Cyberattacks are no longer a “big company problem”. Today, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are targeted more aggressively. Attackers know these businesses often lack full-time security teams. They also lack advanced monitoring tools or 24/7 visibility.

In fact, global studies show that over 60% of SMBs experience at least one cyberattacks annually. Many of these businesses struggle to recover due to financial loss. They also face downtime and reputational damage. (Reference: IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Report)

This is where a managed security operations approach becomes critical. SMBs do not need to build an in-house security operations center. They can rely on a centralized, expert-led monitoring model. This model delivers enterprise-grade protection. It does so without enterprise-level cost.

Learn the fundamentals in our comprehensive guide to SOC as a Service

For SMBs leaders focused on growth, compliance, and business continuity, SOC as a Service offers more than a cybersecurity choice. It provides a strategic advantage. 

Why SMBs Are Prime Targets 

SMBs typically face three challenges that make them attractive to attackers: 

1. Limited Security Teams 

Most SMBs can’t hire cybersecurity analysts, engineers, incident responders, and SOC managers—roles usually required to run a fully functional SOC. Also, maintaining skilled resources are huge challenge and cost for most SMBs in the Middle East region. 

2. Fragmented Security Tools 

Firewalls and antivirus alone aren’t enough. Threats like ransomware, phishing, and credential theft need continuous monitoring and correlation across cloud, network, email, and endpoint systems. 

Government agencies like CISA regularly highlight that lack of visibility and delayed detection are common causes of major breaches.
(Source: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency)

3. Longer Detection & Response Time 

Without 24/7 monitoring, attacks often go undetected for weeks. By then, data is stolen, encrypted, or leaked. 

SOC as a Service eliminates these gaps by delivering continuous threat monitoring, proactive detection, and expert-led response. 

The Core Benefits of SOC as a Service for SMBs 

1. 24/7 Threat Monitoring Without 24/7 Staffing 

An in-house SOC requires multiple analysts across rotating shifts. SOC as a Service provides continuous monitoring—day, night, weekends, and holidays—without payroll or staffing overhead. 

See how this works in practice: https://encyb.com/solutions/endetect

2. Access to Expert Cybersecurity Talent 

SOC analysts, threat hunters, and incident responders are in high demand and expensive to keep. Through a managed SOC model, SMBs gain enterprise-grade skill instantly. 

3. Massive Cost Savings 

Building an internal SOC can exceed USD $1–2 million annually when factoring in tools, staffing, SIEM platforms, training, and infrastructure. SOC as a Service provides the same capabilities at a predictable, subscription-based cost. 

4. Faster Incident Response 

Rapid containment is critical—especially for ransomware. SOC teams can investigate suspicious activity, isolate affected systems, and guide remediation before damage escalates. 

5. Compliance Support 

Industries in the UAE and GCC—finance, healthcare, logistics, and professional services—face rising regulatory pressure. SOC as a Service helps meet: 

• ISO 27001 

• NESA 

• GDPR 

• PCI-DSS 

through continuous logging, reporting, and audit readiness. 

SOC as a Service vs. In-House SOC 

For SMBs with limited budgets and lean teams, the choice is clear. (A deeper comparison is available here: https://encyb.com/blogs/mdr-vs-soc-as-a-service)

Real-World SMBs Use Cases 

1. Growing Businesses Expanding to Cloud 

SMBs moving to Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, or hybrid environments face new attack surfaces. SOC as a Service ensures cloud workloads are monitored and secured. 

Related reading: https://encyb.com/blogs/what-is-cloud-migration

2. Regulated SMBs 

Healthcare clinics, legal firms, and financial service providers must protect customer data and keep compliance—without hiring dedicated security teams. 

3. Distributed or Remote Workforce’s 

Employees working remotely increase phishing, credential abuse, and endpoint risks. SOC as a Service ensures every device is monitored.

How Encyb Strengthens SMBs Security 

Encyb provides a modern, managed SOC as a Service. It is designed specifically for SMBs and mid-market organizations in the UAE and GCC. 

Our SOC Platform Provides: 

• 24/7 security monitoring 

• Advanced threat detection and correlation 

• Incident triage and response guidance 

• Real-time alerts and dashboards 

• Compliance reporting and audit support 

Conclusion  

For SMBs, cybersecurity isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival need. With rising attack rates, limited IT resources, and growing compliance demands, traditional security approaches are no longer enough. 

SOC as a Service gives SMBs the power of enterprise-grade security without the cost, complexity, or hiring burden. SMBs can operate confidently with 24/7 monitoring. They gain from faster response times. Expert-led threat intelligence ensures they scale securely and stay protected against modern cyberattacks. 

If you’re an SMB looking to strengthen your security posture, Encyb’s SOC as a Service is the solution. It helps to reduce operational risk. It also ensures business continuity. 

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