Introduction

A Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst plays a critical role in protecting an organization’s IT infrastructure from cyber threats by monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents. This training will provide the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills required for effective monitoring and incident response, covering tools, methodologies, and processes SOC analysts use to safeguard networks and data.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts and principles.
• Familiarity with operating systems (Windows, Linux) and networking protocols.
• Knowledge of common cybersecurity tools like firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection systems.
• Basic understanding of network traffic and system logs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to SOC and the Role of a SOC Analyst
1.1. What is a Security Operations Center (SOC)?
1.2. SOC Analyst Job Responsibilities and Duties
1.3. Key Skills and Competencies of a SOC Analyst
1.4. Importance of Incident Monitoring and Response in Cybersecurity

2. Security Monitoring Fundamentals
2.1. Types of Threats and Attacks SOC Analysts Monitor
2.2. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems
2.3. Log Analysis and Correlation Techniques
2.4. Monitoring Tools: IDS, IPS, Firewalls, and Network Traffic Analyzers
2.5. Alerts and Incident Detection: Identifying False Positives vs. Real Threats

3. Threat Intelligence and Analysis
3.1. The Role of Threat Intelligence in SOC Operations
3.2. Collecting and Analyzing Threat Intelligence Data
3.3. Common Threat Intelligence Feeds and Sources
3.4. Integrating Threat Intelligence with SOC Workflows
3.5. Identifying Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

4. Incident Response Process
4.1. Phases of Incident Response: Preparation, Detection, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned
4.2. Developing Incident Response Playbooks and Runbooks
4.3. Initial Investigation: Containment and Mitigation Strategies
4.4. Coordinating with Other Teams: IT, Legal, and Management
4.5. Documenting Incidents and Lessons Learned for Continuous Improvement

5. SOC Tools and Technologies
5.1. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Solutions: Use and Configuration
5.2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools
5.3. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
5.4. Network Monitoring Tools: Wireshark, NetFlow, and More
5.5. Forensic Tools for Investigating Security Incidents

6. Security Monitoring of Network Traffic
6.1. Understanding Network Traffic and Protocols
6.2. Traffic Analysis with Packet Capturing Tools (e.g., Wireshark)
6.3. Identifying Malicious Network Behavior: DDoS, Port Scanning, Data Exfiltration
6.4. Analyzing and Interpreting Network Logs and Alerts
6.5. Protecting Critical Network Infrastructure: VPNs, Firewalls, and Intrusion Prevention

7. SOC Analyst Workflow and Daily Operations
7.1. Shift Work and Managing SOC Workloads
7.2. Prioritizing Alerts and Incidents
7.3. Communication and Coordination within the SOC
7.4. Effective Incident Handover Procedures for SOC Teams
7.5. Reporting and Documentation in SOC

8. Advanced Incident Response Techniques
8.1. Handling Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
8.2. Incident Response for Ransomware, Phishing, and DDoS Attacks
8.3. Forensic Analysis of Security Breaches and Malware
8.4. Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering for Incident Response
8.5. Coordinating with Law Enforcement and External Partners

9. Automation and Orchestration in SOC Operations
9.1. The Role of Automation in Improving SOC Efficiency
9.2. Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) Tools
9.3. Automating Incident Detection and Response with Playbooks
9.4. Integrating Threat Intelligence with SOAR Platforms
9.5. Benefits and Challenges of Automation in Incident Response

10. SOC Metrics, Reporting, and Compliance
10.1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for SOC Efficiency
10.2. Generating Reports for Management and Compliance Audits
10.3. SOC Reporting Tools and Dashboards
10.4. Meeting Industry Standards and Regulations (GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA)
10.5. Continuous Improvement through SOC Metrics and Analytics

11. Real-World Case Studies and SOC Incident Response Scenarios
11.1. Case Study 1: Responding to a Phishing Attack
11.2. Case Study 2: Handling a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attack
11.3. Case Study 3: Managing a Data Breach and Forensic Investigation
11.4. Case Study 4: Responding to a Ransomware Attack
11.5. Lessons Learned from SOC Incident Response Scenarios

Conclusion

SOC Analysts are the front-line defenders against cybersecurity threats. Their role is vital in ensuring that an organization’s network and systems remain secure by proactively monitoring, identifying, and responding to security incidents. This training covers everything from the basics of security monitoring to advanced incident response and automation techniques, preparing analysts to handle real-world security challenges. By mastering the tools, processes, and workflows that underpin SOC operations, participants will be equipped to safeguard their organization’s IT environment against evolving threats and contribute to a stronger overall cybersecurity posture.