SOC stands for Security Operations Center uses an array of tools and strategies to detect potential threats across your systems, network, and even within Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Moreover, the nature of the threats on your systems greatly depends on the organization’s industry, client base, partnerships, services, and level of exposure. Throughout the years, SOC analysts have seen many attacks, from the mundane to the exceptionally audacious. However, many of the attacks that are successfully countered can be categorized into five recurring attack methods. 

Here are the five common threats detected by a SOC: 

Malware

It is a type of software i.e. crafted to inflict damage upon computers or networks. It ranges from discreetly intercepting data traffic to actively infecting your machines to run the attacker's command. You might have come across news about crypto-jacking, where malware takes control of your system’s resources. Thereby, significantly slowing down your system and network performance. Here, to counter these threats, SOC managed services is used with its various malware detection tools like endpoint protection software, network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), or malware analysis. Further, these tools are useful to pinpoint and prevent the execution of malicious activity. 

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack method involving sending deceptive emails or messages aimed at tricking the recipient into disclosing sensitive information. For the same purpose, a SOC is hired that utilizes email filtering and other techniques to find and prevent phishing attacks. In addition, when these services are combined with internal programs like PhishTACO, a SOC increases the strength of your entire company to catch phishing attacks, reducing the chance of financial and repetitional impacts on your organization. 

Denial of Service (DoS)

A DoS attack requires overwhelming a network or system with excessive traffic, making it inaccessible to available users. In particular, it can be framed as a group of hackers and automated bots attempting to access your systems many times, preventing the users from getting through. Furthermore, a SOC employs intrusion detection systems and other tools to monitor network traffic and find potential DoS attacks. As a result, this ensures that your systems remain accessible to those who need access even during an ongoing attack. 

Ransomware

This belongs to a category of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. In general, ransomware remains undiscovered until a SOC is called or until you lose access to files encrypted by malicious attackers. Evidently, a SOC uses ransomware detection tools to detect and prevent ransomware attacks. Besides this, it also helps you to recover data quickly rendering ransomware ineffective, through data loss prevention (DLS) systems or backup and recovery solutions.

Insider Threats

This refers to security breaches caused by individuals with administrative access to an organization’s systems and networks. Nevertheless, in any security setting, people represent the most important vulnerability. Hopefully, a SOC relies on access control systems, zero trust informed systems, and other tools to trace suspicious behavior and prevent inevitable threats.

The Concluding Words

Inevitably, every growing company will face at least one of these threats to their organization. The more famous or renowned your organization’s exposure, the greater the need for preparedness. In this regard, a SOC plays a vital role in identifying and preventing a wide range of cybersecurity threats, ensuring your data and networks remain secure. SOC services come in various shapes and sizes, from In-house SOCs to SOCaas services. Thus, to proactively enhance your cybersecurity make sure you choose the suitable one.