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Managing a SOC is no easy task. SOC managers must balance the demands of process development and team management while simultaneously staying ahead of threats. Each of these challenges can hinder operational efficiency and an organization’s security if not addressed strategically.

Here are some of the most common challenges faced by SOC managers, plus practical solutions to overcome them and lead a high-performing SOC.

1. Process Development

Process development is the foundation of an efficient SOC. However, it can be challenging for SOC managers to effectively create and document these processes. To navigate this, you must prioritize creating SOC playbooks that define roles and responsibilities, establish risk acceptance procedures, and set communication protocols. This way, you have repeatable guidelines that everyone in the SOC knows and understands.

2. Scheduling

Ensuring quality coverage while maintaining consistent schedules in a SOC can feel like a game of 4D chess. The key is to establish standardized scheduling systems early on. A big-picture spreadsheet of available team members, their roles, and their skills can help you systematically think about the skill sets needed when planning shifts.

3. Talent Retention

Building a solid team and talent pipeline is another common challenge. It’s not just about finding the right talent but also retaining them. Preventing burnout is critical to retaining top talent, as it ensures analysts remain engaged, motivated, and able to effectively handle the high-pressure demands of their role. Structured career pathways and the right technology can also help retain talent over the long haul.

4. Performance Management

SOC managers must set achievable performance standards and regularly review operational execution against these standards, which takes time and effort. But the key to effective performance management is choosing the right metrics. Alongside quantitative measures, the quality of escalated incidents and reports should also be reviewed. Then regular check-ins with team members can help them understand where improvements are needed and provide feedback for optimizing your SOC’s effectiveness.

5. Technology Selection

SOC managers must advocate for the right technology to those who influence and manage company budgets. This involves performing an analysis of control gaps and impact that examines ROI in terms of response times, breach avoidance, and operational efficiency. The right technology stack can maximize orchestration between tools, effectively parse data, centralize queues for managing alerts, and detect disconnects in log sources.With a strategic approach and the right tools, you can successfully navigate these common challenges faced by SOC managers. For more in-depth insights and strategies to tackle these challenges effectively, check out our new guide: Leading the SOC: A Tactical Guide for SOC Managers.