Steve Reinecke, Senior Director, Business Development, RedRick Technologies discusses what security operations center (SOC) setups can learn from radiologists.

Staying alert

Just like in radiology, ergonomics in a security operations center (SOC) is crucial for both productivity and employee wellbeing.

An SOC is a high-stress environment where analysts monitor and respond to security threats in real time.

This requires long hours of intense focus, often leading to physical and mental fatigue.

Poor ergonomic design exacerbates this, potentially causing discomfort, strain and even long-term health issues like musculoskeletal disorders.

By integrating ergonomic principles, a security operations center can significantly improve the comfort and efficiency of its analysts.

Adjustable workstations, proper seating and well-positioned monitors reduce physical strain, allowing analysts to maintain focus for extended periods without discomfort.

This improves their immediate productivity and reduces absenteeism caused by work-related injuries.

Moreover, ergonomics enhances cognitive performance.

A well-designed workspace minimizes distractions and encourages a natural, relaxed posture, which helps maintain high concentration levels and reduce stress.

In a security operations center, where quick decision-making is vital, these factors can directly impact the effectiveness of threat detection and response.

What can a SOC environment setup learn from a radiologist?

A radiologist’s workstation and an SOC workstation share several similarities, primarily because both environments require intensive focus, quick decision-making and the ability to analyze complex information accurately.

Here’s how they compare:

High-demand environments: Both workstations are designed for tasks that require continuous, high levels of concentration.

Radiologists interpret medical images to diagnose conditions, while SOC analysts monitor and respond to security threats.

In both cases, the stakes are high and mistakes can have serious consequences.

Multiple monitors: Both types of workstations typically feature multiple monitors.

Radiologists use multiple screens to view different images or medical records simultaneously, while SOC analysts monitor various data feeds, alerts and security systems in real-time.

Processing and correlating information across several screens is crucial in both settings.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics is essential in both workstations due to the long hours spent sitting and focusing on screens.

Adjustable monitors, chairs and desks are common in both setups to reduce physical strain, prevent injuries and maintain productivity.

Proper ergonomics also help maintain cognitive function by reducing physical discomfort.

When workers are physically comfortable, they can focus better and work more efficiently.

This helps prevent neck strain, eye strain and back pain by ensuring that screens are at eye level and keyboards are at a comfortable height.

Discomfort from poorly adjusted monitors or desks can lead to frequent breaks, distractions and decreased overall productivity.

Equipment and cable management. Cable management is an often overlooked but critical aspect of an effective and efficient workspace, particularly in high-tech environments like radiology or a security operations center.

Poor cable management can create tripping hazards and increase the risk of accidents, particularly in a busy environment where quick movement might be necessary.

Organized cables reduce these risks, contributing to a safer work environment.

Neatly organized cables make it easier to identify and access the correct connections when troubleshooting or upgrading equipment.

This is especially important in a security operations center, where quick access to systems can be crucial during high-pressure situations.

Aesthetic and professionalism: A clean, organized workspace reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

In a security operations center, where precision is key, a clutter-free environment supports a focused, disciplined approach to work. It also makes a better impression on clients, auditors or other visitors to the facility.

Collaborative environment: Both radiologists and security operations center analysts often work in teams, requiring their workstations to support collaboration.

This might involve shared screens, communication tools or the ability to share data with colleagues quickly.

Effective communication and teamwork are critical in both environments.

Critical decision-making: In both workstations, the operator must make critical decisions based on the data they analyze.

Whether diagnosing a medical condition or identifying a security threat, these decisions can have significant, real-world consequences.

The critical room

In summary, radiologist and SOC workstations are similar in their demand for ergonomic design, use of multiple monitors and the need to support critical decision-making in a collaborative environment.

Finally, investing in ergonomics demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing, which can boost morale and job satisfaction.

This is crucial in a field where retaining skilled professionals is challenging.

Ergonomics is not just about comfort; it is a strategic investment in the efficiency, health and long-term success of both the security operations center and its personnel.

About the company

For almost 25 years, RedRick Technologies has been providing innovative ergonomic multimonitor solutions for healthcare, with its primary focus being the radiologist’s workstation.

Over the past few years, RedRick has been asked to provide SOC workstations for its existing healthcare customers.

As a result of the positive feedback from these customers, RedRick is taking a more concentrated and focused approach to the security market.

This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.