Outsourced CSOC is the Most Effective Defense

The necessity of having a comprehensive framework for cyber security in business is becoming increasingly evident every day. Attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, agrees Dragan Bednarčuk, a cyber security solutions architect at KING ICT, and the consequences can include data loss, damaged reputation, and business interruption. He believes that a framework encompassing prevention and response is needed: prevention reduces risk, while a quick response mitigates damage. Compliance with regulations is also important according to Bednarčuk, where the technical framework includes continuous monitoring, resilience testing, and automated incident response. The combination of advanced tools, he emphasized, standardized procedures, and integrated security systems ensures resilience against an ever-growing spectrum of threats.

What are the best solutions for defending against cyber threats?

– I would certainly highlight a service that combines various solutions and technologies – the Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) as a place where key functions of monitoring, detection, and response to security incidents are integrated. CSOC operates continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that the organization has ‘eyes and ears’ monitoring its digital environment at all times and is ready to respond as soon as suspicious activity arises. This is precisely the service we offer at KING ICT through our outsourced CSOC. Companies do not have to invest huge resources in building their security infrastructure and hiring a large number of experts. Instead, our clients gain access to an entire team of experienced experts who utilize the most advanced tools and proven procedures. This includes SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems for event correlation, systems for detecting anomalies and malicious activities in the network and on endpoints, as well as automated tools for rapid incident response. Our CSOC is flexible and adaptable to the needs of each organization, regardless of size or industry. It provides small companies with an unattainable level of protection, while large companies benefit from scalability and additional expertise. In an era of rapid and sophisticated threats, the outsourced CSOC is the most effective defense.

What technology today most enhances the operation of the CSOC?

– Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) plays a key role, showing who is attacking, what methods they are using, and with what goal, allowing security teams to act before an attack begins. For example, a CTI system that monitors sales channels on the dark web can detect offers of stolen credit cards. As soon as an active card is identified, the CSOC notifies the bank or fraud prevention team, and the card is blocked to prevent further misuse. Additionally, CTI encompasses the detection of ‘leaked’ user accounts and compromised databases, as well as generating active alerts and adaptable rules that notify when something targeting your organization, partners, or industry appears. Continuous monitoring of sources that reveal vulnerabilities further strengthens the defense mechanism. In this way, vast amounts of data are transformed into concrete information that accelerates and improves decision-making. When CTI is integrated into the CSOC, threats are detected and blocked, but also understood in a broader context, which increases the overall effectiveness of the defense.

How do you discover vulnerabilities?

– In addition to classic vulnerability scanning, we also apply Attack Surface Management (ASM), which continuously maps and monitors the entire attack surface: services, domains, applications, and APIs (Application Programming Interface). Unlike occasional tests, ASM operates continuously, in real-time, quickly discovering weaknesses. It also identifies shadow IT (unknown resources outside the control of the IT department), which often serves as an entry point for attackers. ASM displays issues according to assets and risk, assigns quantitative ratings, and helps teams prioritize critical vulnerabilities. This way, organizations gain complete visibility and the ability to actively close gaps before exploitation occurs.

Why is it crucial to act before an attack occurs?

– Prevention is always more effective and cheaper than remediation. When an incident occurs, it is already too late; data is compromised, systems are halted, and reputation is severely damaged. Proactive action means continuously monitoring threats, discovering vulnerabilities, and closing them in time, as well as educating employees. Attackers thus have less chance to surprise the defense, and consequently, less room for success. Today, responsibility is not only a technical issue but also a business one. Therefore, it is necessary to develop processes, tools, and competencies that ensure continuous system resilience and readiness for any attack scenario.

Why are people still the most important?

– Technology is important, but people make the difference. They are the ones who make decisions, recognize patterns that machines do not see, and build a culture of security within organizations. The best tools are only valuable if used by educated and responsible professionals. Our experience confirms this: it is precisely the people who have enabled the realization of our largest projects, including the largest international cyber security project for NATO, which involved the delivery and implementation of advanced SIEM solutions and IT infrastructure. NATO then entrusted us with a new contract for the implementation and configuration of security solutions for the entire NATO Enterprise. We have also gained the trust of local clients, from critical state infrastructure and public institutions to private companies in the most demanding sectors. All of this shows that the key to success, alongside technology, lies in the workforce and their knowledge.

But still, where do employees most often go wrong when it comes to cyber security?

– A common misconception is that attacks happen to someone else, leading to the neglect of basic measures such as updates, strong passwords, MFA, and caution when opening messages. An even greater mistake is believing that technology solves problems on its own, while human negligence remains the greatest threat. Security is therefore a personal responsibility of every employee, not just the IT department.

What is the goal of your ‘Cyber Talks’ conferences?

– KING ICT’s ‘Cyber Talks’ is a place that brings together users, partners, and vendors to discuss security challenges, share experiences, and learn from each other. The emphasis is on open knowledge exchange, understanding global trends, and discovering practical ways to defend against the ever-growing threats. An equally important part of the conference is networking, as we believe that true partnerships are built through trust and a sense of belonging. We are particularly proud that ‘Cyber Talks’ has been held for the third consecutive time, as it is already becoming a tradition and has become an event that year after year strengthens and connects the community of experts, partners, and users.

What awaits us in the next few years in the field of cyber security?

– Every year, attacks become more dangerous, sophisticated, and creative, so we justifiably wonder what lies ahead. One thing is certain: security will be more advanced each year than the previous one. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already helping to detect suspicious activities and respond to incidents more quickly, but the human factor remains crucial: experts make decisions, interpret data, and design defenses. As business and personal activities intertwine on the same devices, networks, and applications, the attack surface is constantly growing, and a completely secure system does not exist. Therefore, it is essential that, alongside expert teams and modern technologies, we build a strong and resilient defense, making it as difficult as possible for attackers.

Content created in collaboration with KING ICT