With the number of cyberattacks increasing, well-equipped cybersecurity professionals and robust security measures are a necessity for all businesses. If you're interested in a career in this field or are already a practitioner looking to advance your skills, understanding the career path options and resources available to advance could be a difference maker in your journey.

The entry point into the SOC is usually as a Tier 1 Analyst, often referred to as a Security Analyst or Incident Responder.

Responsibilities include -

Monitoring security tools: As a Tier 1 Analyst, your primary task is to keep an eye on various security tools like SIEMs (Security Information and Event Management), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and firewalls, looking for any signs of malicious activity.

Initial triage: In the event of an alert, you'll be the first responder, responsible for analyzing the alerts, gathering additional data, and determining the severity and potential impact of the incident.

Incident logging and documentation: Accurate and detailed documentation is paramount. You'll be meticulously documenting every incident, the steps taken, and the outcomes for future analysis and potential escalation.

Following playbooks: Tier 1 analysts often work within predefined processes and playbooks. You'll be following established procedures to respond to common security events and escalate to Tier 2 when necessary.

Skills required -

Basic networking fundamentals: Understanding fundamental networking concepts like TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, and common ports is essential.

Operating systems knowledge: Familiarity with major operating systems like Windows and Linux, including basic command-line skills, is crucial.

Security concepts: You'll need a solid understanding of basic security concepts like malware, phishing, intrusion detection, and common attack vectors.

Strong analytical skills: Being able to analyze alerts, sift through log data, and identify patterns is key to success as a Tier 1 analyst.

How to land a Tier 1 role -

Relevant education: While not always mandatory, a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field can give you an edge when looking for a SOC role.

Security certifications: Industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, or GIAC Security Essentials can demonstrate your knowledge.

Hands-on experience: Gain practical experience by setting up a home lab, participating in online cybersecurity challenges (e.g., TryHackMe, Hack The Box), or contributing to open-source security projects.

After gaining valuable experience and expanding your skillset as a Tier 1 Analyst, you'll be well-positioned to advance to the role of a Tier 2 Analyst, often called a Security Engineer or Incident Handler.

Responsibilities include -

Deep dive investigations: You'll be responsible for conducting in-depth investigations of escalated security incidents, going beyond the initial triage performed by Tier 1.

Threat hunting: Proactively hunting for malicious activity that may have bypassed existing security controls is a key responsibility.

Malware analysis: You may be involved in analyzing malware samples to understand their behavior, capabilities, and potential impact.

Incident response plan development: Tier 2 analysts often contribute to improving incident response plans, developing new playbooks, and refining existing processes.

Mentoring: Sharing your knowledge and experience by mentoring and guiding Tier 1 analysts is a common aspect of this role.

Skills required -

Advanced network security: Deepen your understanding of network security concepts, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, VPNs, and network segmentation.

Security tools expertise: Mastering advanced security tools such as SIEMs, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms is crucial.

Scripting & automation: Knowledge of scripting languages like Python or PowerShell enables you to automate tasks, effectively analyze data, and develop custom security tools.

Threat intelligence: Develop an understanding of threat intelligence sources and techniques to proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats.

Communication & collaboration: Effectively communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences is important.

Transitioning from Tier 1 to Tier 2 -

Seek continuous learning: Expand your knowledge base by pursuing advanced security certifications like CySA+, CASP+, or GCIH.

Develop specialized skills: Focus on developing expertise in areas like malware analysis, threat intelligence, or incident response, which are highly valued in Tier 2 roles.

Network & collaborate: Attend security conferences, participate in online communities, and network with other security professionals to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Showcase your skills: Create a professional portfolio showcasing your skills, projects, and accomplishments. Be prepared to articulate your experience during job interviews.

If you’re looking to expand your SOC knowledge base, below are some of the best free SOC analyst training resources available, from comprehensive courses to valuable hands-on labs. Whether you're a beginner or a professional looking to up your skills, these resources will help you get a solid foundation in SOC operations.

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity by Cisco Networking Academy

For those who are just starting in cybersecurity, this introductory course is a perfect start. Cisco’s Introduction to Cybersecurity course provides a solid foundation, covering key topics like network security, ethical hacking, and basic threat detection.

Key features:

• 15-hour self-paced course

• Covers fundamental concepts of cybersecurity

• Offers a certificate upon completion

It’s a great starting point for aspiring SOC analysts as it covers the basics of protecting networks and understanding cyber threats.

2. Cybersecurity fundamentals by IBM

IBM’s free cybersecurity fundamentals course through its Digital Learning platform provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity tools and techniques, including incident response, security operations, and cybersecurity monitoring.

Key features:

• 7 hours of self-paced content
• Covers cybersecurity frameworks, tools, and processes
• Free digital badge upon completion

This fundamentals course introduces SOC-related concepts like threat detection and incident handling, which are crucial for SOC analysts.

3. Blue Team Labs Online (BTLO)

For hands-on learning, Blue Team Labs Online is an excellent platform that provides free challenges designed for SOC analysts and blue team professionals. It allows you to practice in a simulated environment and hone your detection and response skills.

Key features:

• Free access to select challenges
• Hands-on experience with incident response, log analysis, and forensics
• Community and leaderboard for friendly competition

This is a great course for anyone wanting to gain experience in detecting and mitigating cyberattacks.

4. Splunk Fundamentals 1

Splunk is a widely used tool in SOC environments for analyzing and visualizing security data. Splunk Fundamentals 1 is a free online course that teaches you how to use Splunk for data collection, searching, and visualizing logs—skills that are critical for SOC analysts.

Key features:

• 10-hour self-paced course
• In-depth lessons on how to use Splunk to monitor and investigate security incidents
• Hands-on labs for practical experience

Learning how to use a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool like Splunk will significantly enhance your SOC analyst skills.

5. Elastic Security Labs

Elastic (the company behind Elasticsearch) offers free training courses for learning how to monitor security data. Their Elastic Security Labs has several blog posts, research papers, and free tools designed to help you understand how to detect threats using the Elastic Stack.

Key features:

• Hands-on learning in a real-world environment
• Free tools for threat hunting and investigation
• Focuses on open-source SIEM solutions

Elastic's solutions are popular in SOC environments, and mastering this stack can give you a valuable edge in the job market.

6. TryHackMe: Cyber Defense Path

TryHackMe offers hands-on labs and virtual environments for learning about cybersecurity. Their Cyber Defense Path is specifically designed for those interested in blue team operations and SOC roles.

Key features:

• Guided labs covering SOC operations, incident response, and threat hunting
• Beginner-friendly and hands-on exercises
• Community support and gamified learning

While some premium rooms are paid, many labs are free, making it a great place to start learning and practicing.

7. Microsoft: Security Operations Analyst Learning Path

Microsoft offers an extensive SOC Analyst learning path for those interested in working with Microsoft’s security tools like Sentinel and Defender. It’s designed to help you pass the SC-200 exam, but it also provides hands-on training that’s applicable in real-world SOC roles.

Key features:

• Free self-paced course with practical labs
• In-depth coverage of threat detection, response, and investigation using Microsoft security products
• Opportunity to pursue certification

Learning Microsoft security tools is incredibly beneficial if you plan to work in environments heavily using Azure or other Microsoft technologies.

8. SANS Cyber Aces Online

SANS Cyber Aces Online is a free cybersecurity training program developed by the SANS Institute. It covers foundational topics like operating systems, networking, and system administration, all of which are crucial for SOC analysts. It has now been retired.

Key features:

• Free access to comprehensive modules on key cybersecurity topics
• Prepares you for more advanced security certifications
• Suitable for both beginners and professionals looking to refresh their skills
• SANS is one of the most respected organizations in the cybersecurity industry, and Cyber Aces provides high-quality material at no cost.