What is a SOC?
A security operations center (SOC) is a centralized function or team that helps make an organization's cybersecurity better by continually preventing, detecting, and responding to threats 24/7. The SOC team (onsite or outsourced) monitors identities, endpoints, servers, databases, network applications, websites, and other systems to uncover potential cyberattacks in real time. SOCs also constantly analyze threat data to look for ways to improve the organization's cybersecurity.
Due to the unique needs of public sector organizations, there are many benefits of having a modernized SOC. Public sector organizations are more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals due to their collections of sensitive data, which often contain personally identifiable information (PII). And if a cyberattack were to occur, detrimental consequences for public safety, the economy, or a country or region’s stability could ensue. Cybercriminals realize this potential impact, and that’s what makes public sector organizations a prime target.
Legacy systems that some public sector organizations still rely on can also increase their vulnerability to cyberattacks. These systems might not have the capabilities to identify and respond to sophisticated threats in a timely manner.
In the following podcast segment, Jonathan Cassar, Chief Technology Officer of Malta's IT Agency, and Alvaro Vitta, Microsoft's Global Cybersecurity Lead for Public Sector, discuss what makes public sector organizations prime targets for cyberattacks.