How can security operations centers (SOCs) deal with sophisticated attackers? With a high volume of alerts, complex toolsets, and constant pressure on the SOC team to respond quickly, teams often fail to manage this security effectively. Moreover, traditional solutions can leave gaps, slowing down detection and response times. So, how can SOC optimization make their operations more efficient and proactive?
However, Darktrace Network Detection and Response is the answer. By utilizing self-learning AI, Darktrace provides real-time threat detection, enhanced visibility, and automation. Thus, it enables SOC teams to focus on high-priority issues and reduce the manual workload. Furthermore, with Darktrace, you can focus on your SOC to detect and respond to threats before they become damaging.
What is SOC Optimization?
A SOC is the nerve center of an organization’s cybersecurity program. However, that is where cybersecurity experts would monitor, detect, and react to threats. Operating a SOC is not a trivial task but teams still have such challenges as:
- Managing a colossal amount of data from networks, endpoints, and cloud systems.
- Detection of genuine threats amidst countless false alarms.
- Moreover, it is important to respond quickly to threats to minimize damage.
SOC optimization is enhancing the processes for it to become more efficient and effective to improve its capability. So that to enhance threat detection, workflow efficiency, and response time for incidents.
Top Five Tips For Enhancing SOC Performance
1. Invest in Threat Intelligence
ITButler eServices gives organizations vital context for the attacks so that the organizations understand the nature, origin, and tactics of threat actors. However, this enables SOCs to identify, prioritize, and mitigate vulnerabilities before they become events.
As reported by SANS, 75% of defenders use Cyber Intelligence Threats (CTI) for threat hunting and 75% for incident response. Moreover, adding Cyber Intelligence Threats (CTI) to their defenses allows SOCs to get the defense in depth, including finding vulnerabilities as well.
2. Tool Consolidation
However, this helps streamline security operations by increasing visibility and removing inefficiencies. 88% of the defenders choose a single platform over multiple multiple-points. Thus, faster detection and response lead to improved Mean Time to Detection (MTTD) and Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR).
3. Update And Patch Systems Regularly
With 91% of organizations experiencing at least one software supply chain incident in 2023, patching critical vulnerabilities will be required. As the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report shows that the exploitation of vulnerabilities jumped by 180%. In that case, it takes about 55 days to fix half of the critical vulnerabilities.
4. Continuous Training and Development
A serious challenge is the cybersecurity skills gap, and it is estimated that 4 million professionals are required. So continuous training equips SOC teams with the latest threat detection techniques and keeps them engaged with meaningful work. Moreover, according to a SANS survey, meaning and purpose can relate to longer tenures.
5. Measure and Optimize SOC Performance
SOC performance measurements help teams identify areas to be improved upon and optimize processes. As 67% of SOC defenders report using metrics to justify the resources and the value their efforts bring in. Moreover, optimizing SOC functions relies on Key Performance Indicators such as Mean Time to Detection and incident closure rates.
Role of NDR in Modern SOCs
Network Detection and Response (NDR) is a cybersecurity product that monitors network traffic for the presence of suspicious activity. However, it is different from other tools, which rely on predefined rules and signatures. As NDR bases its operations on advanced technology such as AI and ML. Moreover, it can make anomaly detection with these technologies.
Here are some reasons why NDR is essential for SOC optimization:
- Proactive Threat Detection: The NDR solution can identify unusual behavior, even when it has never been observed before. So this is significant for the detection of unknown or zero-day threats.
- Faster Response Times: NDR tools provide actionable insights to SOC teams to respond to threats quickly and effectively.
- Reduced Workload: NDR automates numerous processes, thus reducing workloads on SOC analysts. Hence, letting them focus on the actual issues.
How Darktrace’s NDR Solutions Work
Darktrace is one of the leaders in AI-driven cybersecurity. NDR solutions are based on leading-edge machine learning algorithms imitating how the human immune system works. So now let’s look at the features of Darktrace that make it truly stand out:
1. Self-Learning AI
Darktrace’s NDR does not rely on preprogrammed rules or historical data. Instead, it uses self-learning AI to understand what is normal behavior for an organization. So once a baseline is established, then it can catch all anomalies-including those which are the subtlest kind of deviations.
2. Real-time Monitoring
Darktrace continuously monitors network traffic across the entire digital environment from on-premises networks to IoT devices. So this is 24/7 visibility, so nothing goes unnoticed.
Anomaly Detection
Darktrace identifies unusual patterns or behaviors instead of looking for known threats. For instance, if suddenly an employee’s device is transacting large amounts of data to him, Darktrace will flag it.
4. Automatic Response with Antigena
Darktrace’s Antigena module takes NDR a step further by automating the whole response process. However, when a threat is identified, it can act immediately. For example, isolate the compromised device or block the malicious traffic without human intervention.
Benefits of Using Darktrace’s NDR for SOC Optimization
The implementation of NDR solutions in the SOC will offer the following key benefits:
1. Enhanced Threat Detection
Traditional tools miss many sophisticated or evolving threats. So advanced attacks are identified through Darktrace AI-driven detection.
2. Less False Positives
The false alarms can saturate the SOC teams to induce fatigue and missed threats. Darktrace minimizes false positives and identifies actual anomalies for you.
3. Increased Response Speed to Incidents
However, with real-time insights and automatic actions, SOC teams can quickly respond to incidents, thereby minimizing any potential damage.
4. Scalability
Darktrace’s solution is designed to scale with your business. This makes it the perfect fit for small, medium, and large companies.
5. Comprehensive Coverage
Darktrace monitors everything in your digital environment, including cloud services, remote endpoints, and IoT devices. Hence, it means no vulnerability will be missed.
How Organizations Benefit from Darktrace
1. Avoiding Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are among the most devastating cyber threats. So Darktrace’s NDR can identify early signs of ransomware activity, such as unusual file encryption or unexpected data transfers. Thus, through actively it can stop the attack before it spreads.
2. Securing Remote Workforces
With more employees working remotely, new security challenges have emerged for organizations. So Darktrace monitors remote endpoints and protects them even outside the corporate network.
3. Protection of Intellectual Property
For the manufacturing and technology industries, intellectual property protection is critical. So Darktrace can detect and block attempts to exfiltrate sensitive data.
4. Mitigating for Insider Threats
Not all threats originate from external attackers. The behavioral analysis of Darktrace can identify the unusual activities of insiders who may do it intentionally or accidentally.
Conclusion
SOC optimization is no longer a luxury. However, it has become a necessity for organizations wishing to protect themselves against cyber threats. So Darktrace’s NDR solutions represent a revolutionary approach to improving SOC efficiency and minimizing risks.
Moreover, Darktrace enables organizations to build robust and resilient security operations with self-learning AI, real-time monitoring, and automated responses. Whether a small business or a large enterprise, integrating Darktrace’s NDR into your SOC is a smart move toward cybersecurity success.
