Pros & Cons of On-Prem Versus Cloud-Based SOC

Pros & Cons of On-Prem Versus Cloud-Based SOC

Technology has come a long way, and so has how we protect our businesses and information. The SOC, or security operations center, is critical to the company’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Traditionally, SOCs were on-premises, resident within the company’s firewall. However, in recent years there has been a shift towards cloud-based SOCs. So which is better for your business – on-prem or cloud-based? Here are the pros and cons of each option to help you decide.

What Is On-Prem SIEM?

On-Prem SIEM is a security information and event management system that collects data from various on-premises systems and devices and then analyzes it to identify security threats.

On-Prem SIEM typically includes a central management console, a data collection and storage system, and an analytics engine. The data collected by On-Prem SIEM can come from many different sources, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, web proxies, and host-based security solutions. Once the data is collected, it is processed and analyzed to identify potential security threats.

Advantages of On-Prem SIEM

On-prem SIEM has many advantages over its cloud-based counterpart. Here are three of the most important ones:

  • More Control of Your Data. With a cloud-based SIEM, your data is stored off-site and managed by someone else. With an on-prem SIEM, you have complete control over where your data is stored and who has access to it. This is especially important for companies that deal with sensitive data.
  • On-prem SIEM is more scalable than cloud-based SIEM. Since on-prem SIEM is hosted locally, it can be scaled up or down to meet the organization’s needs. Cloud-based SIEM, on the other hand, is often limited by the provider’s resources.
  • SIEM can improve an organization’s security posture by providing visibility into potential vulnerabilities. By identifying systems that are not correctly configured or have known security issues, SIEM can help organizations prioritize their security efforts and ensure that critical systems are protected.

Disadvantages of On-Prem SIEM

On-prem SIEM has a lot of disadvantages. Here are the top three:

  • High Upfront and Recurring Costs.  On-prem SIEM solutions can be quite costly to purchase and maintain. The initial cost of the hardware and software can be expensive, and then you have the added cost of staffing IT experts to manage and interpret the data. Furthermore, many on-prem SIEM solutions require you to license additional features or users, which can further increase costs.
  • Complicated Deployment. Deploying an on-prem SIEM solution can be complex and time-consuming. You need to ensure that the hardware is properly configured, that the software is installed correctly, and that everything is working properly before you can start collecting data. This process can take weeks or even months to complete, and if anything goes wrong, you may have to start over from scratch.
  • Lock-in. Once you’ve invested in an on-prem SIEM, switching to a different platform can be challenging. You’re locked into the vendor’s hardware and software and may not have access to the same level of support or features as you would with a cloud-based solution.

What Is Cloud-Based SIEM?

Cloud-based SIEM is a type of security information and event management (SIEM) system that uses cloud computing technologies. Cloud-based SIEM systems are typically delivered as a service, hosted, and managed by a third-party provider. Cloud-based SIEM is installed and managed internally in contrast to traditional on-premises SIEM systems.

Advantages of Cloud-Based SIEM

  • Increased Efficiency – With cloud-based SIEM, you can access your data and security information from anywhere in the world. This access ability increases efficiency as you no longer have to wait for reports or data to be delivered to you.
  • Improved Security – The cloud offers enhanced security for your data because it is encrypted and password-protected.
  • Reduced Costs – Cloud-based SIEM is often more affordable than traditional on-premises solutions, making it a more cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes.

Disadvantages of Cloud-Based SIEM

  •  Increased attack surface: When data is stored in the cloud, it becomes more vulnerable to attacks from external sources, as well as insiders. Because cloud-based SIEMs are accessible by anyone with an internet connection, they are a prime target for cybercriminals.
  • Lack of control and ownership: Another disadvantage of cloud-based SIEMs is that organizations lose control over their data once it’s stored in the cloud. They also don’t have ownership of the infrastructure, which can be a problem if the provider goes out of business or experiences downtime.
  • Increased complexity – With more data being routed through the cloud, the potential for errors and communication breakdowns increases. More hops mean more chances for something to go wrong.

On-Prem versus Cloud-Based SOC: Which Way?

There’s no direct answer when it comes to on-prem versus cloud-based SOCs. It depends on your security needs and budget. If you’re looking for the most comprehensive security solution, an on-prem SOC may be the better option.

But cloud-based SOC could be a good choice if you’re trying to save money. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of SOC is best for your organization.

We’ve Got Your Back!

If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, reach out to our team of cybersecurity experts at Cyber Sainik. We’ll help you assess your needs and choose the best SOC for your organization. Schedule your free consultation today!

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