NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER (NOC)
A network operations center, also known as a “network management center”, is one or more locations from which network monitoring and control, or network management, is exercised over a computer, telecommunication, or satellite network.
NOCs are implemented by business organizations, public utilities, universities, and government agencies that oversee complex networking environments that require high availability. NOC personnel are responsible for monitoring one or many networks for certain conditions that may require special attention to avoid degraded service.
NOCs are frequently laid out with several rows of desks, all facing a video wall, which typically shows details of highly significant alarms, ongoing incidents and general network performance; a corner of the wall is sometimes used for showing a news or weather TV channel, as this can keep the NOC technicians aware of current events which may affect the network or systems, they are responsible for. The back wall of a NOC is sometimes glazed; there may be a room attached to this wall which is used by members of the team responsible for dealing with serious incidents to meet while still able to watch events unfolding within the NOC. Individual desks are generally assigned to a specific network, technology, or area. A technician may have several computers monitors on their desk, with the extra monitors used for monitoring the systems or networks covered from that desk
The following are a few things that are beneficial with using a NOC:
- Back up data stored on network devices.
- Patch management.
- Install, update and troubleshoot software on any device connected to the network.
- Provide antivirus support.
- Develop reports for network performance, optimization, and health.
- Monitor and manage firewall and network security software.
- Spot and Analyze attacks on the network from outside sources.
Overall, a network operations center NOC is designed to help companies with large networks keep track of their networks, without having to deal with every aspect manually individually. It has different features that companies can utilize to help keep their network secure from outside attacks, updated with the latest software and programs, and gather analysis about the overall health of their network system. A NOC will allow a company to have peace of mind that everything is running correctly and is appropriately being monitored to keep it that way.
SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC)
A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized unit that deals with security issues on an organizational and technical level. It comprises the three building blocks people, processes, and technology for managing and enhancing an organization’s security posture. Thereby, governance and compliance provide a framework, tying together these building blocks. A SOC within a building or facility is a central location from where staff supervises the site, using data processing technology. Typically, a SOC is equipped for access monitoring, and controlling of lighting, alarms, and vehicle barriers.
A Security Operation Center (SOC) is a centralized function within an organization employing people, processes, and technology to continuously monitor and improve an organization’s security posture while preventing, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents
HOW A SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER WORKS
Rather than being focused on developing security strategy, designing security architecture, or implementing protective measures, the SOC team is responsible for the ongoing, operational component of enterprise information security. Security operations center staff consists primarily of security analysts who work together to detect, analyze, respond to, report on, and prevent cybersecurity incidents. Additional capabilities of some SOCs can include advanced forensic analysis, cryptanalysis, and malware reverse engineering to analyze incidents.
Benefits of a Security Operations Center
There are several benefits you stand to gain from using a SOC for your business’s cyber-security strategy. Discussed below are seven of these benefits:
- Centralized Knowledge
- Cost Control
- Threat Reports
- Improved Collaboration
- Skilled Expertise
- Threat Monitoring
- Response Time