A Security Operations Center (SOC) manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of a SOC. The SOC is an organization’s dedicated team or department that monitors, detects, analyzes, and responds to cybersecurity incidents and threats. The SOC manager maintains the organization’s security by effectively managing the team, implementing security protocols, and collaborating with stakeholders. The SOC manager works closely with senior management and executives to provide reports and updates on the organization’s security level, emerging threats, and recommended improvements. These managers are responsible for managing the budget, evaluating and implementing security technologies and tools, and keeping abreast of the latest trends and advances in cybersecurity.
Who is the SOC manager
There are different types of SOC managers, each with their own specific focus and responsibilities based on the organization’s needs. An Incident Response Manager focuses on coordinating and managing security incident response. Directs the incident response team, ensuring the proper triage, containment, investigation, and recovery of incidents. Develops incident response plans and coordinates with other teams, stakeholders, and external entities during critical incidents.
The Threat Intelligence Manager collects, analyses, and uses threat intelligence to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. Manages threat data collection from various sources, conducts analysis, and provides actionable intelligence to the SOC and relevant stakeholders. Stays abreast of emerging threats, trends, and tactics of threat perpetrators to improve the organization’s proactive defences. A vulnerability management manager identifies and resolves vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems. This type of manager oversees the processes for scanning, assessing, and resolving vulnerabilities. They also work with IT teams to ensure that vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner to develop strategies for ongoing vulnerability management.
The SOC governance manager is responsible for governance in ensuring that operations comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. He establishes and enforces governance frameworks, conducts audits, and ensures compliance with security controls. Also manages documentation, reporting, and metrics related to performance and compliance. A Threat Hunting Manager leads the proactive search for threats and potential security incidents within the organization’s network and systems. He develops strategies, methodologies, and tools for proactive threat-hunting activities. He then collaborates with analysts, using advanced analytics and threat intelligence to detect sophisticated and hidden threats.
Role in the company and responsibilities
SOC managers provide leadership and strategic direction to the group. They oversee incident response, threat detection, and mitigation efforts, ensuring timely and appropriate actions are taken. Their role is essential in coordinating with other departments, managing resources, and maintaining the organisation’s overall security strategy. The duties and responsibilities of a SOC manager may vary depending on the organisation and the size of the Security Operations Center. However, here are some common responsibilities associated with this role.
The SOC manager is responsible for developing the strategic vision and goals for the SOC. They align activities with the organisation’s overall security strategy and ensure that SOC operations support the needs of the business. The SOC manager oversees a team of analysts and security professionals. They are responsible for hiring, training, and managing SOC staff. This includes assigning tasks, setting performance expectations, providing feedback, and promoting professional development.
Skills needed for a SOC manager
One of the primary responsibilities of a SOC manager is to ensure an effective response to security incidents. They develop and implement incident response plans, establish processes and procedures, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely and effective incident resolution. The manager is responsible for selecting, implementing and managing technologies used in the SOC. This includes security monitoring tools, SIEM systems, threat intelligence platforms, and other security technologies. Ensures the SOC has the necessary tools and capabilities to detect, analyse, and respond to security incidents.
The manager also collaborates with other teams, e.g., IT, risk management, and compliance, to ensure a coordinated and cohesive approach to security. Communicates with senior management and stakeholders to provide updates on security incidents, threats, and overall effectiveness. These managers continuously assess and improve capabilities, processes, and procedures. They stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity and incorporate them into SOC operations. They may conduct regular assessments, audits, and evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement changes accordingly.
What he needs to know
The SOC manager is a senior-level management role that requires 8 to 10 years of experience. Most companies hiring a manager look for graduates in an IT-related field, while others require a master’s degree or equivalent experience. Employers also point to those with proven monitoring, detection, incident response and automation knowledge to support security operations. Equally important to technical skills, a successful SOC manager must also be able to lead a team of employees effectively. Proven professional skills such as excellent communication, ability to handle high-pressure situations, and good analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
This manager candidates should have skills in infrastructure architecture, engineering, integration, and implementation of security solutions in complex environments. The manager must also know how to apply security best practices to cloud, on-premises, endpoints and mobile infrastructure, mastering elements of cryptography. To become a SOC Manager, having a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering, specialising in Cyber Security, is preferable. It can be useful to obtain specific certifications, such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification. For example, to obtain it, it is necessary to take a practical test that requires, for example, performing penetration tests in a specified time.
