Breaking the Mold: The Call for Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) Standards to Match Public Safety's Rigor

I recently received a flood of direct messages from physical security professionals following my post on the GSOC-as-a-Service outsourced model. Many who reached out noted how they were continually being pushed to cut operational costs, and that was driving their interest in learning more about this model. However, I need to clarify that while the GSOC-as-a-Service model may seem like an attractive option, it's not about cutting costs—in fact, it's more expensive than the in-house model we had. The reason? I've set the bar so much higher when it comes to training, GSOC-specific experience and or education requirements, and the third-party supplier's overall experience providing GSOC services.

The difference lies in the value it delivers—value that I was able to present to my leadership convincingly. I secured the necessary investment by focusing on the enhanced risk management capabilities and the strategic advantages of an upgraded GSOC. The higher cost wasn't just justified—elevating our security operations to a level that truly protects our organization was essential.

This brings me to a broader issue that I believe needs urgent attention: the lack of standardized physical security practices, particularly within GSOCs. In the public safety sector, the CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) 911 dispatch center standard is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure that emergency communication centers operate at the highest efficiency, professionalism, and reliability levels, covering areas such as training, competency, management, and regular self-assessments. Certified centers must undergo thorough evaluations by actual CALEA assessors, ensuring that the facilities and personnel meet stringent criteria for excellence. This rigorous process helps maintain a level of consistency and professionalism that's crucial for effective emergency response.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the private sector, we don't have an equivalent certification for GSOCs. In fact, there don't appear to be any standards for physical security operations centers (If anyone knows of any, please let me know because I've been looking). While there are certifications like the UL GSOC certification, these primarily focus on the technology infrastructure rather than the operational aspects of security management. UL certifications ensure that the technology systems within a GSOC meet specific safety and performance standards. Still, they don't cover the operational standards needed to ensure that a GSOC functions as effectively as a public safety 911 center.

Recognizing this gap, I'm actively conversing with longstanding, reputable certification firms interested in collaborating to create a governing body or committee of end-user practitioners, GSOC providers, and physical security industry associations. The goal? To develop a specific GSOC standard of operations akin to the CALEA 911 certification that can be recognized globally as the standard.

By establishing such a GSOC operations standard, we, as security leaders, will finally have the leverage we need to advocate for appropriate budgets and investments. It's time to elevate our physical security operations to the professional level they deserve rather than allowing them to be marginalized. Too often, physical security is relegated to the realm of low-wage security officers, who are seen as a necessary but unimportant line item, unlike the significant investment given to cybersecurity teams.

This needs to change. With a globally recognized GSOC operations standard, we can ensure that physical security is not just an afterthought but a core component of our organizations' safety and resilience strategies. Let's push for the recognition and resources that our profession deserves.

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