This book is a fantastic resource, whether you’re managing an in-house SOC or working with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). I had several members of my team dive into it, and we found its detailed coverage of infrastructure elements and operational guidelines incredibly valuable. The discussions on the physical layout of a SOC were particularly engaging and helped frame how a SOC’s environment contributes to its efficiency.
But reading this now, in hindsight, it’s a bit of a time capsule. As I prepared to log my CPEs, I reflected on the rosy discussions about opcenters and how they were expected to function. Who could have predicted that the world would shift so dramatically? The pandemic forced many of us to adapt in ways we never anticipated. By the end of it, my entire SOC had gone virtual. Talk about an unexpected twist.
What makes this book stand out is its versatility. It’s a complete guide that touches on every critical aspect of building and operating a SOC, including virtual models, which have become all the more relevant. The authors take a practical approach, providing insights drawn from working with Fortune 500 companies and military organizations alike. They discuss everything from selecting the right SOC model to planning, implementation, and governance, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
Whether you’re new to SOCs or looking to refine an existing operation, this book offers a roadmap that’s both thorough and adaptable. It balances commercial and open-source tools, making it accessible for organizations of varying sizes and resources. While the world has changed significantly since its writing, the foundational principles remain relevant.
For me, this book serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much we’ve had to adapt. It’s a valuable resource, but also a reflection of a pre-pandemic mindset that had to evolve quickly. If you’re setting up a SOC today, this is a great place to start—but keep in mind, the world keeps moving.