can be expensive to maintain due to their size and complexity. NOC teams are typically less expensive to operate. 
• Response time: SOC teams usually have a faster response time than NOC teams since they are focused exclusively on security. NOC teams may take longer to respond as they also have to manage the network. The answer depends on your organization's specific needs. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to implement a SOC or NOC comes down to an assessment of your organization's specific needs. A SOC may be the right choice if you have the resources and the need for 24/7 monitoring. If you have a simpler network and can get by with occasional monitoring, then a NOC may be sufficient.

Tips for Creating an Effective SOC or NOC 

Whether running a small business or a large enterprise, you need to ensure your data is safe from malicious actors. One way to do this is to create a security operations center (SOC) or network operations center (NOC). Here are some tips for creating an effective SOC or NOC: 

• Define your goals and objectives: What do you want your SOC or NOC to accomplish? What specific threats do you want to defend against? Once you know what you're trying to achieve, you can start putting together the pieces of your SOC or NOC. 
• Identify the right tools and technologies: There are many different security solutions on the market, so it's essential to choose the ones that will best meet your needs. Do some research and talk to other businesses in your industry to see what they're using. 
• Build a team of experts: Your SOC or NOC will only be as effective as those running it. Ensure you have experienced security professionals on your team who know how to use the tools and technologies you've chosen.

By following these tips, you can create an effective SOC or NOC that will help keep your data safe from harm. 

The Bottom Line

The SOC and NOC are both important structures for any organization that wants to ensure the safety of its data. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before deciding which is right for your company. We’ve outlined these differences in detail and provided tips on how to create an effective SOC or NOC for your organization. Make sure to consider all the information we’ve shared before deciding which type of security operation center is right for you.

**This blog was originally published on January 26, 2023.