Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and Network Operations Centers (NOCs) are similar. They both exist to centralize network visibility and operations management. However, each has its own distinct purpose and goal.
What is a NOC?
A NOC (pronounced “knock”) is a centralized location from which network administrators can continuously monitor and manage network activity. NOCs are typically implemented – either internally or through a managed service provider (MSP) – to support organizations that require high network performance and availability.
What is a SOC?
A SOC (pronounced “sock”) is a network security hub encompassing all experts, tools, processes, software and hardware solutions needed to protect a network from unauthorized use, misuse or cyberattack. A SOC also can be operated internally or outsourced to a managed SOC or SOC-as-a-service provider.
SOC vs. NOC: A Comparison
Let’s break down the objectives, applications, required skillsets and benefits to understand how SOCs and NOCs compare, with particular attention to where they overlap and where they don’t.
NOC vs. SOC
Which is better for your business security – NOC or SOC?
At face value, NOCs and SOCs have a lot of similar objectives and functions – they monitor and problem-solve to ensure network integrity and business continuity. However, what they monitor and the problems they solve are quite different. And while they are both focused on protecting your data and keeping your operations going, the NOC tends to be more reactive and general, and the SOC tends to be more proactive and specific to security.
So, which one is better for your business security? The answer is both. The NOC and SOC are complementary in that they work together to maximize your network performance, reliability and uptime. You can achieve these results either by building a NOC and SOC in-house or outsourcing to a provider that delivers NOC and SOC services.
What are the benefits of combining NOC and SOC services?
When your business opts for both a NOC and SOC – and the two are operationally aligned – your company can realize the following synergies:
- Layered Security: With both network optimization and cybersecurity applications constantly analyzing your network, your chances of detecting and preventing a threat increase.
- Cost Savings: Duplicating NOC and SOC data storage and management can be costly, so combining them can be less expensive.
- Faster Remediation: Automation across the NOC and SOC leverages powerful security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) capabilities, making it easier for your analysts to collaborate and access data, increasing the speed of mitigation and remediation.
- Better Customer Service: Ease of communication and collaboration among the NOC and SOC means increased network knowledge for all analysts, which leads to faster problem-solving.
Essentially, your network will operate more efficiently and be safer with either a NOC or a SOC, but if you want high network performance and the highest level of protection for your data and your network, you want to combine them. The quickest and most cost-effective path is to work with a provider like High Wire Networks that can integrate critical NOC and SOC functions and deliver them as an expertly managed service.
Ready to realize the benefits of NOC and SOC?
Contact a High Wire Channel Account Manager today!
