In recent years, the cybersecurity landscape has evolved rapidly, fueled by advancements in AI, cloud and quantum computing, along with an increasingly complex threat environment. As cyber risks continue to grow, traditional in-house security measures are no longer sufficient.

This shift has led many organizations to consider outsourced cybersecurity solutions to stay ahead of cybercriminals, driven by key advantages such as access to specialized expertise, cutting-edge technology, and resources that would be difficult or costly to maintain internally.

Among the most popular and effective solutions is Security Operations Center as a Service (SOCaaS), often combined with other outsourced services.

But is SOCaaS truly the ultimate go-to solution? And if so, should it grow in 2025?

The answer is a resounding yes.

What is SOCaaS again? 

SOCaaS (Security Operations Center as a Service) is an outsourced service that provides round-the-clock monitoring, detection, and response to cybersecurity threats. Unlike traditional in-house security teams, SOCaaS taps into the expertise of a dedicated team of security professionals, using advanced tools and technologies to safeguard businesses.

SOCaaS, along with other managed services like MDR, cloud security, and vulnerability management, helps businesses build a robust, layered cybersecurity strategy. It offers continuous protection while freeing up internal resources to focus on core operations. From detecting evolving cyberattacks to maintaining regulatory compliance, outsourcing cybersecurity ensures organizations stay resilient in an increasingly digital world.

In a nutshell, SOCaaS is looked upon because of these:

• 24/7 monitoring: continuous surveillance ensures threats are detected and addressed in real-time.
• cost-effectiveness: more economical than maintaining an in-house security team.
• expertise: by leveraging SOCaaS, businesses can access expert-level cybersecurity capabilities without the struggle of hiring and retaining specialized talent.
• advanced tools: utilizes state-of-the-art technologies for effective threat detection and response.
• scalability: easily adapts to your business as it grows, providing flexible solutions.

Who could be using SOCaaS and why?

Organizations of all sizes, across various industries, may turn to SOCaaS as an essential component of their cybersecurity strategy. From small startups to large enterprises, and particularly those in high-risk sectors, SOCaaS offers a flexible, cost-effective solution to an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)

For SMBs, maintaining an in-house Security Operations Center is often beyond their budget and resources. Many small and mid-sized businesses are not equipped to hire the specialized cybersecurity talent required to monitor and respond to threats around the clock. This makes them particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, as they may lack the tools or expertise to recognize and respond to emerging threats. SOCaaS offers them:

• access to expert security services without the heavy financial burden, providing 24/7 protection and real-time threat detection;
• a subscription-based model that provides enterprise-level security at a fraction of the cost of an in-house SOC;
• scalability: as businesses grow, they can easily scale their SOCaaS service to meet new demands without worrying about hiring additional staff or investing in new infrastructure.

Large enterprises

Larger companies typically face more complex cybersecurity needs due to the sheer volume of data they handle, their global presence, and a larger attack surface. In-house security teams can become overwhelmed by the increasing volume of threats, making it difficult to keep up with evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. 

For these businesses, SOCaaS provides:

• a streamlined, high-performance security operation that integrates seamlessly with their existing infrastructure;
• the expertise of security professionals without the challenge of managing a massive internal team;
• 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat hunting, ensuring they remain resilient to sophisticated and persistent cyber threats;
• access to advanced technology and cutting-edge threat detection & response tools.

High-risk industries

Certain industries, due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle or the critical infrastructure they support, face higher cybersecurity risks and need robust, continuous monitoring to mitigate potential attacks. These sectors are prime candidates for SOCaaS, as they require constant vigilance and specialized knowledge to deal with advanced threats.

1. Healthcare

The healthcare industry faces escalating cybersecurity challenges, with the average cost of a data breach surging by 53% to $11 million in 2023 compared to 2020. The healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats due to the highly sensitive patient data it handles. Health records contain a wealth of personal and financial information, making them prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in data security systems.

For example, in February 2024, a massive ransomware attack affected 18 hospitals across Romania. The Ministry of Health reported that the attack rendered systems inoperable, encrypting critical files and databases. This cyberattack highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare institutions to such threats, causing significant disruption to healthcare services and raising concerns about the security of sensitive patient data in the country. 

In situations like these, SOCaaS provides affordable, continuous monitoring, helping them detect potential threats early and even ensuring compliance with regulations like the NIS 2 Directive, protecting against future breaches and cyberattacks.

2. Financial services

Banks, investment firms, and financial institutions are prime targets for cyberattacks due to the sensitive financial data they manage. 

For example, a few months ago in May, DDoS attacks targeted the platforms of BCR, Banca Transilvania, and Alpha Bank in Romania, causing temporary outages. The National Directorate for Cybersecurity confirmed that the attacks were aimed at financial and public institutions nationwide. BCR responded by mitigating malicious traffic without compromising security, attributing the attack to the pro-Russian hacker group NoName057. Banca Transilvania and Alpha Bank also acknowledged the disruptions, with Alpha Bank providing alternative services during recovery.

When it comes to financial institutions, a successful breach can lead to massive financial losses, legal consequences, and irreparable damage to an institution’s reputation. By adopting SOCaaS, these organizations can enhance their security posture through continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection. SOCaaS helps mitigate attacks and ensures compliance with industry standards like GDPR and PCI-DSS, safeguarding customer data and maintaining regulatory trust while minimizing the risks associated with cyber threats.

3. Energy and utilities

The energy and utilities sector, encompassing electricity grids and oil & gas pipelines, is increasingly targeted by ransomware and state-sponsored cyberattacks due to its critical role in national and economic stability. A very recent ransomware attack on Romania’s Electrica Group highlights these risks. Although critical systems were reportedly unaffected, the incident is raising concerns about the sector’s vulnerability.

SOCaaS is indispensable in scenarios involving critical infrastructure, providing 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid response to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. Especially in the face of geopolitical instability, it strengthens the defense of essential systems, reducing disruptions and bolstering national security. 

Additionally, SOCaaS ensures compliance with international cybersecurity standards, fostering trust in critical services even during volatile times. By adopting SOCaaS, organizations can proactively manage risks in an interconnected world, addressing complex threats while maintaining the reliability of crucial operations.

5 reasons why 2025 demands SOCaaS

SOCaaS is an evolving and complex service, and it’s understandable that some businesses may be skeptical about its value, especially if they feel their current security measures or audits are sufficient. Historically, many have been comfortable with traditional security approaches, not fully recognizing the rapid evolution of cyber threats. 

However, the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, driven by various factors such as political and economic motivations, necessitate a shift in thinking. As threats evolve, businesses must adopt advanced solutions like SOCaaS to ensure continuous, real-time protection, maintain compliance, and stay ahead of potential risks as they prepare for the challenges of 2025:

1. Increased geopolitical tensions

The escalating geopolitical tensions in 2024 have directly impacted cybersecurity, with state-sponsored cyberattacks increasing at an alarming rate. These attacks, ranging from espionage efforts to large-scale infrastructure disruptions, underscore the urgency of adopting advanced cybersecurity solutions like SOCaaS.

Moreover, as critical infrastructure becomes more digitized, industries such as energy, water supply, and transportation face heightened risks from cyber warfare. Attacks on these sectors could have devastating consequences, as seen in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. 

As we approach 2025, the intersection of geopolitics and cybersecurity presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses worldwide. The rise in state-sponsored cyberattacks necessitates a shift towards more resilient cybersecurity strategies, with SOCaaS playing a crucial role in ensuring that businesses remain secure despite the unpredictable political environment. Organizations must prioritize investment in advanced defense mechanisms to protect against the growing threat posed by geopolitical conflicts.

2. Regulatory compliance

Stricter cybersecurity regulations in 2024, such as the updated NIS2 Directive, DORA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS 4.0, require organizations to strengthen their security measures and enhance compliance strategies.

With these evolving requirements extending into 2025, businesses must adopt advanced solutions like SOCaaS to stay compliant and improve data protection, incident management, and monitoring across various sectors.

SOCaaS provides essential support by offering automated monitoring, streamlined reporting, and robust incident response capabilities.

These services ensure compliance with regulations such as NIS2 and DORA, helping organizations respond swiftly to incidents, mitigate risks, and avoid non-compliance penalties.

3. AI-driven threats

In 2024, AI was both a weapon for cybercriminals and a tool for defenders, making cybersecurity more complex. AI-driven threats, like sophisticated phishing and AI-powered DDoS attacks, have increased, while attackers use adversarial AI to bypass traditional defenses. To counter these threats, SOCaaS integrates AI for real-time monitoring, automated incident response, and compliance reporting, enabling organizations to detect and mitigate attacks before they cause significant harm.

In 2025, cybercrime costs are projected to soar, so SOCaaS solutions must enhance AI capabilities and incorporate adaptive learning to address sophisticated threats like social engineering and quantum breaches.

SOCaaS will continue to be crucial for organizations seeking to safeguard against the evolving threat landscape. By providing continuous monitoring, rapid responses, and compliance reporting, SOCaaS is an essential defense against both AI-powered attacks and the broader cybersecurity challenges ahead.

4. Cybersecurity talent shortage

In 2024, the global cybersecurity workforce gap has reached 4.8 million, as demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply.

This shortage is compounded by rising cyber threats and economic challenges, making it difficult for businesses to maintain in-house security teams. 

Looking ahead to 2025, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow, exacerbating the skills gap. As cyber threats become more complex and automated, organizations will need SOCaaS solutions that incorporate advanced AI-driven analytics for real-time threat detection and incident response.

SOCaaS will be crucial not only for enhancing security but also for meeting compliance requirements without overextending internal resources.

5. Adapting to evolving tech and challenges

In 2024, the cybersecurity landscape saw advancements in cloud computing, quantum computing, and the proliferation of IoT devices, all of which present new vulnerabilities. Misconfigured cloud services, potential quantum threats to encryption, and IoT vulnerabilities are driving businesses to reassess traditional security measures. 

2025 is just around the corner, with a more complex threat landscape shaped continuously by such advancements. As a result, businesses must adopt strong encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring to protect sensitive data in the cloud. 

SOCaaS can assist in managing complex cloud environments and implementing quantum-resistant encryption. Additionally, organizations will need to strengthen device hardening practices, secure communication channels, and conduct continuous vulnerability assessments. 

What Bit Sentinel can do and why you should work with our BSS-CERT team

At Bit Sentinel, our BSS-CERT team delivers tailored SOCaaS solutions designed to protect your business’s digital assets. We combine cutting-edge technology with real-world expertise, staying up-to-date with global developments and continually learning to meet emerging challenges. Our team not only provides expert monitoring and rapid response but also understands the broader context beyond just technical issues. We offer customized, 24/7 security solutions backed by a proven track record, making Bit Sentinel a trusted partner in navigating today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.

And there’s a lot more we can share with you: let’s talk about how we can elevate your cybersecurity.

Choosing SOCaaS in 2025 is a decision that aligns with the growing need for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective cybersecurity solutions. 

Furthermore, SOCaaS offers businesses a way to keep their systems secure while staying up-to-date with the latest global cybersecurity trends. It provides access to expert teams and advanced technology, helping organizations avoid risks and stay compliant with changing regulations. 

By choosing SOCaaS, businesses can strengthen their security and focus on growth, knowing their digital assets are in good hands.