A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is the nerve centre of an organisation’s cybersecurity defences, where experts monitor and defend IT infrastructure against threats in real-time. The SOC ensures identities, data, systems, and networks remain secure and compliant with regulations through continuous monitoring, threat detection, incident response, proactive threat hunting, and compliance reporting.
With cyber threats and technological complexity on the rise, outsourcing a SOC is a strategic move for businesses looking to strengthen their cybersecurity while reducing the strain on their internal resources. However, misconceptions about outsourced SOCs persist. Here, we debunk these myths and uncover the real advantages of outsourcing your SOC.
"An outsourced SOC is only for large enterprises."
Misconception:
Many assume that Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are only for large corporations with significant resources and risk.
Reality:
Cybercriminals don’t discriminate based on company size and success is a numbers game. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are just as vulnerable - if not more so - due to limited security resources and visibility. First and foremost, an outsourced SOC delivers visibility on weaknesses, backed by enterprise-grade protection at a scale that suits businesses of all sizes.
Fact Check: According to the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, small businesses face increasing cyber threats, making outsourced SOCs a scalable and cost-effective solution.
An increase in cyber attacks and risk is one of the key signs to outsource your SOC.
"An outsourced SOC is too expensive."
Misconception:
Outsourcing a SOC is beyond most organisations’ budgets and there are more important things that require our attention first.
Reality:
The SOC is a great source of truth with regards to the performance and efficacy of the security controls deployed in the environment, and it will highlight weaknesses in the organisation’s existing defences. The data is extremely useful in directing IT budgets towards the areas that will have the most impact, based on the observed threats.
The cost of building an in-house SOC - hiring skilled analysts, investing in cutting-edge technology, and maintaining 24/7 operations - is far greater than outsourcing. An outsourced SOC offers comprehensive security at a fraction of the cost, maximising return on investment (ROI) across all of the deployed security controls while reducing cyber risk.
Fact Check: According to a Gartner analysis, organisations that outsource their SOC operations can reduce security operations costs by up to 50% compared to building and maintaining an in-house SOC—especially when factoring in staffing, 24/7 coverage, and technology upkeep. Additionally, outsourcing improves the ROI of existing security tools by ensuring they are monitored and actioned effectively, rather than sitting underused or misconfigured.
Check out the real costs and savings of outsourced vs in-house SOCs
"We don’t need 24/7 monitoring—we only operate 9 to 5."
Misconception:
Existing security measures (firewalls, antivirus software, and other basic tools) are sufficient for most businesses’ 9-to-5 operations, making round-the-clock monitoring unnecessary.
Reality:
Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t work office hours. Most attacks occur outside business hours and especially over holidays when it is expected that internal IT teams aren’t watching. Without continuous monitoring, threats can go undetected for hours and even days - leading to serious breaches that include data loss and disruption.
Most system administrators will also appreciate that although the business only operates between 9 and 5, they are expected to be on-call 24/7. Organisation do tend to take advantage of the goodwill of their staff, leading to burnout and high turnover. Outsourcing the SOC will allow the internal IT team to relax, truly take some leave and focus on enabling the business rather than fighting fires.
Fact Check: The NCSC Incident Response Guide confirms that many cyber attacks happen outside business hours, making 24/7 monitoring critical for security resilience.
"An outsourced SOC is a one-size-fits-all service – they don’t understand what we need."
Misconception:
Outsourced SOCs impose rigid, generic solutions that don’t align with specific business needs or address our unique risks.
Reality:
A trusted outsourced SOC provider works as an extension of your business, integrating seamlessly with internal teams, existing processes, and security policies - while tailoring the service to your organisation’s specific needs and risk profile. The buying process should include a detailed threat modelling and discovery session with the SOC provider focusing on how your business operates and where the specific risks (known and perceived) lie. All aspects of the service, from the commercials to the delivery, should be sufficiently flexible to ensure a good working partnership is formed.
Fact Check: The SANS SOC Survey found that businesses integrating customised threat models experience fewer breaches compared to those using standard security approaches.
See the business benefits of custom-fit SOC solutions.
"Outsourcing means losing control and putting data at risk."
Misconception:
Businesses fear that outsourcing security means handing over control and exposing sensitive data, potentially at the cost of remaining compliant.
Reality:
It is also important to select a reputable Outsourced SOC provider who takes data privacy and security as seriously as you do. Buyers should check that their potential SOC providers are certified and accredited to the same standards and regulations that their own business is measured against. Highly regulated businesses have successfully outsourced their SOC whilst remaining compliant without compromising on data privacy.
Fact Check: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides guidelines for data protection in outsourced security operations, ensuring businesses retain control over security visibility and reporting.
Compare how control and visibility differ in outsourced vs in-house models.
Conclusion
Demystifying the myths around outsourced SOCs is essential for making informed cybersecurity decisions. Outsourcing isn’t about handing over control - it’s about gaining a partner that will fight alongside you in the trenches strengthening security, providing expert support, and improving resilience.
Is It Time to Outsource Your SOC?
A reputable outsourced SOC enhances your cybersecurity posture while keeping costs manageable and operations seamless.
