Cyberattacks are constantly evolving to stay one step ahead of the latest defenses, so if you're still relying on outdated firewalls and passwords alone, it's time to rethink your strategy. Zero trust security architecture and security operations center (SOC) services are advanced solutions to tackle complex threats.
They might seem out of your reach or beyond your needs, but recent developments have made these tools widely available to all kinds of businesses, and new cyberthreats make them valuable tools to protect your organization. Let’s examine how these two solutions ensure robust security protection and why your business needs it.
What is zero trust security architecture?
Zero trust follows the principle of “never trust, always verify”. No matter who’s logging in, what device they’re using, or where they are, every request is verified, authorized, and encrypted.
Imagine it like airport security. Even the pilots can’t board a plane without showing ID and passing a few security checkpoints. Zero trust works the same way across your network, demanding strict verification for anyone and everyone.
Key zero trust principles you should know
Zero trust is a comprehensive strategy and method of designing a network. Some of its core components include:
- Identity verification: Every user must prove who they are using multifactor authentication (MFA).
- Least privilege Access: Users only get access to the files, apps, and systems they absolutely need.
- Device security checks: The system checks whether the device being used is secure before granting access.
- Network segmentation: Your network is broken into smaller zones, so a threat in one area doesn’t spread to everything else.
By controlling access at every level, zero trust limits potential damage even if your first line of defense fails.
How SOC services fit in
While zero trust is your strategy, SOC services are the eyes and ears monitoring your network 24/7. Working the SOC is a team of cybersecurity experts using tools and analytics to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time. These can be internal employees or out IT partners working from an outsourced SOC.
The SOC acts like a digital security guard that never sleeps. It watches for suspicious behavior, malware, unauthorized access attempts, or any abnormal network activity. Technicians working in the SOC also log and report data meticulously to maintain and improve your cybersecurity posture.
SOC services typically include:
- Real-time threat detection: SOC analysts use advanced tools to spot threats quickly before they can cause damage.
- Incident response: If something goes wrong, the SOC acts fast to contain and fix it.
- Compliance support: If you are subject to regulations like HIPAA or PCI, SOC services help ensure you’re meeting standards.
- Security reporting: Regular insights and reports keep you informed about what’s happening in your environment.
How do zero trust security models and SOC service compliment each other?
Your zero trust security model defines the structure of your network, sets security policies, and puts safeguards in place. SOC services are the active component that monitors your new infrastructure, enforces security policies, and provides detailed and real-time information on what’s happening and how secure you are.
When combined, zero trust and SOC services provide layered protection and ensure maximum coverage. Zero trust prevents unauthorized access, while SOC teams catch anything that manages to slip through or attempts to exploit weak spots and dramatically reduce the risk of data breaches.
OutsourceIT’s seasoned cybersecurity consultants have extensive experience in both designing zero trust networks and operating SOCs for businesses just like yours. Contact us for a free consultation and we can put together a plan for a comprehensive cybersecurity posture that leverages both of these effective solutions to minimize your company’s risk.
