Cybersecurity: Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst NOW!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career - Video

In this lecture, we will define what a Security Operations Center (SOC) is and the difference between working in a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) and an internal Security Operations Center (SOC). We will discuss the demand for proficient individuals in this industry from three different angles:

1. How the pandemic changed the cybersecurity industry and increased the demand for qualified workers

2. Projected growth statistics of the broad Cybersecurity Analyst occupation compared to other professions

3. The specific demand for Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts and the explanation as to why this position is the most accessible point of entry into the cybersecurity industry

   
   

Additionally, learn what will give you the advantageous edge over other candidates as we explain what a "qualified" Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst is and how this course will help you achieve that.

Learn about the various Areas of Expertise (AoE) and teams that you might interact with as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, starting from three broad groups:

1. Information Security Teams - Teams with a primary focus on information security internal to your organization

2. Internal Teams - Broader teams internal your organization related to information security that you are likely to interact with

3. External Teams - Teams external to your organization that you are likely to interact with

This information will give you familiarity with common structures for Security Operations Centers (SOCs) of various sizes.  This information is very valuable for asking intelligent questions during the interview process as well as a point of reference when you meet new people during your daily work as a SOC Analyst. Understanding other team's roles in the "big picture" of common cybersecurity programs will help you relate and understand their goals, and your shared common goals, better.  The "big picture" understanding helps you see how your work fits into the overall success of a well rounded cybersecurity program.

By this lecture you have an understanding of the demand of cybersecurity and the Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst position in particular.  You have a 'big picture' understanding of how the Security Operations Center (SOC) fits into common organizations.  You also understand the various teams that a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst will interact with.  This information is important in knowing what your shared goals are and how you can best help each other to serve the business. 

In this chapter we will dive right into action and discuss strategies on how to start your career as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst.  We will cover topics that are both unique to this specific gateway into cybersecurity as well as general recommendations for any cybersecurity interview process.  Topics include:

• Various meetups and conferences to get you hooked into the community and begin growing your network of professionals

• The Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst job search process including the applicable job titles to apply for

• Formal resume building tips and suggestions that will help you get noticed

• Common interview questions to research prior to your interview

• Interview recommendations to help you seal the deal on your new position
  

By this point you have an understanding of the demand for cybersecurity, cybersecurity analysts and know why the Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst is the best path for you to get started in cybersecurity.  You have a foundational understanding of the 'big picture' of cybersecurity and where a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst position fits in.  Finally, you have a toolkit to help you search for jobs and interview well.  Now, you will learn what the prerequisite skills are to start your career in cybersecurity as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst from these four broad categories:

• Networking

• Networking Security

• Cryptography

• Endpoint security

By the end of this lecture you will know where your weak areas are that you need to further research for a greater understanding.

You're finished with the prerequisite skills section now!  You now know the 'big picture' of cybersecurity and where a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst fits in, how to hunt for your next job, prepare for your interview and what prerequisite technical skills that you need to have.  This section, The SOC Analyst, is designed to help you by preparing you for day one on the job. If you understand this material, you are less likely to feel uncomfortable on day one with the various commercial tools and jargon you may not be familiar with. Topics discussed in this video are:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and the common vendors.

• Firewalls, their common vendors and how you will interact with them as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst.

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and what their differences are.

• Online analysis tools commonly used during a security event analysis as well as a brief explanation of what they are used for.

• Important common terms and definitions that you will encounter as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst.

  
  

Now you know what to expect and are familiar with the common tools and terminology to be expected on day one as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst. It's time for a quick dive into cloud technologies to get current. While this chapter does not dive deeply into cloud security, it explains the various fundamentals of cloud technologies. In this lecture be prepared to be introduced to:

• What cloud computing is defined as.

• The difference between public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and multicloud operating models.

• Examples of these types of these operating models, who uses them, and how they are used.

• The four cloud service models and examples of each for better familiarity.

• The rule of thumb for cybersecurity in the cloud.

This lecture is a lot of information all at once.

Now that you are current on the latest cloud technologies and have reviewed the course companions let's take a step into the future. Security Operations Center (SOC) automation is already being developed in the world's largest enterprises, so learn the strategies of how to help your organization mature into Security Operations Center (SOC) automation. This lecture will discuss:

• What Security Operations Center (SOC) automation is and an explanation of the different components.

• The importance of Security Operations Center (SOC) automation and why it is being used.

• The stages of Security Operations Center (SOC) maturity into automation.

• Strategies on helping your Security Operations Center (SOC) begin automating.

With this last lecture in mind, Security Operations Centers (SOC) are moving forward into a new age. Understand the importance of automation and be a leader among your peers.

Let's discuss a bit about what's new in the world. ChatGPT for SOC Analysts is the latest addition to this course where we have researched the information on the internet to make recommendations on how you can use ChatGPT as a SOC Analyst. In this lecture, come along with us for a discussion of:

• A brief intoduction on ChatGPT

• ChatGPT's limitations to SOC Analysts

• Where to be cautious in relying on ChatGPT data

• What ChatGPT can do for you as a SOC Analyst

ChatGPT's value to us as SOC Analysts is limited, but can be useful. Looking towards the future, ChatGPT will always have limitations as our profession is real-time and AI models aren't real time. That doesn't stop it from changing the way we do some things, making technology we work with daily more accessible to from the very beginning of our careers.

You're all up to date!  Let's deep dive in what you're going to be doing everyday.  The SOC Analyst Method is a 5-step security analysis method.  As a SOC Analyst you will be required to learn how to determine if a security event is malicious or not. This is an information dense lecture so follow along the soc-template file found in the downloadable resources section as we explain how to use this method to effectively work a security event.

• Learn how to conduct a structured security analysis

• Learn the reason why you'd use this method and the value it has in the age of automation and AI.

• Apply this method to the honeypot project in this course to practice analyzing attacks as they occur.

Becoming familiar with security analysis gives you a strong advantage over your peers in interviews and helps lessen the strain you'll have on day one in the SOC. This is what a SOC Analyst does all day long. SOC Analysts have an innate sense of curiosity that has been cultured over the years. They don't just want to know if its malicious, they must know!

This last lecture is your Roadmap to Success. SOC Analysts usually come from one or more of these four backgrounds. Listen in as we discuss specific tips for these backgrounds:

• Recent college graduates

• Coming from IT

• Veterans

• Self-taught

Now that you've made it to the end of the lectures, a congratulations is in order! I hope you've enjoyed the videos but there's much more hands-on work ahead that's only just starting.  Remember to keep in mind that as a student of this course, you receive a 20% discount at Resume Raiders with the coupon code in this lecture.

Students will learn where to buy the book.