Cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on—it’s an essential part of doing business in a world where digital threats lurk around every corner. Did you know that in 2024, nearly a quarter of businesses fell victim to cyberattacks? And the forecast for 2025 doesn’t look any brighter, with attackers using AI and more advanced tactics to infiltrate networks. So, what’s the best way to protect your business from these threats?
That’s where the big question comes in: should you hire your own in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) team, or partner with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)? Let’s break this down in a way that makes sense—whether you’re a tech guru or just trying to keep your business safe from cyber villains.
What’s an MSSP Anyway?
An MSSP, or Managed Security Service Provider, is like having a squad of cyber superheroes at your beck and call. These providers offer continuous monitoring, threat detection, incident response, compliance support, and more—without you needing to hire a big, expensive in-house team. Think of an MSSP as an extension of your company’s IT force, bringing specialized expertise and resources that might be tough to build on your own.
MSSPs offer services like:
MSSPs provide round-the-clock monitoring and threat detection to protect businesses from cyberattacks. They respond quickly to contain breaches, perform proactive vulnerability scanning and management, and offer compliance support for regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. In addition, MSSPs deliver expert security consulting to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align with best practices.
But What’s a SOC?
A Security Operations Center (SOC) is an internal team dedicated to keeping your business secure. These pros monitor your network, analyze security events, respond to incidents, and make sure your cybersecurity policies are rock solid. In-house SOCs give you complete control and customization, but they come with hefty costs—both in terms of money and time.
SOC analysts are your front-line defenders, working shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage. They manage risk assessments, monitor for threats, handle compliance audits, and develop your organization’s security strategies. Sounds great, right? But building a SOC is no small feat.
Let’s Talk Costs
Here’s where things get interesting. Building an in-house SOC can cost anywhere from $1 million to $7 million a year, depending on your company’s size and complexity. This includes:
Building an in-house SOC requires significant investment, starting with salaries for skilled security professionals such as analysts, engineers, and managers. Additional costs include infrastructure expenses for secure spaces, advanced hardware, and sophisticated monitoring tools, as well as ongoing training and certifications to keep the team up-to-date with evolving threats. In contrast, MSSPs offer flexible pricing models that scale with your needs. You might pay between $10 to $250 per device per month, or $150 to $300 per user. Continuous monitoring and incident response services typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per month, while Compliance-as-a-Service support, including audit preparation, ranges from $10,000 to $110,000 depending on the organization’s size and complexity.
For many small to medium-sized businesses, partnering with an MSSP provides enterprise-grade protection at a fraction of the cost of an in-house SOC. Plus, you get access to a team of experts without worrying about hiring, training, or turnover.
When Should You Consider an MSSP:
Partnering with an MSSP makes sense if you’re a small or mid-sized business without the budget to build an in-house SOC. It’s also a smart choice if you operate in a highly regulated industry like healthcare, finance, or government, where compliance expertise is essential. If your business requires 24/7 security coverage but can’t justify the expense of maintaining a full-time, round-the-clock team, an MSSP can provide that support. Additionally, MSSPs offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business, ensuring your security posture keeps pace as your company expands.
When Might an In-House SOC Make Sense?
Building an in-house SOC might be the right choice if you’re a large enterprise with the budget and resources to establish a full-scale security operation. It’s particularly beneficial if you handle sensitive intellectual property or have unique security requirements that demand tailored oversight. Additionally, companies operating in sectors with strict data privacy laws, such as healthcare or finance, may find an in-house SOC necessary to maintain granular control over compliance and ensure full alignment with industry-specific regulations.
Why Not Both? MSSP + In-House SOC = Winning Combo
Here’s the real secret: it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Many organizations combine the strengths of an MSSP with an internal SOC to get the best of both worlds. MSSPs provide continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response, while your in-house team focuses on strategic security planning, compliance, and internal risk assessments.
Pairing an MSSP with compliance automation tools can supercharge your security posture. MSSPs handle the operational heavy lifting, while automation platforms help with control implementation, reporting, and keeping your organization audit-ready. This approach lets you scale security as your business grows, without burning out your internal team.
The Bottom Line
Whether you build an in-house SOC, partner with an MSSP, or combine the two, the key is to make an informed decision based on your needs, budget, and long-term goals.
MSSPs are a cost-effective way to access world-class security expertise without the overhead. In-house SOCs offer control and customization for businesses with deep pockets and unique security needs. Combining them gives you flexibility, scalability, and a proactive defense against today’s evolving cyber threats.
At Olezka Global, we’re here to help you navigate the world of cybersecurity. Whether you need a full-service MSSP, advice on building a SOC, or a hybrid approach, we’ve got your back.