Small businesses face the same threats and cyber defence challenges as large enterprises but often lack the resources to defend against them effectively. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for all businesses, regardless of size. While implementing a robust security infrastructure can be challenging, having 24/7 monitoring and an incident response solution with a regular threat reporting is crucial to protect against modern cyber threats.
The Challenges of SIEM Solutions
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems are often marketed as comprehensive solutions for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. While SIEM products do offer powerful monitoring and alerting capabilities, they come with significant challenges for small businesses. Firstly, these systems require a dedicated deployment and a team of skilled professionals to manage, monitor, and update the platform continuously. SIEM tools need to be configured correctly and fine-tuned over time to reduce false positives and ensure that threats are detected promptly. For a small business, this is a serious challenge—or even outright impossible—since most employees do not work around the clock watching dashboards. Maintaining an in-house team to operate and monitor a SIEM system 24/7 would demand resources that small businesses often do not have which could lead to leaving such systems not maintained and updated properly, introducing or increasing technical debt.
Automated Incident Detection vs. Human Expertise
An alternative to SIEM for small businesses is automated incident detection and response, often bundled in products like Managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions. While these products offer a level of automated monitoring and response, their effectiveness is not always comparable to that of a human-operated Security Operations Centre (SOC). Automated systems are good at handling known threats, but they may struggle to detect sophisticated attacks or zero-day vulnerabilities that can bypass automated detection mechanisms. Moreover, automated responses may lack the nuance and flexibility that human experts bring to complex incidents, potentially generating more false alerts, which could result in unnecessary account blockages and device isolation. For this reason, relying solely on automated solutions can leave small businesses vulnerable to more advanced threats and more support tickets instead of proactive approach..
The Ideal Solution: A Hybrid Approach
While a dedicated SOC may seem like the ideal solution, it comes with a high price tag that is often out of reach for small businesses. A fully staffed SOC capable of round-the-clock monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response is extremely costly, with a high entry point that small enterprises simply cannot afford.
The best approach for small businesses is a well-architected and tailored solution that incorporates the strengths of both automated and human-driven defences. An ideal solution would combine internal cybersecurity protection with modern management and regular updates, DLP (data loss prevention) alongside an affordable yet human-operated SOC. This type of hybrid solution provides the best of both worlds: the efficiency and speed of automated systems for straightforward incidents, combined with the expertise and adaptability of human analysts for complex, high-stakes situations.
Choosing the Right Solution
The key to implementing an effective 24/7 monitoring and incident response solution lies in choosing the right provider and architecture. It is crucial to work with a certified solution architect who can assess your business needs and design a solution that is both comprehensive and cost-effective. The right partner will ensure that all critical elements are included—whether that’s automated defences, human-operated SOC services, or a mix of both—so that your small business remains protected against today’s ever-evolving cyber threats and also dramatically increase your overall security posture.
Conclusion
For small businesses, cybersecurity is a balancing act between budget and effectiveness. While SIEM and automated incident response solutions offer some protection, they cannot match the capabilities of a well-managed, human-operated SOC. However, the high cost of traditional SOCs can be prohibitive for smaller enterprises. The answer lies in finding a hybrid solution that combines automation with human expertise, offering 24/7 protection at a price point that small businesses can afford. By working with a certified solution architect, small businesses can implement a solution that meets their needs without overstretching their resources, ensuring that they stay safe in an increasingly risky digital world.
