# What is SOC as a Service (SOCaaS)?

> SOC as a service (SOCaaS) is an outsourced model in which a provider performs an agreed set of security operations functions for a customer.

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## Content

Depending on the service, this may include monitoring, alert triage, threat hunting, incident coordination, reporting, detection engineering, technology administration, and access to specialist analysts.

There is no universal SOCaaS scope. Some offerings are close to MDR; others operate or augment a customer’s SIEM and broader security stack. Buyers should evaluate the service boundary and operating model rather than assume that the name includes every SOC responsibility. There is no standard definition to appeal to, so the service description is the only reliable guide to scope.

### Key points

- **Primary purpose:** Provide security operations capability without requiring the customer to build the entire function alone.
- **Possible models:** Fully outsourced, co-managed, overflow or after-hours coverage, or a dedicated external team.
- **Contract essentials:** Covered assets, telemetry, service hours, escalation, response authority, evidence retention, reporting, exit arrangements, and service levels.
- **Important limitation:** Outsourcing operations does not transfer accountability for risk, business decisions, recovery, or regulatory obligations.

### Related terms

[Security operations center (SOC)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/security-operations-center/>) · [Managed detection and response (MDR)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/managed-detection-and-response/>) · [Security information and event management (SIEM)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/security-information-and-event-management/>) · [Incident response (IR)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/incident-response/>) · [Managed security service provider (MSSP)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/managed-security-service-provider/>)

### Sources

[NIST SP 800-61r3: Incident Response Recommendations](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/61/r3/final) · [ENISA, Managed Security Services Market Analysis](https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/managed-security-services-market-analysis)

## Attribution and scope

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