Definition and Functioning of a Security Operations Centre (SOC)
A SOC, or Security Operations Centre, is a dedicated structure for monitoring, analysing, and responding to security incidents. It acts as the operational heart of a company’s security operations. The SOC provides 24/7 monitoring of the digital environment to identify any threat, vulnerability, or data breach.
It collects logs in real time from servers, workstations, endpoints, backup systems, and network devices. Analysing data from these sources allows early detection of security incidents. The SOC relies on SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and/or XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) platforms as a base, facilitating security information management, event correlation, and prioritisation of actions.
The SOC team consists of security analysts, engineers, and sometimes threat hunting specialists. These experts analyse data, detect abnormal behaviour, apply precise security procedures, and ensure rapid response in case of an attack. This team plays a central role in the organisation’s overall security posture.
Why a SOC is Essential Against Current Threats
Cyber threats are constantly evolving: ransomware, targeted attacks, sophisticated phishing, credential compromise, and more.
Without centralised security solutions, detection delays can worsen the impact of an incident.
A SOC enables:
- Rapid threat detection across all networks and infrastructures
- Coordinated and automated response to critical incidents
- Compliance with local and international regulations (GDPR, Swiss DPA, LSI, ISO 27001, etc.)
- Prevention of threats related to sensitive information leaks
- Optimised management of human resources and security operations
In a context of cybersecurity skills shortages, a SOC fills the internal expertise gap while ensuring continuous monitoring.
Key Benefits of a SOC for Your Organisation
Implementing a SOC brings numerous tangible benefits for organisational information security:
- Continuous monitoring of security events, 24/7
- Accelerated incident response, limiting operational losses
- Reduced post-attack management and remediation costs
- Ensured regulatory compliance, facilitating audits and data protection, including in countries with high privacy expectations like Switzerland
- Adaptability of security solutions to new detected threats
- Strengthened trust with partners, clients, and service providers
The goal is to maintain a proactive, agile, and resilient security posture based on intelligent telemetry data use and continuous response.
Internal, External, or Hybrid SOC: Which Model to Choose?
Depending on your sector, company size, and cybersecurity maturity, different SOC models can be considered:
- Internal SOC: implemented and operated by the organisation itself. Provides full control but requires significant human and financial resources.
- External SOC: managed by a specialised provider remotely. Ideal for SMEs seeking expert access without internal recruitment.
- Hybrid SOC: a combination of the previous two, with internal governance reinforced by managed services.
In Switzerland and elsewhere, many companies choose the hybrid model, offering flexibility, quick implementation, and operational continuity while meeting local privacy and compliance requirements.
Essential Services Provided by a SOC
A high-performing SOC does more than monitor logs. It provides a range of critical security solutions and services, including:
- Collection and management of logs from all sources
- Behavioural analysis for detection of new threats
- Incident response: isolation, neutralisation, rapid restoration
- Vulnerability management, with appropriate patches
- Compliance reporting, dashboards, and alerts
- Continuous updating of security procedures
- Awareness and training for internal teams on cybersecurity
These services contribute to risk reduction, data protection, and threat prevention.
How SPIE Supports You in Establishing a High-Performing SOC
SPIE offers tailored support to design, deploy, and evolve a SOC adapted to your organisation, whether based in France, Switzerland, or elsewhere:
- Custom evaluation of your environment and risks
- Definition of security policies and response procedures
- Selection and integration of security tools (XDR, EDR, SOAR, etc.)
- Implementation of automated security operation processes
- Training of internal teams for faster reaction
- Continuous monitoring of regulatory and technological developments
SPIE also offers an external SOC service from Switzerland, designed for mid-sized companies, focused on incident detection and available 24/7.
This service is fully compatible with a hybrid model, simple to implement, and allows rapid access to our experts and capabilities. Through this comprehensive approach, SPIE helps you build a security operations centre aligned with your business priorities and local privacy and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion: Investing in a SOC, a Strategic Choice
In an increasingly complex digital environment, implementing a SOC has become a strategic priority. This security operations centre not only protects data and infrastructure, but also reduces interruption risks, strengthens regulatory compliance, and improves cyberattack response. Regardless of company size, a SOC-internal, external, or hybrid-offers enhanced protection, better incident management, a stronger security posture, and optimised security operations.
SPIE positions itself as your trusted partner to develop a robust, sustainable cybersecurity posture tailored to your sector’s specific challenges, including in Switzerland, where expectations for cybersecurity, privacy, and incident response are among the highest in Europe.