The Security Operations Spectrum
Security operations exists on a spectrum from fully outsourced (MSSP) to hybrid (MDR) to fully internal (SOC). The right choice depends on your threat profile, compliance requirements, budget, and existing security maturity.
MSSP: Alert Monitoring & Triage
MSSPs monitor your security tools and forward alerts. They don't investigate, contain, or remediate threats. Best for organizations that need after-hours coverage for a small in-house team. Typical cost: $1,500-$5,000/month for SMBs.
MDR: Threat Detection & Response
MDR providers detect threats, investigate incidents, and take containment actions on your behalf. They own the outcome, not just the alert. Best for organizations without 24/7 security staff. Typical cost: $5,000-$25,000/month depending on endpoint count.
In-House SOC: Full Control, Full Cost
Building an internal SOC requires 8-12 FTEs minimum for 24/7 coverage (3 shifts + analysts + engineers + manager). Total cost: $1.2M-$2.5M annually in North America. Only viable for large enterprises or regulated industries with specific data residency requirements.
Hybrid Models: The Sweet Spot
Many organizations are adopting co-managed SOC models where an MDR handles Tier 1-2 response while internal staff focus on strategic security engineering, threat hunting, and business alignment. This model costs 40-60% less than a full in-house SOC.
Decision Matrix
Choose MSSP if: budget under $5K/mo, basic compliance needs, internal team handles response. Choose MDR if: no 24/7 staff, need threat containment, compliance requires incident response. Choose in-house SOC if: >5,000 employees, regulated critical infrastructure, data can't leave premises.
Decision Matrix
Evaluate your organizational requirements against the three security operations models. The model with the most green indicators for your priority factors is likely your best fit.
| Factor | MSSP | MDR | In-House SOC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,500-$5,000/mo | $5,000-$25,000/mo | $1.2M-$2.5M/yr |
| In-House Staff | Minimal (1-2 FTE) | Small team (2-4 FTE) | 8-12 FTE minimum |
| Compliance Needs | Basic log retention | Incident response included | Full control & audit |
| Threat Complexity | Alert forwarding only | Detection & containment | Custom detections |
| 24/7 Coverage | After-hours monitoring | 24/7 response team | Expensive to staff |
| Time to Value | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 6-12 months |
Cost Comparison
Annualized total cost of ownership comparison. MSSP and MDR costs are annualized from monthly ranges; in-house SOC reflects fully loaded North American salary and infrastructure costs.
Note: Co-managed SOC models (MDR + internal team) typically cost 40-60% less than a full in-house SOC while providing comparable detection and response capabilities.
Not Sure Which Model Fits Your Organization?
GuardsArm offers MSSP, MDR, and co-managed SOC services. We'll assess your threat profile, compliance requirements, and budget to recommend the optimal approach.
Find Your Ideal Security Operations Model