Many medium-sized companies today are faced with the question of what level of security is really necessary and which SOC (Security Operations Center) model is appropriate and affordable.
In the first part of the series "How are you insured? Between basic coverage and premium policies – finding the right SOC." we showed why many companies today need more than a basic version of a Security Operations Center (SOC). Part 2, "How a best practice SOC works – Architecture of an integrated security concept for digital health" explained the principles a best practice SOC should follow and what is important in its architecture.
To part 1: Between basic coverage and premium policies – finding the right SOC.
To part 2: How a best practice SOC works
Now we turn to the practical question: Which SOC model fits your company's reality?
Which SOC setup is right for your company?
Start with six key questions.
Choosing the right SOC setup depends less on budget and more on the individual requirements, risks, and available resources of the company. For a pragmatic initial assessment, it is useful to consider six key questions.
You can find more information in our checklist »Which SOC model suits your environment?«.
Three SOC models – our practice-oriented categorization
Not every organization needs the same depth, the same functions, or the same degree of integration – but every organization needs the right protection for its attack surface and specific risk situation. The following overview is designed specifically for the typical requirements of medium-sized companies.
A Basic SOC is particularly suitable for businesses with clear on-premises environments, homogeneous IT environments, low cloud usage or little hybrid infrastructure, and manageable compliance requirements (e.g., no KRITIS).
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
- Monitoring of key log sources such as Active Directory, firewall, endpoint telemetry
- Standardized triage, alerts, and defined response paths (playbooks)
Well suited for companies that mainly need basic reactive monitoring.
As soon as cloud structures, external systems, or critical applications are added, basic monitoring is no longer sufficient. A modularly expanded SOC is recommended for tailor-made protection:
- Extended Detection & Response (XDR) with advanced telemetry
- Integration of additional relevant log sources (e.g., cloud services, OT components)
- Correlated, risk-oriented evaluation and prioritization of alerts
- Targeted vulnerability management for business-critical applications
This model avoids oversizing, but specifically addresses the most important specific risks.
Typical application profile: Companies with hybrid IT, multiple locations, business-critical applications, production/OT components, or increased compliance requirements.
For complex or highly regulated companies (e.g., KRITIS), a fully integrated SOC is advisable and should include the following:
- Extended Detection & Response (XDR) with advanced telemetry
- Integration of all risk-based relevant log sources
- Consolidating central SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
- Incident response support
- Comprehensive vulnerability management
- Attack simulations for continuous validation of detection coverage
This variant offers maximum transparency, the best possible responsiveness, and the highest level of compliance security.
Typical users: Companies with a complex risk situation, critical infrastructure, large hybrid environments, high degree of automation, internationally branched systems, or high regulatory burden.
SOC as a Service – when does outsourcing make sense?
Many companies opt for a managed SOC or SOC as a Service. The reason: an effective SOC requires seamless monitoring, specialized analysts, targeted reporting, and continuous development – efforts that teams in medium-sized businesses can rarely manage on their own.
A SOC as a Service provider sets up a SOC environment and typically takes over central security monitoring tasks – from monitoring and triage to correlation and assessment to incident response and threat hunting. Whether an in-house operation or a managed SOC is the better choice usually depends on the available internal resources and security expertise.
Important: A managed SOC does not mean a loss of control. Clearly defined responsibilities and processes are crucial to the concept: The service provider monitors and evaluates security-related events, while internal teams are involved based on coordinated RACI matrices and playbooks – for example, in the event of escalations or measures to remedy underlying causes. Contractually regulated, this creates a division of labor model that distributes security tasks without relinquishing operational or strategic control.
A SOC should adapt to your company – not the other way around.
Not every company needs the “full package,” but every company needs an appropriate SOC level – regardless of whether it is operated internally or outsourced as a managed service. The challenge is to find the right balance between basic coverage, targeted expansion, fully integrated protection, and deciding which tasks remain internal and which can be outsourced.
Medium-sized companies in particular face the challenge of meeting complex requirements and implementing regulatory obligations. Basic security is often insufficient, while premium solutions are often oversized and expensive.
The goal is to create a level of security that provides effective protection without burdening the organization.
Checklist
»Which SOC model suits your environment?«
Simply submit the form and receive the checkliste »Which SOC model suits your environment?« free of charge.
WEBINAR
Security Operations Center in medium-sized business
Recommendations and practical guidelines for the right level of security
April 14, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Microsoft Teams
Best practice architecture for SMEs
When platforms such as Microsoft, elastic & Rapid7 make sense
What you should look for when choosing a provider
Part 3:
How to choose the right SOC provider – criteria and warning signs
In the next part of the series, we will take a closer look at how companies select the right SOC provider and service model – including a list of criteria and typical stumbling blocks in the decision-making process.
Continue with Part 4 starting March 2, 2026