The Real Cost of a 24/7 Security Operations Center

The true cost of building an effective, in-house, 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) is hidden in massive operational expenses, complex payroll, and hidden costs that most budgets fail to account for.

As a business leader, you constantly ask: "What does it really cost to protect our company?" You see the price tags for firewalls and antivirus software, but those figures are just the tip of the iceberg. The true cost of building an effective, in-house, 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) is hidden in massive operational expenses, complex payroll, and hidden costs that most budgets fail to account for.

Before you commit to building an in-house security department, it's critical to understand the real, all-in cost. When you break it down, the numbers are staggering.

Breaking Down the Bill: The Visible and Invisible Costs

A genuine 24/7 defense isn't a one-time project; it's like launching an entire, new, and highly complex business unit. The costs can be broken into three main categories:

1. The Technology Bill (The Obvious Expense)

This is the most visible cost, but it's still substantial. A modern SOC requires a sophisticated and expensive technology stack that goes far beyond basic security tools. This includes:

• A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to act as the central nervous system.

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools for every single device.

• Automated Response (SOAR) platforms to handle low-level tasks.

• Constant feeds of Threat Intelligence to stay ahead of new attack methods.

For any mid-sized business, the annual licensing and maintenance fees for these platforms represent a significant six-figure commitment before you even hire a single person.

2. The Payroll Bill (The Biggest Line Item)

This is where the costs truly begin to escalate in today's competitive talent market. A true 24/7 SOC that covers three shifts, seven days a week, plus holidays and sick leave, requires a minimum of 8-12 highly-specialized security professionals.

These are not your general IT staff. They are trained Tier 1 alert analysts, Tier 2 incident responders, and elite threat hunters—some of the most sought-after experts in the tech industry. The "real cost" of this team includes top-tier salaries, benefits, and significant recruitment fees to find this scarce talent.

3. The Hidden Operational Bill (What Most Budgets Miss)

These are the costs that blindside most companies. They don't appear as a single line item, but they create a constant financial drain:

• Constant Training & Certification: The threat landscape changes daily. Your team requires continuous, expensive training and certifications just to keep their skills relevant.

• High Staff Turnover: Security is a high-stress field with incredible demand. After you invest thousands in training an analyst, they often leave for a better offer, and you are forced to start the expensive recruitment cycle all over again.

• Leadership Drain: Your time as a leader is your most valuable asset. Managing a complex, non-core security department distracts you and your management team from focusing on what your business actually does best: serving your customers and growing your revenue.

A Smarter Model: The Strategic Partnership

Faced with these interconnected and staggering costs, the question for a savvy business leader changes. It’s no longer "How do we build this?" It becomes "How do we access this?"

This is the strategic value of partnering with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). It’s a decision to leverage the expertise and infrastructure of a dedicated security partner, allowing you to access the capabilities of a world-class SOC without shouldering the immense burden of building one.

At AKATI Sekurity, our focus is on becoming a seamless extension of your team. Our 24/7 Security Operations Center is built on the principle of partnership. We handle the immense complexity of round-the-clock defense so you can focus on your core business. This model transforms a massive, unpredictable capital and operational expense into a predictable, strategic partnership.

Let's have a practical conversation about your security needs.

Contact AKATI Sekurity to explore how our MSSP partnership can provide you with a financially sound path to superior, 24/7 protection.