In the modern era, cybersecurity is a fundamental service that businesses should expect from a Managed Service Provider, or MSP. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow and evolve, MSPs deal with growing pressure to provide continuous protection without compromising on profitability.
SOC as a Service, also known as SOCaaS, has emerged as a strong solution for MSPs looking to enhance security offerings while remaining cost-effective and agile for clients. SOCaas allows MSPs to provide continuous threat monitoring, rapid incident response as well as data-driven analysis without the overhead when it comes to staffing an in-house Security Operations Centre or SOC. By outsourcing these capabilities to a trusted provider, MSPs are able to reach client expectations and gain a competitive advantage.
Benefits of SOC as a Service for MSPs
By adopting SOC as a Service, MSPsare equipped with a variety of strategic and operational advantages that will directly impact client outcomes as well as business efficiency. Some of the benefits of SOC as a Service of MSPs include:
- 24/7 Threat Monitoring and Detection: SOCaaS delivers continuous security surveillance across networks, endpoints, cloud environments, and applications. This 24/7 visibility ensures that threats are detected and then promptly addressed in real-time which reduces the likelihood of breaches.
- Cost-Effective Security Management: Putting together an in-house SOC is costly for most MSPs. SOCaaS removes the need for hiring, training, and retaining a team of cybersecurity analysts, while at the same time, avoiding infrastructure investments. This means it offers enterprise-level protection at a scalable cost.
- Scalability: SOCaaS allows MSPs to scale their security services as their client base and threat landscape shifts and evolves. Whether serving SMEs or larger organisations, SOCaaS can scale in order to meet the changing or complex demands without additional internal pressure.
- Improved Incident Response: When incidents do occur, SOCaaS providers offer rapid detection, investigation, and response support. This prompt containment reduces downtime, limits data release, and minimises reputational damage.
- Compliance Support: MSPs serve clients in regulated industries. SOCaaS helps ensure adherence to standards such as GDPR by providing audit-ready reporting, continuous monitoring, and best practice guidance.
- Access to Cybersecurity Experts: SOCaaS also empowers MSPs with access to highly skilled threat analysts and security engineers who stay ahead of emerging threats. It is important to note that this is built into the service and does not require full-time hires.
With all of the above benefits in mind, MSPs are able to expand their cybersecurity capabilities, reduce operational burdens, and deliver protection that will ensure confidence in their client base.
Common Challenges MSPs Face When Implementing SOCaaS
As seen above, SOCaaS offers a variety of advantages however MSPs can also face a range of challenges when integrating these services into their offerings. Some of these challenges include:
- Cost Concerns: MSPs need to balance the costs of SOCaaS with their existing pricing models as clients may resist premium security services unless the value is properly communicated.
- Client Trust and Perception: Clients may also question the outsourcing of security operations. Some clients may assume that an offsite team lacks visibility or accountability and with this in mind, MSPs may need to fully communicate and reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of SOCaaS.
- Integration with Existing IT Infrastructure: Clients’ IT environments are different and may vary in security maturity. Integrating SOCaaS into these systems can be complex and time-consuming without careful planning and customisation.
- Skill Gaps: MSPs may not have in-house cybersecurity expertise to evaluate and manage SOCaaS performance or respond to complex security issues. This makes provider selection and onboarding even more important.
- Incident Response Coordination: Clients often expect rapid, transparent responses during incidents. MSPs must ensure that the SOCaaS provider’s response times, protocols, and communications align with both their SLAs and client expectations.
It is important to note that all of these challenges can be mitigated through planning, clear communication, and collaboration with experienced SOCaaS providers who fully understand the requirements of MSPs as well as their customers.
Best Practices for MSPs Implementing SOC as a Service
In order to fully maximise the benefits of SOCaaS as mentioned previously, MSPs can adopt the below best practices:
- Understand Client Needs: A one-size-fits-all approach can undermine value. MSPs should be able to tailor security services to the unique requirements, risks and operational structures of each client.
- Choose the Right SOCaaS Provider: Evaluate potential partners based on track records, detection capabilities, incident response procedures, compliance expertise, and scalability.
- Ensure Seamless Integration: A key success factor for SOCaaS delivery, particularly in regards to MSPs, is the ability to integrate smoothly with existing IT service management tools. This includes aligning SOC operations with internal ticketing systems, ensuring that alerts flow directly into established help desk workflows and configuring SIEM tools to support streamlined escalation and resolution processes.
- Regular Security Assessments: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests should be put in place to identify security gaps and validate the effectiveness of SOCaaS, while also informing continuous improvement strategies.
- Continuous Employee Training: Educate MSP teams on SOCaaS processes, emerging threats, and best practices.
By taking on these best practices, MSPs will be able to deliver consistent, high-quality SOC services that build trust, reduce risk, and support growth.
How SOCaaS Enhances MSP Client Relationships and Business Growth
SOCaaS is more than cybersecurity – it works as a business growth strategy. Here’s how MSPs benefit client relationships and business growth:
- Differentiate MSP Services: SOCaaS sets innovative MSPs apart from those offering standard IT support.
- Build Client Trust: Providing reliable, transparent, and demonstrable security services enhances your reputation and reassures clients that their data is in safe hands.
- Increase Revenue Streams: SOCaaS can be packaged as a premium or value-added service, which opens the way to new billing opportunities and strengthens your security portfolio.
- Strengthen Long-Term Client Relationships: Ongoing security monitoring and compliance support position MSPs as strategic partners rather than reactive providers.
As security becomes an expectation rather than an add-on, MSPs who adopt SOCaaS are better positioned to lead, scale, and thrive.
Key Features MSPs Should Look for in a SOCaaS Provider
Choosing a SOCaaS provider is vital for smooth implementation and delivering long-term value to clients.
MSPs should prioritise providers offering:
- Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuous monitoring and rapid incident response should be non-negotiables when it comes to protecting client environments from threats.
- Advanced Threat Intelligence: A provider should use real-time threat intelligence and AI-powered analytics to detect known and evolving threats faster.
- Compliance and Reporting Support: Audit-ready documentation, tailored compliance assistance, and ongoing policy monitoring is a must.
- Customisable Security Solutions: SOCaaS need to be flexible enough to meet different client requirements, whether an SME or a large organisations.
- Scalable Services: As your MSP grows, your SOCaaS provider should offer scalable pricing and service models that grow with you and your clients.
Evaluating these features helps ensure that your SOCaaS offering is reliable, safe and aligned with your clients’ business needs.
Elevate Your MSP Services with SOC as a Service
SOC as a Service empowers MSPs to deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity without the costly burden of building it from scratch.
By partnering with a trusted SOCaaS provider, MSPs can:
- Offer 24/7 threat detection and response
- Improve operational efficiency and scalability
- Enhance client trust and retention
- Support compliance in regulated sectors
- Grow revenue with premium security offerings
Today, clients demand more from their MSPs and SOCaaS offers the tools, expertise, and flexibility to deliver.
If you’re ready to take your MSP cybersecurity offering to the next level, talk to Foxtech about SOC as a Service today.
