What is VSOC and GSOC Security?    

Cybersecurity has never been more critical than it is now. Companies are constantly under attack by cybercriminals who aim to obtain your data and money, so there's no time like the present for organizations with cybersecurity needs to get it together. 

Cyberattacks are no longer targeted just at the big guys — small and medium-sized businesses can fall into a security breach because of how quickly cybercriminals explore new techniques. 

To counter these attacks, you could implement either a virtual security operations center (VSOC) or a global security operations center (GSOC). A VSOC or a GSOC can help maintain compliance by monitoring IT systems 24x7 and watching for potential threats before they become significant issues. 

What Is a Virtual Security Operations Center (VSOC)?

A VSOC is an outsourced data monitoring solution in which your security monitoring is carried out by a professional resource that will survey your company’s digital network, look for flaws in its defenses, and detect any suspicious or fraudulent activity.   

VSOCs are entirely web-based, allowing you to monitor your security systems in real time. Their centralized command and control center gives a better view of your organization's security and can help you meet compliance requirements.   

However, they differ from other digital security centers because they go beyond defending your organization's walls, helping you prioritize security events and focus on those that may significantly impact your business.   

A VSOC is an extension of a slightly older idea known as a global security operations center. 

What Is a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC)?

A GSOC is a facility that monitors and responds to security threats on a global scale. GSOCs are staffed by a team of security professionals who work around the clock to identify and track potential threats. In addition to monitoring global security threats, GSOCs also support local security teams and law enforcement agencies. The GSOC team may also be involved in providing intelligence and analysis to help prevent future attacks. By working together, the team at a GSOC can help to keep people safe from harm.

GSOCs were created as a physical center incorporating all the tools and expertise businesses need to protect their operations.   

The idea was to combine and pool resources from various standalone security operations centers (SOCs). Companies would develop these GSOCs and create a home for threat intelligence and fraud analysts, offering a complete view of all threats.   

The next step in the evolution of SOCs was to move GSOCs online, making them VSOCs. A VSOC allows companies to outsource security operations, use more sophisticated tools, and offers round-the-clock protection while reducing costs. 

How Do VSOCs and GSOCs Work to Protect Data and Networks?

VSOCs and GSOCs use a combination of people, processes, and technology to detect, investigate, and respond to security threats. Here's a look at how they work: 

• Detect: The first step is to detect potential security threats. Detection utilizes various tools such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewall logs, web application logs, etc. 
• Investigate: Once a potential threat is detected, there is an investigation to determine whether or not it is a threat. An investigation is done by looking at the characteristics of the attack and understanding its motives. 
• Respond: If the threat is confirmed, appropriate action must be taken — this may involve quarantining the affected systems, changing passwords, or contacting law enforcement.

The bottom line is that a GSOC and a VSOC can benefit businesses as they help protect data and networks from potential threats. 

Benefits of VSOC Security and GSOC Security 

There are several benefits when it comes to using a VSOC or GSOC to protect your business. These include: 

• Cost savings: By outsourcing to a VSOC, you can save on hiring costs, in-house staff training, and investing in the infrastructure and tools required to run an SOC. 
• Improved detection and response times: VSOCs and GSOCs have the resources and expertise to provide around-the-clock monitoring of networks and systems. This means that potential threats can be detected and responded to more quickly, reducing the impact on organizations in the event of an attack. 
• Complementary expertise: VSOCs and GSOCs complement the skills of your in-house IT team, providing them with expert assistance when needed. 
• Increased flexibility: VSOCs and GSOCs offer flexible services you can customize to meet your specific needs. For example, you may only need monitoring during business hours or help with incident response but not detection. 
• Focus on your core business: By outsourcing your SOC, you can free up in-house IT staff to focus on other projects. 

Are There Any Potential Downsides to Using a VSOC/GSOC for Security Operations?

If you currently have your in-house SOC operational and are wondering why an outsourced VSOC or GSOC may be a better idea, then it is worth questioning the drawbacks. 

• Lack of flexibility: A potential downside to using a VSOC or GSOC is that you may have less flexibility when making changes to your security operations. This lack of flexibility could eventually lead to frustration if you find that you need to make changes but cannot due to the restrictions imposed by the provider. 
• Loss of control: When you use a VSOC or GSOC, you may feel like you've lost some control over your security operations. This loss of control can be unsettling for some business owners. 
• Logistical issues: Another downside to using a GSOC or VSOC is that there can be logistical issues regarding implementation. For example, if a company has remote employees, it can be difficult to implement security measures that protect all employees, regardless of location. Also, managing security issues across all sites can be difficult if a company has multiple offices in different locations.

However, outsourcing your security operations to a reputable provider that offers a comprehensive service should minimize some of the shortcomings outlined above. 

The Bottom Line

Many businesses are turning to a VSOC or a GSOC to protect their data and networks. By replicating the functions of a traditional SOC within a remote environment, companies can enjoy all the benefits of 24x7 monitoring and threat detection without having to worry about the physical infrastructure and staffing requirements of a brick-and-mortar SOC. 

There are some potential downsides to using a VSOC or GSOC for your business's security needs (such as the possibility of latency issues). Still, for most organizations, the benefits far outweigh any possible drawbacks.   

If you’re looking for an effective way to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture, a VSOC or a GSOC may be just what you need. 

**This blog was originally published on February 7, 2023.