Which role in an organization is responsible for managing a Security Operations Center (SOC)?

The role responsible for managing a Security Operations Center (SOC) is the Security Operations Manager. This position entails overseeing the daily operations of the SOC, ensuring that security monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and compliance measures are effectively implemented. The Security Operations Manager coordinates the efforts of the SOC team, sets priorities based on risk assessments, develops procedures for incident response and threat hunting, and liaises with other departments or external bodies regarding security issues.

In addition to managing the operational aspects of the SOC, this role typically requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat landscapes, and the use of various security tools and technologies. The Security Operations Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining the organization's overall security posture and responding to incidents as they arise.

In contrast to the responsibilities of the Security Operations Manager, the other roles listed—Software Engineer, Network Administrator, and Data Analyst—focus on different domains within an organization. Software Engineers primarily focus on developing applications and systems. Network Administrators manage and maintain network infrastructure, ensuring it runs efficiently and securely. Data Analysts interpret and analyze data to provide insights for business decisions, but they do not typically manage security operations directly. Thus, the Security Operations Manager is specifically trained for and tasked with the critical function of managing the SOC.