Skills Required For a SOC Analyst Job Role

 


SOC Analysts are the security professionals that respond to Cybersecurity incidents. They are also known as the first line of defense in an organization. SOC analyst's role is crucial to the organization because if they fail to identify the ongoing threats, it is not possible for anyone else in the organization to find them out. Therefore, selecting individuals with the right skills for this job role becomes challenging for management.  

Skills required for a SOC analyst job role

Following are the skills required for a SOC analyst job role:

1.    Network Defending

Networks are more prone to cyberattacks as they are actively connected to the internet. Cybercriminals often target networks and exploit the vulnerabilities present in them. Securing the network infrastructure is the primary task of SOC analysts. The SOC analysts must be well versed with the network defense strategies. The networking defending skills help them monitor, detect analyze the threats that can evade the network security posture.

2.    Ethical hacking or penetration testing

To defend the networks against cyberattacks, SOC analysts must possess the mindset of a hacker. The proficiency in ethical hacking helps SOC analysts to uncover vulnerabilities in the security posture of the organization. In-depth knowledge of penetration testing enables them to test the web application, network, and systems for vulnerabilities and report them to the higher authorities.

3.    Incident response

Incidence response skills are crucial to manage and mitigate the risks of cyberattacks. The objective of an incidence response is to reduce the damage caused by the cyberattacks and recover as early as possible. The SOC analyst must be efficient in responding to the incidents and improving the existing security controls to prevent future data breach incidents.

4.    Digital forensics

The understanding of digital forensics helps SOC analysts to analyze, monitor, and collect evidences of the data breach. The collected data and pieces of evidence are used to report and prevent future data breaches.

5.    Reverse Engineering

Sometimes attackers take advantage of bugs present in the software applications and compromise the systems. The SOC analyst utilizes reverse engineering knowledge to check the performance of a software program and fix the bug in it.

Specific knowledge required to pursue a career as a SOC analyst

·        In-depth understanding and implementation of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions such as IBM QRadar and Splunk

·        Knowledge of fundamentals of computer networking such as routing, switching

·        Networking protocols

·        Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing

·        Knowledge of programming languages such as C, SQL, java, etc

Educational qualifications for SOC analyst

Most organizations ask for a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information technology, or related field. The following certifications and training courses can help you to add value to your resume while applying for the job:

·        CSA (Certified SOC analyst)

·        IBM QRadar training course

·        CYSA+ by CompTIA

Become a certified SOC analyst with Infosec Train

Infosec Train is a leading advanced IT security training provider, offering comprehensive training programs to enhance the skills of aspiring SOC analysts. Check out the following training programs to make a promising career as a SOC analyst.

·        Infosec Train's Certified SOC Analyst Expert Training Course (Customized training course)

Infosec Train's Certified SOC Analyst Expert Training Course

·        Infosec Train's IBM QRadar Security Training by Infosec Train

IBM Security QRadar Training

·        EC Council's CSA certification training

EC council's CSA Certification Training Course

 

Written by: Shubham Bhatt

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