With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and stricter regulatory requirements, many organisations are turning to Security Operations Centre (SOC) as a Service to enhance their cybersecurity posture. The NIS2 Directive and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) both mandate robust security measures, including continuous monitoring, incident detection, and response. A managed SOC provides these capabilities by offering 24/7 monitoring, threat intelligence, and rapid incident response, helping organisations meet compliance requirements efficiently and effectively.
This article explores how SOC as a Service supports NIS2 and DORA compliance, including key functions, benefits, and best practices for implementation.
1. Overview of NIS2 and DORA Compliance Requirements
The NIS2 Directive and DORA are regulatory frameworks aimed at improving the resilience of critical infrastructure and financial services in the EU. Both regulations require organisations to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including:
Continuous risk management and monitoring of ICT systems.
Detection and response to cyber incidents.
Regular testing of security measures.
Incident reporting within strict timelines.
Management of third-party risks, including ICT service providers.
Compliance with these requirements can be resource-intensive, particularly for organisations with limited internal cybersecurity expertise. SOC as a Service helps address these challenges by providing access to expert resources and advanced security technologies.
2. What is SOC as a Service?
SOC as a Service is a managed security solution that provides real-time monitoring, detection, and response capabilities through a third-party provider. Unlike an in-house SOC, which requires significant investment in staff, technology, and infrastructure, SOC as a Service offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative.
Key services provided by SOC as a Service include:
Continuous Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring of networks, systems, and applications for suspicious activity.
Threat Detection: Advanced analytics and threat intelligence to identify potential attacks.
Incident Response: Rapid containment and remediation of security incidents.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Centralised logging and correlation of security events.
Threat Hunting: Proactive searches for hidden or advanced threats within the organisation’s environment.
These services align closely with the security requirements outlined in both NIS2 and DORA.
3. How SOC as a Service Supports NIS2 Compliance
The NIS2 Directive applies to organisations in sectors such as healthcare, energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure. It mandates continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and incident response to protect critical services from cyber threats.
SOC as a Service helps organisations meet these requirements in the following ways:
3.1. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection
NIS2 requires organisations to monitor their ICT systems continuously to detect potential threats. SOC as a Service provides round-the-clock monitoring, using tools such as SIEM platforms and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify and respond to anomalies.
How It Helps:
Detects cyberattacks in real time.
Reduces the risk of undetected breaches or prolonged dwell time.
Generates alerts based on suspicious activities, helping organisations respond quickly.
3.2. Incident Response and Reporting
NIS2 mandates that organisations report significant security incidents to national authorities within 24 hours and submit a detailed report within 72 hours. SOC as a Service supports these requirements by providing:
Incident Detection: SOC analysts identify incidents quickly through automated and manual analysis.
Incident Response: The SOC team assists with containment, investigation, and mitigation.
Compliance Reporting: Detailed incident reports are prepared to meet regulatory requirements.
Example:
If a ransomware attack compromises a critical system, the SOC team can initiate an incident response plan, contain the attack, and provide documentation for regulatory authorities.
3.3. Vulnerability Management and Threat Intelligence
SOC as a Service integrates vulnerability management and threat intelligence to keep organisations informed of emerging risks. This supports NIS2’s risk management requirements by ensuring that organisations remain proactive in addressing potential vulnerabilities.
Capabilities:
Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management support.
Real-time threat intelligence feeds to identify and prioritise risks.
Recommendations for improving security posture based on threat trends.
4. How SOC as a Service Supports DORA Compliance
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) applies to financial institutions and ICT service providers, requiring them to strengthen their operational resilience against cyber threats. SOC as a Service aligns with DORA’s core requirements by providing critical cybersecurity services that reduce operational risk.
4.1. ICT Risk Management
DORA requires financial institutions to implement robust ICT risk management frameworks. SOC as a Service enhances these frameworks by continuously monitoring systems for risks, detecting threats early, and preventing incidents that could disrupt operations.
Benefits:
Identifies potential risks through proactive threat monitoring.
Assists with risk assessments and audits by providing security data and reports.
Reduces the likelihood of ICT-related operational disruptions.
4.2. Incident Detection and Response
Like NIS2, DORA mandates prompt detection, reporting, and response to ICT incidents. SOC as a Service accelerates incident response by leveraging automated tools and experienced analysts to mitigate attacks in real time.
Incident Management Capabilities:
Automated Threat Detection: Machine learning and behavioural analytics identify abnormal activities.
Incident Containment: The SOC team isolates affected systems to prevent further damage.
Post-Incident Analysis: Detailed investigations help organisations understand the root cause and improve their defences.
4.3. Scenario-Based Testing and Resilience Assessments
DORA requires financial institutions to conduct scenario-based testing to assess their ability to withstand cyber incidents. SOC as a Service can facilitate these tests by simulating various attack scenarios and evaluating the effectiveness of security measures.
Example Scenarios:
Simulated Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on key infrastructure.
Phishing campaigns to test employee awareness and response.
Ransomware simulations to evaluate incident response readiness.
4.4. Third-Party Risk Management
DORA emphasises the importance of managing risks associated with critical third-party providers. SOC as a Service providers must adhere to contractual obligations, including security monitoring and incident reporting, to support clients' compliance efforts.
Key Functions:
Monitoring the security posture of third-party services.
Providing audit and compliance reports to demonstrate third-party risk management.
Assisting with due diligence and risk assessments for ICT providers.
5. Benefits of SOC as a Service for NIS2 and DORA Compliance
Implementing SOC as a Service offers several advantages for organisations subject to NIS2 and DORA:
5.1. Cost Efficiency
Building and maintaining an in-house SOC can be costly, requiring significant investment in staff, technology, and infrastructure. SOC as a Service provides a cost-effective alternative, offering access to expert resources on a subscription basis.
5.2. Access to Expertise
SOC as a Service providers employ experienced cybersecurity professionals, including threat analysts and incident responders. These experts help organisations stay ahead of evolving threats and meet regulatory expectations.
5.3. Scalability and Flexibility
As organisations grow or face new threats, SOC as a Service can scale to meet their changing needs. Providers can adjust services, such as adding advanced threat detection capabilities or expanding coverage to new systems.
5.4. Improved Regulatory Compliance
SOC as a Service helps organisations maintain compliance by automating security monitoring, generating reports for audits, and ensuring timely incident response. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
6. Best Practices for Implementing SOC as a Service
To maximise the benefits of SOC as a Service for compliance, organisations should:
Select a Reputable Provider: Choose a provider with experience in NIS2 and DORA compliance, as well as a strong track record in cybersecurity services.
Define Clear Objectives: Align SOC services with your organisation’s risk management and compliance goals.
Integrate with Existing Security Frameworks: Ensure that the SOC provider works seamlessly with your existing technologies and processes.
Regularly Review Performance: Monitor the SOC provider’s performance through service-level agreements (SLAs) and periodic assessments.
7. Conclusion
SOC as a Service plays a critical role in helping organisations comply with both the NIS2 Directive and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). By providing continuous monitoring, threat detection, and incident response, a managed SOC enhances operational resilience, reduces cyber risk, and ensures regulatory compliance. For organisations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, SOC as a Service offers a scalable, cost-effective solution that meets the stringent requirements of modern regulations.
For more information on implementing SOC as a Service to support compliance, contact our cybersecurity experts today.
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