It’s Time to Prioritize SOC Range Training
It’s Time to Prioritize SOC Range Training
Range training for the SOC is no longer an option, but rather an imperative and highly prioritized component of any security program.
By Dr. Edward Amoroso, CEO TAG Infosphere and Research Professor, NYU
Introduction
Our analyst team at TAG strongly recommends that all Security Operations Center (SOC) teams take the time to practice, preferably with support from a commercial vendor, developing realistic, live-fire scenarios and simulations. The decision to train should be obvious to any trained observer, but we reinforce the point in this short blog – mostly because we want to help security leaders ensure proper support and funding for this essential learning function.
The Shift from Optional to Essential
Historically, we watched as SOC training began with passive learning, such as reading manuals, attending lectures, or watching webinars. While this approach was (and is) necessary, it falls short in preparing teams for the dynamic situations they will face during actual incidents. Live-fire simulation offers an immersive environment where teams can practice detecting, responding to, and mitigating real-world cyber threats without the associated risks.
Boardroom Recognition
One excellent advance that we have observed is that the benefits of range training have found their way into many boardroom discussions. Boards and senior leadership teams (SLTs) are increasingly aware that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a business-critical concern. They understand that a well-trained SOC team can significantly reduce the organization's risk profile, protect its reputation, and ensure business continuity. This is a good trend, indeed.
Management and Practitioner Buy-In
Perhaps the greatest challenge is that middle management and frontline practitioners must be guided to recognize the value of range training. Despite budget challenges, managers must be encouraged to value driving team readiness and identifying skill gaps in the SOC. Practitioners certainly appreciate the opportunity to hone their skills, gaining confidence that improves performance during real incidents. The objective is to ensure that this translates to the budget.
Risk Reduction Through Preparedness
Having reviewed, participated, and helped to design many SOC range training engagements for our TAG enterprise and government customers (across all segments sectors, sizes, and scopes), we can summarize the primary operational and cost benefits of the process as consisting of the following – and we hope these benefits are woven into security budget-related discussions in 2025 and beyond:
Identify Weaknesses
Simulations can reveal vulnerabilities in systems, processes, and team coordination that might otherwise go unnoticed until exploited by adversaries. This results in reduced likelihood of incidents going unmitigated, which can reduce response costs considerably.
Enhance Communication:
Real-time exercises improve communication channels within the team and with other departments, ensuring a cohesive response during actual incidents. This will also ultimately reduce the high costs of dealing with significant incidents.
Refine Processes:
Teams can test and refine incident response plans, ensuring that protocols are effective and well-understood. Our experience is that this can also help to streamline investments in technology, which is an important component of budget rationalization.
Cloud Range: A Case in Point
In our estimation, experienced vendors such as Cloud Range have developed sophisticated platforms that provide realistic, customizable cyberattack simulations. We see the deployment and use of these platforms within the security operations center to be no longer an option, but rather an imperative and highly prioritized component of the overall program. Specifically, the Cloud Range platform offers these advantages:
Flexibility
Cloud Range includes tailored scenarios that match the organization's specific threat landscape and infrastructure.
Comprehensive Training
Exercises from Cloud Range cover the spectrum of attack vectors, including phishing, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats.
Performance Metrics
Detailed analytics from Cloud Range will help assess team performance and guide future training efforts.
Conclusion
It should be obvious from this brief article where we stand on this issue at TAG: Organizations must prioritize range training as an integral part of their cybersecurity strategy. Period. By doing so, they not only enhance their defense capabilities but also demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management that will resonate with stakeholders at all levels. If you are a stakeholder or decision-maker for any SOC team, I hope you will act on this immediately.
About TAG
Recognized by Fast Company, TAG is a trusted next-generation research and advisory company that utilizes an AI-powered SaaS platform to deliver on-demand insights, guidance, and recommendations to enterprise teams, government agencies, and commercial vendors in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
