A Rule-Based Virtual Security Operations Center Using Wazuh for Real-Time Threat Detection and Incident Response

Abstract

The increasing frequency and complexity of cyberattacks have created a significant need for efficient, cost-effective, and automated cybersecurity monitoring solutions. Traditional Security Operations Centers (SOCs) rely on continuous monitoring, skilled security professionals, and advanced security tools to identify threats and respond to incidents. However, these requirements can be challenging for small and medium-sized organizations due to limited budgets, staffing constraints, and technical resources. This paper proposes a rule-based Virtual Security Operations Center (VSOC) using Wazuh, an open-source security monitoring platform, to support real-time threat detection and incident response. The proposed framework integrates endpoint monitoring, log analysis, predefined detection rules, alert prioritization, and automated response mechanisms within a centralized security architecture.

The system collects security-related events from monitored endpoints, including authentication logs, system activities, file integrity changes, and suspicious network-related events. Wazuh analyzes these events using its rule-based detection engine to identify potentially malicious activities, such as repeated failed login attempts, unauthorized file modifications, privilege escalation indicators, and suspicious command execution. When an event satisfies predefined rule conditions, the platform generates an alert containing relevant information, including event severity, affected endpoint, and associated security activity. These alerts help security administrators investigate incidents and determine appropriate response actions.

The proposed VSOC architecture emphasizes rule-based automation to improve monitoring efficiency and reduce the time required to identify potential security incidents. Configured active response mechanisms can execute predefined actions, such as temporarily blocking an identified IP address or applying other approved containment measures, depending on the detection rule and organizational security policy. The framework also supports centralized visibility into endpoint security events, enabling administrators to investigate suspicious activities through a unified dashboard. Appropriate validation, access controls, and response safeguards are incorporated to minimize false positives and prevent unintended disruption of legitimate services.

The proposed approach provides a practical foundation for implementing an accessible and scalable security monitoring environment without requiring a fully staffed traditional SOC. Its effectiveness can be evaluated using controlled attack simulations, detection accuracy, false-positive rates, alert generation time, and incident response time. The study contributes a structured approach to integrating rule-based threat detection and automated incident response through Wazuh, with potential applications in educational institutions, small businesses, and resource-constrained IT environments. The framework aims to strengthen organizational security visibility and support timely responses to emerging cyber threats.