For IT professionals, the terms SOC and NOC are familiar, but for those new to the field, understanding the distinctions and synergies between security operations centers (SOCs) and network operations centers (NOCs) is essential. They’re critical to defense agencies, government organizations, space programs, utilities, financial institutions, and technology enterprises, helping manage and protect increasingly complex, distributed, and high-stakes digital (and physical) infrastructures. In this blog post, we will explore the evolving roles of SOCs and NOCs, how they intersect across industries and how video wall solutions like Haivision Command 360 enable a unified approach to cybersecurity, network performance, and operational efficiency.

Defining the Roles of SOCs and NOCs

First, let’s establish the fundamentals, including the key responsibilities and functions of each type of center.

A security operations center (SOC) is the digital guardian of your organization. Think of it as the security hub, responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity threats. In essence, the SOC is your shield against cyberattacks. Whether protecting mission data or securing banking transactions, SOCs help detect malicious activity, coordinate responses, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, financial interests, and government and defense standards.

On the other hand, a network operations center (NOC) is the central nervous system of your IT infrastructure. NOCs focus on ensuring network performance, availability, and managing network incidents. In sectors like energy and utilities, finance, or technology, NOCs monitor grid performance, secure interconnection flows, and enable 24/7 uptime for critical services.

While SOCs focus on cybersecurity and NOCs focus on network performance, both play essential roles in enabling situational awareness and mission continuity.

The Synergy Between SOCs and NOCs

In many organizations, the distinction between SOC and NOC can be blurry, but it’s essential to recognize the invaluable synergy they offer. SOCs often collaborate with NOCs, sharing critical information about network threats and incidents. This collaboration is vital because a network issue can sometimes be the result of a security breach, and vice versa. In the utilities sector, compromised network performance might point to a broader cyber threat to operational technology (OT) systems, whereas in a space command center, NOC and SOC teams must work in tandem to maintain secure telemetry, video feeds, and communications during launches or satellite operations. The key is effective communication and coordinated action.

Addressing the misconception of redundancy is crucial. While there is some overlap in incident response, both SOCs and NOCs serve different primary functions, and their collaboration enhances the overall security and performance of an organization.

Tools and Technologies

One of the technologies that has gained prominence in both SOCs and NOCs is Haivision Command 360, our complete video wall solution. This innovative solution allows operators to have a real-time, panoramic view of the network and security status all in one common operating picture, enhancing situational awareness and helping operators coordinate faster and more effectively.

Common tools and technologies used in SOCs include Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software. NOCs, on the other hand, rely on network monitoring and management tools, such as network performance monitoring systems, telemetry visualization (critical for space and defense), traffic and flow analyzers, and OT/IT monitoring tools (especially in energy and utilities). Ultimately, Command 360 works in tandem with these tools to create a single, powerful picture of an organization’s security or network posture.

Industry-Specific Considerations

• Government: Protecting critical government networks and citizen data across federal, state, and municipal agencies
• Technology: Managing uptime and performance of global SaaS and cloud platforms
• Energy and Utilities: Integrating OT/IT to ensure grid stability and secure energy generation
• Finance and Banking: Detecting fraud, securing payment networks, and ensuring always-on availability for transactions
• Military and Defense: Securing classified data, managing ISR video feeds, maintaining global communications

Skills and Expertise Required

While the skills needed for personnel in a SOC or a NOC can vary, the solution itself needn’t require highly technical abilities. For optimal effectiveness, these types of operation centers must rely on easy-to-use infrastructure because operators need their focus directed solely on critical events as they unfold. It’s in these circumstances that cumbersome technology can slow down critical response time.

Haivision Command 360 was designed for technical and non-technical users alike, eliminating a layer of complications. Ultimately, it’s Haivision’s goal to allow technology to supercharge an organization’s visualization capabilities by way of easy-to-use software.

Operational Challenges

Both SOCs and NOCs face operational challenges, including coordination issues. To overcome these challenges, organizations need to foster a culture of collaboration, ensuring that critical information flows seamlessly between operators. Establishing clear communication protocols and regular joint training exercises can help bridge the gap.

Future Trends

As technology continues to evolve, we expect SOC and NOC operations to follow suit. Automation and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly significant role in threat detection and incident response, translating, most likely, to increased efficiency and effectiveness. The impact of remote work on these operations is also noteworthy, as it requires a shift in strategies and tools to secure a dispersed workforce. Embracing these trends will be crucial for organizations looking to stay ahead in cybersecurity and network performance.

The need for businesses to invest in SOC or NOC capabilities is undeniable. These centers have become essential across industries for IT, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and financial stability applications, ensuring the health, security, and performance of an organization’s digital infrastructure.

As security and network operations continue to grow more complex, flexible operation center technologies like Haivision Command 360 will help organizations scale and ensure mission readiness, resilience, and super decision-making.