This article examines the process of becoming a SOC analyst. It explains the roles and responsibilities of a SOC analyst; and highlights the skills and abilities required. It covers everything from work experience and internship opportunities to training and certification processes.
In this article, we will cover the steps to becoming a SOC analyst. First, we will discuss in detail the roles and responsibilities of a SOC analyst. Next, we will highlight the skills and abilities required of a SOC analyst. Focusing on work experience and internship opportunities, we will provide practical advice that can help SOC analysts launch their careers.
We will then describe the training and certification processes you can choose to advance your career. Finally, the article will explain why these processes can help you gain more knowledge and expertise as a SOC analyst, and aim to guide readers on their journey to becoming a SOC Analyst.
A SOC analyst is a cybersecurity professional responsible for detecting and responding to cyber threats. Today, SOC analysts are among the most critical security operations center (SOC) team members. This is because they typically work 24/7 and provide the initial analysis and response to cyber-attacks. SOC analysts aim to ensure the information security of their company or organization, improve existing security protocols, and manage potential cybersecurity incidents.
In addition, current vulnerabilities must be monitored to prevent organizations from being affected by cyber attacks. It is important to follow the IOCs that arise for the relevant vulnerabilities and take the necessary actions in the company or organization. If deemed necessary, detection rules for these vulnerabilities should be written in tools such as SIEM/EDR.
The alerts generated from the above actions should be investigated and the necessary actions conveyed to the teams. SOC analysts not only analyze the alerts but also report on them.
In general, the annual salary of a SOC analyst in the United States (US) can typically range from $56,000 to $134,000. In Europe, these figures can vary slightly by country and city. For example, in the United Kingdom, the annual salary of a SOC analyst can typically range from £30,000 to £60,000.
However, these figures represent a broad range, and actual salaries can vary significantly depending on an individual's experience, areas of specialization, and the company or organization they work for. Therefore, it is important to check relevant job advertisements and company career pages to obtain a more accurate salary range for a specific position.
Here are the typical job requirements for someone who wants to become a SOC (Security Operations Center) analyst:
Employers usually expect a security operations center (SOC) analyst to have the following technical skills. Some of these skills require entry-level knowledge, while others require advanced knowledge.
SOC analysts have distinct advantages over other professionals when it comes to finding a job. Today, many workplaces provide opportunities for SOC analysts by offering part-time or internship opportunities even before graduation. We recommend that you apply for part-time jobs before you graduate. Because the SOC is a 24/7 organization, it has a structure that encourages part-time work. In addition, working part-time at SOC will help you experience the cyber world and its requirements firsthand. This way, you can realize your shortcomings and improve yourself while working.
There are some key points that you should keep in mind while looking for a job. The most important of these is that your resume is up to date. Since you are at the beginning of your career, it is crucial to include any certificates or training you have received on your resume. Another important issue is the interview or technical exam stage. Some companies may conduct exams, even at a basic level, to measure your technical competence. To avoid difficulties in such exams, we recommend that you look into the basic skills training or courses mentioned above. You can apply for jobs and internships, especially in Europe and the United States, through the following platforms:
Some companies or organizations may expect you to have particular certifications or basic cybersecurity training before hiring you as a SOC analyst. Therefore, you should obtain certifications from internationally recognized organizations such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CompTIA Security+, CCNA CyberOps, and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC). However, getting certified can often be costly for new graduates. Platforms that offer low-cost or free courses offer beneficial content, especially for SOC analysts. Entry-level training on such platforms is usually free and can help you prepare for interviews or exams.
Completing the foundational skills mentioned above before you start your job can contribute to your technical development once you are on the job. It is vital to master industry terminology before you start work, as this will help you understand alerts. For example, for a SOC analyst, knowing the basics of networking and log analysis is essential. You might start without these basic skills, but this knowledge will give you a head start.
Below are some training resources you might want to check out:
In this article, we have covered the key steps and information to help you on your way to becoming a SOC Analyst. First, we explained the role and responsibilities of a SOC Analyst and the importance of this role in an organization. We have also provided detailed information on the skills and abilities required to become a SOC Analyst. In addition, we have provided practical tips to help you get started, focusing on work experience and internship opportunities. To take your career to the next level, we have explored the training and certification processes and suggested which courses or certifications might be worthwhile.
Finally, we have provided insights into the application and interview process, highlighted job search considerations, and emphasized the importance of preparing for exams or technical interviews. We hope it will be helpful to anyone interested in becoming a SOC Analyst!
