The True Cost of a Global Security Operations Center: Building vs. Outsourcing

As security threats grow more sophisticated and unpredictable, organizations face increasing pressure to safeguard their people, assets, and operations against a wide range of risks. Whether it’s managing physical security risks, responding to a travel emergency, anticipating a natural disaster, or protecting valuable assets, a centralized command center is essential to staying ahead of threats. For many, a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) is the cornerstone of this effort.

The key decision for many organizations is whether to build an in-house GSOC or outsource it to an expert provider. Building an internal GSOC requires significant upfront investment, ongoing operational costs, and a commitment to maintaining cutting-edge technology and specialized expertise. By contrast, outsourcing offers a streamlined solution, bundling the latest technology and skilled personnel into a cost-effective package that can scale with the organization’s needs and offer true operational capability.

Understanding the costs and strategic considerations of each option is essential for organizations looking to maximize security while optimizing resources.

Why Utilize a Global Security Operations Center?

A GSOC provides a centralized, holistic security solution for proactive risk mitigation, rapid response, and oversight.

The evolving threat landscape—ranging from cyberattacks to physical vulnerabilities—demands dynamic solutions. A GSOC ensures organizations can monitor threats and alert personnel of potential issues and crises. It also simplifies operational complexity by unifying security efforts across global and remote operations.

When faced with an emergency, inaction, on the other hand, can lead to costly breaches operational disruptions, and the ultimate potential cost: loss of life. A GSOC enables organizations to take action against risks while supporting resilience, compliance, and stakeholder confidence.

Cost and Challenges of an In-House GSOC

Building an in-house GSOC might seem like the natural choice for organizations seeking full control over their security operations.

However, the financial and operational challenges of setting up and maintaining such a facility are significant. From upfront infrastructure investments to ongoing expenses of staffing and compliance, creating an internal GSOC requires a considerable commitment of resources:

• Infrastructure and technology: Setting up a GSOC requires dedicated office space, high-performance equipment like PCs and monitors, and advanced software systems to manage security data and analytics.
• Recruitment and staffing: Building a capable team involves recruiting highly skilled and specialized analysts, managers, and leadership roles. Retaining top talent also requires competitive salaries, benefits, and ongoing training programs.
• Employee benefits and compliance: Organizations must cover comprehensive employee benefits, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, and statutory requirements, all of which add to the administrative burden.
• Administrative costs: Day-to-day operations include managing payroll, maintaining software licenses, and investing in ongoing professional development to ensure the team stays up to date on emerging threats and industry trends.
• Adaptability: As threats evolve or the organization grows, additional investments may be needed to scale the GSOC’s capabilities. This can include hiring more personnel, upgrading technology, or expanding infrastructure.

In addition to the financial costs, building an in-house GSOC demands significant time and organizational resources. Recruiting and onboarding a team of highly skilled professionals can take months, especially in a competitive job market. Setting up infrastructure, integrating technology, and ensuring compliance with labor and safety regulations requires careful planning and ongoing management.

Finally, a GSOC is only one, albeit major, piece of the security puzzle—it must be combined with on-the-ground response capabilities. Building and managing that type of global operational support is yet another enormous expense.  

In sum, these demands on time and resources can divert attention from core business activities, making an in-house GSOC a challenging endeavor for many organizations.

Cost Comparison: In-House vs Outsourced GSOC

When comparing the costs of building an in-house GSOC versus outsourcing to an expert GSOC provider, the financial and operational advantages of outsourcing quickly become apparent. Some typical key costs that an in-house GSOC must consider, but are typically included in an outsourced GSOC solution, include:

The above chart, detailing examples of costs for a 10-person GSOC based in California, is not exhaustive. 

The Case for Outsourcing Your GSOC

Going with a managed GSOC solution—or GSOC as a service—offers an efficient, cost-effective alternative to building and maintaining one in-house. With outsourced GSOC services, organizations gain access to world-class technology, experienced professionals, and 24/7 true operational capability—all without the burden of managing the infrastructure and operations internally. Here’s why outsourcing is becoming the preferred solution for many organizations:

• 24/7 monitoring and incident response: Outsourced GSOCs operate around the clock, and have visibility into threats around the world, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response to potential threats no matter where an organization’s personnel works from or travels to.
• Bundled costs and predictable budgeting: Outsourced GSOC providers leverage economies of scale to offer comprehensive services—such as office space, technology, recruitment, and employee benefits—at a fraction of the cost it would take to build and manage in-house. By spreading these costs across multiple clients, providers deliver significant savings while maintaining high-quality service.
• Immediate access to expertise: Expert providers bring years of experience, specialized knowledge, and a team of highly skilled security professionals. Organizations benefit from cutting-edge threat intelligence and best practices without the need to recruit or train internal staff.
• Scalability and flexibility: Outsourced GSOCs can scale up or down based on an organization’s needs, providing flexibility as business operations expand or as threats evolve. This adaptability ensures that companies are not overinvesting or underprepared.
• Reduced administrative burden: Outsourcing eliminates the need to manage payroll, compliance, training, and employee retention, freeing internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives and core business functions.

By outsourcing GSOC operations, organizations can achieve comprehensive security coverage without the operational headaches and resource strain of building one in-house. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances an organization’s ability to respond to threats quickly and effectively. For many, outsourcing is the smarter, more efficient way to ensure robust security while staying focused on business growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: After Action Reports

1. What types of organizations benefit most from outsourcing their GSOC?

Organizations that prioritize cost efficiency, scalability, and rapid deployment benefit most from outsourcing. This includes companies with limited budgets, those expanding globally, or with an existing global footprint or organizations that lack the internal expertise to build and manage a GSOC effectively. Small to mid-sized businesses and enterprises with diverse or remote operations often find outsourcing particularly advantageous.

2. Can an outsourced GSOC integrate with an organization’s existing security systems?

Yes, most outsourced GSOCs are designed to integrate seamlessly with an organization’s existing infrastructure. Providers often use APIs and other tools to connect with current systems, such as surveillance, access control, and cybersecurity platforms, ensuring a cohesive security strategy.

3. What are the long-term cost implications of outsourcing vs. in-house?

Outsourcing offers predictable monthly fees and eliminates many hidden costs, such as recruitment, training, and technology upgrades. Over time, this can make outsourcing more affordable than an in-house GSOC, which requires ongoing investments in staff, equipment, and infrastructure.

4. Can organizations customize services with an outsourced GSOC?

Yes, most providers offer flexible service models that allow organizations to tailor their GSOC to specific needs. This includes selecting the scope of monitoring, types of threats addressed, and integration with internal protocols or reporting requirements.

A well-designed GSOC is not just a cornerstone of an organization’s security strategy—it’s a strategic investment in cost efficiency and risk management. By centralizing monitoring and response, organizations can avoid the significant financial and reputational losses associated with breaches, downtime, and compliance failures. Choosing the right GSOC model enables businesses to maximize their security budgets, reduce operational inefficiencies, and ensure long-term continuity in an increasingly unpredictable world.

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