OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Security Operations Center (SOC)

Cisco Learning & Certifications

If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you acquire the fundamental skills required in a security operations center. You will learn the primary functions of a security operations center (SOC) and the critical role it plays in protecting organizational assets from cyber-attacks. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of SOC team member’s daily activities and responsibilities.

• Identify who these bad actors are, their motives, why they attack, and what they attack.

Read more

If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you acquire the fundamental skills required in a security operations center. You will learn the primary functions of a security operations center (SOC) and the critical role it plays in protecting organizational assets from cyber-attacks. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of SOC team member’s daily activities and responsibilities.

• Identify who these bad actors are, their motives, why they attack, and what they attack.

• Review the goals of implementing a SOC and covers the business benefits that an organization achieves by employing a SOC.

• Introduce technical and procedural challenges in a SOC.

To be successful in this course, you should have the following background:

1. Skills and knowledge equivalent to those learned in Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA) v1.0 course

2. Familiarity with Ethernet and TCP/IP networking

3. Working knowledge of the Windows and Linux operating systems

4. Familiarity with basics of networking security concepts.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Security Operations Center
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you acquire the fundamental skills required in a security operations center. You will learn the primary functions of a security operations center (SOC) and the critical role it plays in protecting organizational assets from cyber-attacks. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Gain an understanding of SOC team member’s daily activities and responsibilities. • Identify who these bad actors are, their motives, why they attack, and what they attack. • Review the goals of implementing a SOC and covers the business benefits that an organization achieves by employing a SOC. • Introduce technical and procedural challenges in a SOC. To be successful in this course, you should have the following background: 1. Skills and knowledge equivalent to those learned in Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA) v1.0 course 2. Familiarity with Ethernet and TCP/IP networking 3. Working knowledge of the Windows and Linux operating systems 4. Familiarity with basics of networking security concepts.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores fundamental skills and primary functions of a security operations center (SOC) for cybersecurity analysts working in SOCs
Teaches about bad actors' motivations, targets, and attack methods in cybersecurity
Develops knowledge of SOC team responsibilities and daily activities
Introduces technical and procedural challenges encountered in SOCs
Reviews the business benefits of implementing a SOC

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Security operations center: foundational overview

According to learners, this Security Operations Center (SOC) course provides a strong foundational understanding of SOC operations for associate-level cybersecurity analysts. Students frequently highlight its well-structured content, clear explanations, and the practical relevance of its topics, especially concerning SOC roles, responsibilities, and incident response workflows. While many found the hands-on labs and real-world scenarios highly beneficial, some experienced learners noted the course offers a broad overview rather than deep technical dives. It's considered an excellent starting point, though further self-study may be needed for advanced expertise.
Assumes prior networking and OS knowledge for success.
"A great starting point, especially if you meet the prerequisites."
"The prerequisites are definitely important, so make sure you have them before starting."
Offers valuable hands-on experience with common SOC tools.
"The hands-on labs were incredibly useful and provided practical experience with common SOC tools."
"I appreciated how it tied everything back to real-world scenarios. It really helped me understand the bigger picture of a SOC."
"The discussions on stakeholder relationships and workflow automation were particularly insightful."
Provides essential understanding for aspiring SOC analysts.
"This course truly exceeded my expectations for foundational SOC knowledge."
"As someone transitioning into a SOC role, this course was invaluable. It provided a clear roadmap of what to expect and the foundational knowledge needed."
"I found this course to be a strong starting point for anyone new to SOC. It covers a wide range of topics, from roles to automation."
Provides a broad overview, not deep technical specialization.
"My only minor critique is that some of the tool discussions felt a little high-level, and I wished for more in-depth practical scenarios..."
"The course covers the basics, but it's a bit too theoretical in parts for my taste. Don't expect highly technical hands-on deep dives."
"I believe it sets a good foundation, but be prepared to do further self-study for deeper technical expertise."
"While the course provides a good framework, I found some of the material to be somewhat generic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Security Operations Center (SOC) with these activities:
Explore Case Studies and Best Practices from Industry Experts
Gain valuable insights and learn from the experiences of seasoned professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Read industry blogs and articles
  • Watch webinars and online presentations
  • Attend conferences and workshops
Participate in SOC Team Discussions
Engage with peers to share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned in SOC operations.
Show steps
  • Join online discussion forums or communities
  • Attend virtual or in-person meetups
  • Collaborate on projects or research
Attend Specialized SOC Workshops
Deepen your knowledge and skills by attending workshops tailored to specific SOC topics.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant workshops
  • Register and attend the workshop
  • Participate активно in discussions and exercises
  • Follow up with the facilitators
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Develop a SOC Incident Response Plan
Create an actionable plan to effectively respond to security incidents within the SOC.
Show steps
  • Identify potential security threats and risks
  • Establish a clear incident response process
  • Define roles and responsibilities for incident response team members
  • Develop communication and escalation procedures
  • Test and refine the incident response plan
Conduct Regular Security Incident Simulations
Enhance team coordination and response capabilities by simulating real-world security incidents.
Show steps
  • Define scenarios and objectives for the simulation
  • Set up the simulation environment
  • Execute the simulation
  • Evaluate the simulation results
  • Make improvements based on lessons learned
Configure and Deploy a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) System
Gain hands-on experience in setting up and managing a central platform for collecting, analyzing, and monitoring security events.
Show steps
  • Choose and procure a SIEM solution
  • Design and implement a data collection strategy
  • Configure SIEM rules and alerts
  • Integrate SIEM with other security tools
  • Monitor and maintain the SIEM system
Contribute to Open-Source Security Projects
Gain practical experience and make meaningful contributions while enhancing your cybersecurity skills.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects in the SOC domain
  • Contribute code or documentation
  • Engage with the community
Develop a Security Operations Center (SOC) Maturity Assessment Report
Evaluate the maturity level of your organization's SOC and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of the assessment
  • Gather data and conduct interviews
  • Analyze the data and identify gaps
  • Develop recommendations for improvement
  • Write and present the assessment report

Career center

Learners who complete Security Operations Center (SOC) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Security Analyst
Security Analysts are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization's security operations center (SOC). The course's introduction to the functions and processes of a SOC, as well as the challenges and metrics involved, provides a solid foundation for aspiring Security Analysts. The course also covers the skills and tools needed for data collection, analysis, and relationship-building, all of which are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts work to protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring and analyzing security data, investigating incidents, and developing and implementing security measures. The course's focus on SOC operations, incident response, and security tools provides a strong foundation for individuals interested in a career in Cybersecurity Analysis. By understanding the daily activities and responsibilities of SOC team members, as well as the technical and procedural challenges they face, learners can gain valuable insights into the practical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Incident Responder
Incident Responders handle security incidents and breaches within an organization's network. The course's coverage of SOC processes and services, as well as its emphasis on incident response, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Incident Responders. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of SOC team members during incident response, as well as the tools and techniques used, learners can gain a competitive edge in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats. The course's overview of SOC deployment models and types, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides a solid foundation for aspiring Security Engineers. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on cybersecurity matters. The course's coverage of SOC operations and services, as well as its emphasis on developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Security Consultants. By understanding the role of the SOC in incident response, as well as the tools and techniques used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain a competitive edge in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers evaluate the security of computer systems and networks by simulating attacks from malicious actors. The course's coverage of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Penetration Testers. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester
Vulnerability Analyst
Vulnerability Analysts identify and assess vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. The course's coverage of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Vulnerability Analysts. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Analyst
SOC Manager
SOC Managers oversee the operations of a security operations center (SOC). The course's comprehensive coverage of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on staffing and management considerations, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring SOC Managers. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the tools and techniques used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the managerial aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for SOC Manager
IT Security Manager
IT Security Managers are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's IT security strategy. The course's overview of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring IT Security Managers. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's cybersecurity strategy and operations. The course's overview of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring CISOs. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the managerial aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data. The course's overview of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Information Security Analysts. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage network security solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats. The course's overview of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Network Security Engineers. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
System Administrator
System Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks. The course's overview of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring System Administrators. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. The course's focus on security tools and data analysis, as well as its coverage of SOC operations and services, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Data Analysts. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats. The course's overview of SOC operations and services, as well as its focus on security tools and data analysis, provides valuable knowledge for aspiring Security Architects. By understanding the different types of SOCs and their staffing considerations, as well as the data and tools used for security monitoring and analysis, learners can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Security Operations Center (SOC).
Cover image
The Hacker Playbook 3
Save
This book offers a different perspective through a practical guide that is considered one of the best in this field.
The Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To...
Paperback
$$
The Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Wireless Security: Know It All
Save
This handbook provides structured overview of the field of cybersecurity operations and the skills needed for the job.
Wireless Security: Know It All (Newnes Know It All)
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Art of Deception
Save
Classic in the field of security, providing insights into the psychology of attackers and how to defend against social engineering attacks.
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Hardcover
$$
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Sandworm
Save
Investigates the rise of nation-state sponsored hacking groups, providing a timely look at the evolving threat landscape.
Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for...
Paperback
$$
沙蟲駭客──全球最具侵略性和破壞性的克里姆林宮黑客組織，如何掀起新時代網路戰爭: Sandworm:...
Kindle Edition
$
Sandworm - Uma nova era na Guerra Cibernetica e a...
Paperback
$$
Піщаний хробак, або SANDWORM. Нова епоха...
Hardcover
$$
(Polski) Sandworm
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Countdown to Zero Day
Save
Tells the story of the Stuxnet attack, one of the most sophisticated and impactful cyber weapons ever created.
Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Bomb
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cyber warfare, from its early origins to the present day.
The Bomb
Paperback
Check
The Bomb
Kindle Edition
Check
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Save
Dives deep into the security implications of developing modern, complex, software systems.
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
CUCKOO'S EGG
Save
Gripping account of a real-life investigation into a computer security incident, providing a fascinating look at the early days of cybersecurity.
CUCKOO'S EGG
Kindle Edition
$$
High-Tech Heretic: Reflections of a Computer...
Paperback
$$
Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the...
Paperback
$$
(日本語) The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Mazeof...
Tankobon Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Ghost in the Wires
Save
Is an autobiography by a former hacker who served time in prison for his actions, offering a valuable perspective on the motivations and challenges of cyber criminals.
Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's...
Paperback
$$
Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's...
Kindle Edition
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Via
Coursera
Institution
Cisco Learning and Certifications
Instructor
Cisco Learning & Certifications
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals. It's comprised of six courses:
  1. Threat Analysis
  2. Endpoints and Systems
  3. Data Security
  4. Security Operations Center (SOC) (viewing)
  5. Threat Response
  6. Threat Investigation
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores fundamental skills and primary functions of a security operations center (SOC) for cybersecurity analysts working in SOCs
Teaches about bad actors' motivations, targets, and attack methods in cybersecurity
Develops knowledge of SOC team responsibilities and daily activities
Introduces technical and procedural challenges encountered in SOCs
Reviews the business benefits of implementing a SOC
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Security Operations Center (SOC).
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser