Why Every Business Needs a SOC: A Must-Have for MSPs 

Organisations of all sizes face the constant challenge of protecting their data, systems, and reputation from ever-changing cyber threats. As a result, the demand for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been higher. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), partnering with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to deliver a Security Operations Centre (SOC) service is not just an option—it’s a necessity. 

What is a SOC, and Why Does It Matter? 

A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a centralised team responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time. It’s the nerve centre of an organisation’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring that threats are identified and neutralised in minutes, before they can cause significant harm to the business and its reputation. 

However, building and maintaining an effective in-house SOC is no small feat. It requires substantial investment in technology and tooling, highly skilled security professionals, and continuous updates to technology and skills to stay ahead of emerging threats. For many businesses, the costs and complexities of developing a fully operational SOC in-house are simply out of reach or a distraction from their business purpose. 

The Challenges of Building an In-House SOC

1. High Costs: Establishing an in-house SOC is a significant financial undertaking. The average salary of a security analyst in the UK is around £60,000 per year. When you factor in the need for a 24/7 operation with a full team of analysts, the cost can easily exceed £500,000 annually. This doesn’t even account for the necessary tooling and ongoing training required to keep the SOC and the team effective. 
2. Talent Shortage: The cybersecurity industry faces a well-documented skills shortage. Finding and retaining qualified professionals to staff an in-house SOC is a significant challenge. Moreover, the intense and high-pressure environment of a SOC can lead to burnout, making retention even more difficult.
3. Strategic Shift Required: Implementing a SOC isn’t just about hiring the right people and buying the right tools. It requires a fundamental shift in business priorities, with a strong focus on enhancing the organisation’s overall security posture. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations, developing incident response playbooks and running table-top exercises, and continuously updating security strategies.
4. Complexity of Execution: Running a SOC effectively is a complex and continuous effort. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and the defence mechanisms must evolve in tandem. This requires ongoing investment in the latest technologies, threat intelligence, and skilled personnel to ensure the SOC remains effective. 

Why MSPs Should Partner with an MSSP

For MSPs, offering SOC services to their clients can be a game-changer. However, the challenges of building an in-house SOC costing into the millions can be daunting. This is where taking advantage of SOC-as-a-service (SOCaaS) by partnering with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) like DigitalXRAID becomes invaluable. Partnering with an established SOC provider removes the risk from MSPs that wish to offer it to their end clients. 

By partnering with a specialist MSSP, MSPs can offer their clients the benefits of a fully operational SOC without the associated costs and complexities.  

• Cost-Effective Expertise: Partnering with an MSSP allows MSPs to leverage the expertise of a fully staffed and equipped SOC without the need for significant upfront investment. This enables MSPs to offer high-quality cybersecurity services to their clients at a fraction of the cost of building an in-house SOC. 

• Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: MSSPs like DigitalXRAID invest heavily in the latest security technologies and tools. This includes advanced machine learning (ML) capabilities and generative AI models that enhance threat detection and response. MSPs can offer their clients the benefits of these technologies without the need for continuous investment. 

• Scalability and Flexibility: As businesses grow and their cybersecurity needs evolve, an MSSP partnership provides the scalability and flexibility to adapt quickly. Whether it’s expanding services to new clients or upgrading existing offerings, MSSPs provide the resources and expertise to meet these demands. 

• Focus on Core Business: By outsourcing SOC operations to an MSSP, MSPs can focus on their core business activities, confident that their clients’ cybersecurity needs are in expert hands. This not only enhances service delivery but also allows MSPs to grow their business without being bogged down by the complexities of capex and cybersecurity management. 

DigitalXRAID’s SOC Services: Empowering MSPs for Success 

DigitalXRAID was formed and is unwaveringly committed to ensuring that the bad guys don’t win. By working with MSPs, or IT service providers, we can deliver better business outcomes for end clients and unlock growth potential for our partners.  

Our UK-based, CREST Accredited SOC operates 24/7, providing advanced managed security monitoring that enhances our MSP partners’ offerings. Our SOC service is technology-agnostic, meaning we work with best-in-breed solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. 

We also offer specialised expertise in Managed Microsoft Sentinel services, helping partners and clients maximise the value of their Microsoft licenses. This not only strengthens security for end clients but also drives financial gains through cost-effective license usage and consolidation. 

With DigitalXRAID’s SOC service, MSPs can deliver robust, scalable, and cost-effective cybersecurity solutions that protect, detect, and respond to threats in real-time. Our service is designed to optimise costs while ensuring maximum ROI through improved security posture, reduced incident impact, and enhanced operational efficiency. 

Join Our Partner Programme: Unlock New Opportunities

If you’re an MSP looking to enhance your service offerings and provide your clients with world-class cybersecurity solutions, partnering with DigitalXRAID is the way forward. Our newly relaunched partner programme offers generous margins, discounts, and unparalleled support across our Approved and Strategic Partner options. 

Contact your channel manager today to learn more or visit our website to explore the benefits of becoming a DigitalXRAID partner. Together, we can deliver the cybersecurity solutions that today’s businesses need to stay protected and thrive in an increasingly digital world.