Demystifying SOAR: Streamlining Security Operations and Response in a Cyber-Threat Landscape

Cyber threats are constantly changing, and for every new security patch, there are new infiltration methods perpetuated by bad actors. 2022 was a year of instability and conflict due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which saw extensive cyberattacks. 2023 proves to be more stable, but the cyber threat landscape is still shifting.

One way to cope is by using SOAR, a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to fortify digital defences. SOAR uses automation to streamline security operations and responses. It quickly identifies threats and then orchestrates a well-coordinated and rapid response. This reduces the risk of security incidents and minimises their impact.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at SOAR and how it’s a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity. Also, check out our SOAR solutions, designed to give you more efficient security operations.

Defining SOAR: An In-Depth Look

What is SOAR? For large organisations, SOAR is a crucial software solution that integrates and coordinates multiple tools into streamlined threat analysis and response workflows. It stands for Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response.

It has three components:

1. Security Orchestration: This involves the coordination and management of security tasks, processes and solutions such as vulnerability scanners, firewalls, and end-user behaviour analytics. It’s a structured approach to responding to security incidents, which enables you to collect and export data from different sources.
2. Security Automation: This refers to the execution of predefined security tasks and responses without human intervention, increasing efficiency and reducing response times. SOAR platforms are also capable of using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve automated processes like threat hunting and security incident response.
3. Security Response: This component focuses on the actions taken to address and mitigate security incidents, combining automated and manual response strategies. These actions include planning, management, monitoring, and reporting since SOAR provides a 360-degree view of security response processes.

SOAR in cybersecurity has evolved in response to the increasing complexity and volume of cyber threats. They originated in the early 2010s and have continuously developed to meet the dynamic cyber threat landscape.

The importance of SOAR in an organisation’s ability to detect, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats efficiently is evident. Without SOAR, organisations will suffer from slow response times, inconsistent policy implementations, and vulnerable systems.

Challenges in Modern Cybersecurity Operations

Crowdstrike’s 2023 Global Threat Report cites that there has been a 95% increase in cloud exploitation as cybercriminals increased the speed and sophistication of their attacks. These cyber threat actors constantly develop new tactics and technologies, targeting vulnerabilities in software, networks, and human behaviour.

Some of the biggest cybersecurity issues for 2023 include ransomware extortion, cloud third-party threats, mobile malware, wipers and destructive malware. Cyber threat actors are also known to weaponize legitimate tools. They also exploit zero-day vulnerabilities in supply chains, which is the day between an attack and before a patch can be introduced.  

Some of the high-profile security breaches of 2023 include ChatGPT’s first data breach, which exposed sensitive personal information, including credit card information. Another is a data breach of Yum Brands, the company behind KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, which resulted in 300 branches closing in the UK for one day. Then there’s the most recent revelation of a mass data breach attack which began with a MOVEit security vulnerability and has now extended to several international targets and affected multiple federal agencies.

Manual processes and security operations aren’t enough to address this increasing sophistication and scale of cyberattacks. Security operation centres constantly face challenges in staff, skills and knowledge shortages. It’s difficult to find experienced personnel, and most organizations ask existing staff to step up without providing adequate training. This leads to slower response times and failure to recognize problems and mitigate threats as they happen.

Leveraging SOAR for Enhanced Security Posture

SOAR streamlines the incident response process by automating routine tasks. It can detect and respond to threats in real time, reducing the potential damage caused by delays in manual responses. By automating repetitive, manual tasks, SOAR allows security teams to focus on more critical tasks. This maximizes the efficiency of security personnel and resources.

SOAR coordinates security operations by ensuring that different security tools and teams work seamlessly together, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors. As security threats increase in complexity and volume, SOAR can adapt and scale to meet these challenges, ensuring that organisations remain well-equipped to protect their digital assets.

SOAR is designed to work in tandem with an organisation’s existing cybersecurity infrastructure. It can seamlessly integrate with various security tools and technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. This integration maximises existing investments and reduces the complexity of learning new tools.

SOAR case studies have revealed how the framework is vital for threat intelligence coordination, case management, vulnerability management, threat hunting, and incident response.

Practical Applications and Strategies for SOAR

Here are some of the common practical uses of SOAR:

Threat Hunting

With the dynamic cyber security landscape, security teams must be proactive rather than reactive. They can’t wait for an attack to happen. Using SOAR for threat hunting involves proactively seeking out potential security threats within an organisation’s network.

SOAR aggregates data from various security tools, analyses it for anomalies, and triggers alerts when suspicious activities are detected. Threat hunters can use SOAR to automate the collection of threat intelligence, monitor for unusual patterns, and respond swiftly to emerging threats. This approach helps security teams stay ahead of cyber adversaries, reducing the chances of successful attacks.

Streamlining Incident Response

Security operations teams need an effective incident response plan to respond, fix and recover after an incident takes place. SOAR in incident response involves orchestrated and automated responses to security incidents, reducing human error and response times.

By creating predefined playbooks, SOAR guides security teams through a series of steps to contain, mitigate, and investigate incidents. It can also trigger automatic responses to known threats, providing a consistent and efficient way to combat cyberattacks. This process not only enhances an organisation’s security posture but also minimises the potential damage caused by security breaches.

Automating Routine Security Tasks

Routine security tasks, such as routine vulnerability scanning, patch management, and user access management, can be resource-intensive when performed manually. SOAR automates these time-consuming manual processes, freeing up security teams to focus on more critical issues.

It ensures that security measures are consistently applied, reducing the risk of oversights and vulnerabilities. SOAR also automates endpoint protection, so security team members don’t have to waste time responding to false positives. They can get security alerts for any threats that need their immediate action.

These automation capabilities improve overall security hygiene, helping organisations maintain a robust defence against evolving threats. It also increases your SOC team’s productivity and efficiency.

Future of SOAR: Predictions and Developments

The global SOAR market share enjoyed an annual growth of 16.4% when it increased from $1.32 billion in 2022 to $.154 billion in 2023. This is projected to grow further to $2.77 billion in 2027, with a CAGR of 15.8%. This growth is driven by the increased adoption of IoT and cloud-based services to address the need for real-time threat detection and response.

There are two main types of SOAR today: on-premises SOAR, which is installed locally, and cloud SOAR which is hosted in the cloud. A third type is being developed: self-driving SOAR, which automates SOAR functions using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Self-driving SOAR is expected to reduce security teams’ workload by improving threat detection and response accuracy.

Another upcoming SOAR trend is its application in professional services. Security analysts can offer consulting and advisory to help clients create effective security responses. Managed SOAR services can be used to help multiple clients with incident management, monitoring, and response. Outsourced security solutions utilising the SOAR framework are a great way to get comprehensive security solutions from seasoned security experts.

However, the future of SOAR applications also faces distinct challenges. For one, it is cost-prohibitive, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. It can also be complex and time-consuming to integrate with other security tools, especially when the organisation lacks the necessary expertise. Still, with the introduction of managed services, SOAR tools are becoming more affordable and user-friendly, encouraging even small organisations to adopt them.

Protect Your Organisation from Cyberthreats with SOAR

As technology evolves, cybercriminals will continue to find ways to wreak havoc on the latest security systems. Incorporating security orchestration automation and response solutions into your cybersecurity strategy is a practical and effective way to stay ahead of these threats.

Your security team will benefit from enhanced threat detection, automated routine security tasks, and streamlined incident response. Not to mention, SOAR solutions integrate seamlessly with existing cybersecurity infrastructure, maximising the efficiency of your existing security tools and technologies.

Ready to fortify your organisation’s cybersecurity posture? Explore our cutting-edge SOAR solutions today and discover how SOAR can safeguard your digital assets.

Additional Resources and Further Reading

Learn more about SOAR and the latest insights in the cybersecurity landscape with these resources:

• SOAR: How It Works and How It Can Benefit Your Security Operations
• Cybersecurity Trends & Statistics for 2023
• CrowdStrike 2023 Global Threat Report
• SIEM and SOAR in 2023: Key Trends and New Changes
• Emerging Trends and Innovations in AI Threat Response
• SIEM: How It Works and Selection Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOAR stand for?

SOAR stands for security orchestration, automation, and response. It’s a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that combines these three elements to detect, respond to, and mitigate security threats and incidents.

What are the benefits of SOAR?

The benefits of SOAR include:

• Reduced response times due to streamlined incident response processes.
• Automation of repetitive security tasks so security teams can focus on more critical issues
• Better coordination among different security tools and teams to reduce the risks of miscommunication
• Proactive threat hunting so organisations can stay ahead of cyber adversaries
• Scalable and adaptable solution that can meet evolving security challenges

What’s the difference between SOAR and SIEM?

SOAR and SIEM are both threat intelligence platforms crucial to a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. SIEM is focused on collecting, aggregating, and analysing log data, while SOAR is designed to streamline and automate incident response.

SIEM correlates events to identify patterns and potential threats, while SOAR seeks out potential threats and vulnerabilities. SIEM and SOAR are complementary solutions, with one focusing on reactive response while the latter provides proactive solutions.

About the author

ProtectCyber is a leading Australian cyber security firm dedicated to safeguarding businesses and individuals from digital threats. Our expert team, with decades of combined experience in the field, provides insights and practical advice on staying secure in an increasingly connected world. Learn more about our mission and team on our
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