What is SOC Analyst ?
SOC analysts are the first responders to cyber-incidents. They report cyber threats and then implement changes to protect an organization.
Job duties include:
- Provide threat and vulnerability analysis
- Investigate, document and report on information security issues and emerging trends
- Analyze and respond to previously undisclosed software and hardware vulnerabilities
- Prepare organizational disaster recovery plans
Why Do Companies need Penetration test ?
Building a Security Operations Center (SOC) from scratch or revamping an underperforming one is a daunting leadership challenge. Of all the tasks you have to think about, finding and hiring a set of SOC analysts with the right skill set has to be a top priority.
- Proactive detection of malicious network and system activity.
- Threat awareness to adjust defenses before the threat hits you.
- Vulnerability management to see what may be vulnerable on your network to new threats before you get hit with them.
- Awareness of hardware and software assets running on your network so you can be aware of developing threats to them.
- Log management to give you and any authorities the ability to complete forensics if you do incur an incident or breach.
What Tools do SOC Analysts use ?
As SOC Analyst is part of Security Operation Center (SOC), A modern SOC cannot operate without security tools. Traditional tools used in the SOC include:
- Security information and event management (SIEM)
- Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) systems
- Vulnerability scanners and penetration testing tools
- Intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and wireless intrusion prevention
- Firewalls and next-generation firewalls (NGFW) which can function as an IPS
- Log management systems (commonly as part of the SIEM)
- Cyber threat intelligence feeds and databases
What are SOC Analyst professional Certifications ?
Security certifications look good on résumés, but they’re not always necessary for certain positions – check the job requirements. In addition, some of these certifications (e.g. CISSP) require a number of years of experience:
- EC-Council: (CEH, CySA+, ECSA)
- GIAC Security Certifications: GSEC / GCIH / GCIA:
What are the skills required for SOC Analyst ?
Threats to cybersecurity are always changing, as are solutions. Information security analysts have to continually update their knowledge of the latest data-protection news, cybersecurity legislation, and practices and techniques. A good information security analyst seeks out this information and uses it to shape his or her problem-solving strategies.
Below minimal required skills for SOC Analyst:
- Administers Information Security Software and Controls
- Analyze Security System Logs, Security Tools, and Data
- Communicate Up, Down, and Across All Levels of the Organization
- Create, Modify, and Update Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
- Create, Modify, and Update Security Information Event Management (SIEM) Tools
- Evaluate and Deconstruct Malware Software
- Experience With Intrusion Prevention Systems
- Familiar with Security Regulations and Standards
- Install Firewall and Data Encryption Programs