As businesses rely more on digital systems, two teams play a critical role in keeping everything running smoothly: the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and the Security Operations Centre (SOC). They’re often mentioned together, and sometimes confused, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding how each one works—and when you need them—is essential for building a strong IT strategy.
24/7 NOC vs SOC: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
Your business never sleeps, and neither do the risks. Behind every reliable, secure IT system are two teams working around the clock: the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and the Security Operations Centre (SOC). They may sound similar, but one keeps your systems running smoothly, while the other keeps them safe from cyber threats. Knowing the difference helps you decide which one or both your business truly needs.
What Is a NOC (Network Operations Centre)?
A Network Operations Centre (NOC) is responsible for keeping your entire IT infrastructure running smoothly. Their focus is on performance, uptime, and overall reliability, ensuring that every system stays online and responsive. A 24/7 NOC continuously monitors your servers, networks, hardware, applications, and connectivity, watching for anything that might disrupt operations. When issues arise—whether it’s a dropped link, overheating hardware, or slow application performance—the NOC is the first to react, working quickly to prevent downtime and maintain consistent service for your users.
NOC responsibilities typically include:
- Monitoring network health and performance
- Fixing outages, downtime, and service interruptions
- Managing bandwidth, latency, and traffic flow
- Updating and maintaining systems
- Coordinating with ISPs and data centre teams
- Ensuring SLAs are met
In short, the NOC keeps your systems functioning as they should—fast, stable, and available.
What Is a SOC (Security Operations Centre)?
A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is fully dedicated to protecting your business from cyber threats. Instead of focusing on performance, the SOC monitors your entire environment for intrusions, suspicious activity, and potential vulnerabilities. Their mission is to safeguard your systems from attacks and data breaches by analyzing security events in real time and responding the moment something looks abnormal. Using advanced tools like SIEM platforms, threat intelligence systems, and analytics engines, the SOC continuously scans for harmful behaviour across your network to ensure your operations stay secure around the clock.
SOC responsibilities typically include:
- Monitoring for malware, intrusions, and unauthorized access
- Investigating security alerts
- Responding to and containing cyberattacks
- Managing vulnerabilities and patching critical risks
- Performing digital forensics after an incident
- Strengthening security policies and compliance
While a NOC ensures everything works, the SOC ensures everything is safe.
| Area | Network Operation Centre (NOC) | Security Operation Centre (SOC) |
| Primary Focus | Uptime & performance | Threat detection & security |
| Main Goal | Prevent outages | Prevent breaches |
| Tools Used | Network monitoring, performance tools | SIEM, IDS/IPS, threat intelligence |
| Typical Issues | Service downtime, latency, hardware failure | Malware, phishing, DDoS, unauthorized access |
| Team Skills | Network engineers, system admins | Security analysts, forensic experts |
Do You Need a NOC, a SOC, or Both?
The answer depends on your business size, risk level, and infrastructure:
You need a NOC if:
- You run 24/7 online services
- You depend heavily on uptime and performance
- You have on-premise or co-located infrastructure
- You need monitoring for network issues, outages, and hardware failures
Most SMEs and enterprises already rely on a NOC—especially if they host in a data centre.
You need a SOC if:
- You store sensitive data (customer, financial, medical, etc.)
- You face increasing cyber threats
- You want to strengthen cybersecurity
- Compliance (ISO, PDPA, PCI-DSS) matters to your business
Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, so many companies consider a SOC non-negotiable.
You need both if:
- Your business operates 24/7
- Downtime AND cyber threats could cause serious financial loss
- You run e-commerce, fintech, SaaS, or enterprise systems
- You want full visibility into performance + security
For modern organizations, a NOC and SOC together deliver complete operational resilience—keeping your systems fast, reliable, and secure at all times.
