SOC vs VAPT: Understanding the Key Differences
VAPT Vs SOC: Which one is the best career option in cybersecurity? If you’re also having the same question, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will explain the key difference between VAPT and SOC. I will also provide a brief overview of their prerequisites, career options, and the current job market. So without any further ado, let’s start…
The Security Operations Center (SOC) specializes in defensive security. The primary role is to focus on real-time detection and quick response to cyber threats. On the other side, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) focuses on offensive security. It helps organizations find and fix security weaknesses before hackers exploit them.
In short, SOC protects with continuous threat monitoring, while VAPT strengthens security by finding and fixing vulnerabilities.
SOC Vs VAPT: Key Objectives
The primary objective of the SOC team is to monitor security alerts and logs to detect threats. The SOC team performs security audits and maintains compliance to eliminate threats. Moreover, they also need to focus on incident detection, response, and integrating threat intelligence. The primary focus of the SOC team is to protect organizational data and assets. The team also ensures the rapid identification and mitigation of cyber threats.
On the other hand, VAPT’s primary objective is to identify the vulnerabilities that cyber attackers might exploit. VAPT team assessments and simulated attacks help them identify potential vulnerabilities. Once they identify the vulnerabilities, they report them to the developer team so they can fix the bugs.
SOC vs VAPT: Methodology
A Security Operations Center (SOC) constantly monitors computer systems. Their job is to spot problems, find threats, and stop them quickly. The SOC team uses tools such as SIEM systems, endpoint detection programs, and threat intelligence tools. These tools ensure the infrastructure stays safe and protected against cyberattacks.
On the other hand, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) occurs only occasionally. It checks systems for weak spots by scanning and running safe test attacks. Experts use tools like Nessus, Burp Suite, and Metasploit to find issues. Unlike SOC, VAPT provides a report after testing, showing where security needs improvement.
SOC vs VAPT: Job Roles
A Security Operations Center (SOC) team helps organizations protect themselves against cyber threats. SOC has three levels: L1, L2, and L3. Freshers are hired as L1, while professionals with 2-3 years of experience are hired for L2 positions. Professionals with 5 years of experience or more are eligible for L3 positions. However, these roles are entirely dependent on the company’s requirements. When it comes to the job role, entry-level SOC experts are dedicated to monitoring log files. They have to monitor, identify cyber threats, and respond to stop Cyber attacks. This constant protection reduces the risk of significant data breaches. A SOC professional must be highly skilled and have an understanding of the tools to operate.
VAPT includes Web, Mobile, API, Network, and Cloud, where companies hire professionals as per their needs. A Mobile VAPT professional deals with apps (Android & IOS), whereas a WEB VAPT professional deals with websites. Similarly, a Network VAPT professional deals with firewalls, servers, and other networking devices. Professionals who are Master’s in Cloud handling cloud security. Once the VAPT professionals find the flaws, they have to test them with safe, fake attacks. It gives a complete check-up and helps fix problems before real hackers find them.
SOC vs VAPT: Which one best for Fresher!?
Some of the topics are common between VAPT and SOC. Topics like Networking, Linux, OSINT, Reconnaissance, and operating systems are common for both. The significant difference between the two is the tools that you learn.
Which is best, SOC or VAPT? You might ask?
Well, the answer is to take a course that teaches both offensive and defensive skills. Most companies are looking for candidates who know both offensive and defensive security. The advantage you’ll get is the opportunity to apply for multiple job positions.
Most Job opening for Fresher!?
When you compare SOC vs. VAPT jobs for freshers, SOC has more openings than VAPT. SOC jobs require more people because security needs to be monitored 24/7. Organizations need teams working in shifts to keep an eye on threats at all times.
On the other hand, VAPT jobs don’t require 24/7 monitoring. The team focuses on testing vulnerabilities at scheduled times to find and fix security issues.
Conclusion
SOC and VAPT are both essential parts of a strong cybersecurity plan, but they work in different ways. A SOC team monitors systems constantly and acts quickly when a threat appears. This is crucial for companies that face daily risks.
On the other hand, VAPT checks systems at planned times to find and fix weak spots before hackers can attack. To stay fully protected, businesses should use both methods—having a team that monitors 24/7 and also running regular security tests.