Just to be clear, we're not talking about socks.

If you’ve got data, systems and customers, you’re a target. And yet, many UK SMEs still think they’re too small to worry. Meanwhile, according to Vodafone's 2025 report, cyber attacks are draining over £3.4 billion from the sector every year.

Today we're going to attempt to answer the question, is a SOC something your business needs?

WHAT IS A SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTRE?

A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a dedicated team of cyber security experts who monitor your business systems 24/7. They keep constant watch over your network, cloud services, devices, and user activity. Their job is to spot suspicious behaviour, respond to incidents, and stop threats before they cause serious damage.

In plain terms, they’re your frontline defence. They don’t just send alerts. They investigate, act fast, and help your business stay secure and operational.

For most small businesses, this comes in the form of a Managed SOC service. It’s a flexible, outsourced team that plugs directly into your IT setup.

What does a SOC actually do?

They use advanced tech like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), threat intelligence, and automated detection tools to stay ahead of attackers.

• Monitors your systems 24/7 for cyber threats
• Detects early warning signs like suspicious logins, malware or unusual traffic
• Responds quickly to contain attacks and limit impact
• Provides security reporting and compliance support
• Acts as an extension of your internal IT or tech team

Picture the following scenario:

Business A has a SOC.

A dodgy email link gets clicked. The SOC spots it straight away, isolates the affected machine, and starts the clean-up. No ransom paid. No major impact. Back in action within 48 hours.

Business B doesn’t.

Same link. Same attack. But no one notices until it’s too late. Systems are locked. Hackers demand £20k. The business pays up, loses data and spends another £40k getting back to normal. 

HOW EXACTLY DOES AN SME GET A SOC?

You don’t need a full-time cyber security team or a big budget. Here’s how it works in the real world:

Partner with a Managed SOC provider

They handle the monitoring, detection and incident response remotely.

Get your setup assessed

A good provider will review your current tools and risks, then tailor the SOC service to your needs.

Connect your environment

Monitoring agents are installed across your systems to feed into the SOC’s platform in real time.

Decide how threats are handled

You choose whether they act immediately or escalate to your team.

Stay informed and protected

You’ll get reports, insights and compliance support, with the reassurance that someone’s watching your systems around the clock.

HOW FAST IS THE SETUP?

A Managed SOC can usually be deployed in 2 to 4 weeks:

• Week 1: Discovery and planning
• Week 2: Installation of monitoring tools
• Week 3: Alert setup and escalation planning
• Week 4: Testing and go live

IS A SOC RIGHT FOR MY BUSINESS?

If you rely on customer data, operate critical systems, or need to stay compliant with regulations like GDPR or Cyber Essentials, then yes, a SOC could be a smart move.

But it’s not about throwing more tech at the problem.

The right security strategy isn’t about bolting on tools. It’s about understanding what actually fits. Sometimes that means adding something new. Other times, it means streamlining what you already have.

A well-designed approach doesn’t have to cost more. In fact, it could bring your spend down by cutting waste, reducing duplication and helping you avoid the high cost of a breach. Cyber threats aren’t slowing down. They’re getting faster, smarter and more targeted.

If you’re asking, “Do we need a SOC?” you’re asking the right question.

Let’s talk. Pick an option below to get clear honest advice strategy that actually works.

FAQ: SOC FOR THE SME

1. What is a SOC in cyber security? A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a team of cyber experts who monitor your business systems 24/7 to detect, investigate and respond to cyber threats.
2. How much does a SOC cost for a small business? Costs vary based on your size and complexity, but a Managed SOC is often cheaper than hiring one full-time cyber analyst. Most SMEs pay a monthly fee tailored to their setup.
3. Do small businesses really need a SOC? If you handle sensitive data, run critical systems, or need compliance support, a SOC can offer proactive protection. It helps catch threats early and reduce downtime and risk.
4. How long does it take to set up a SOC? Most Managed SOCs can be fully operational within 2 to 4 weeks.