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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.

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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.

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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.
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Security Operations Center Processes and Services
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this lesson evaluates SOC processes and services. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Understand primary responsibilities of a SOC and its interactions with other departments within the organization.• Understand various services that a SOC provides throughout the incident response phases. 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.
SOC Deployment Models and Types
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you understand SOC types, staffing considerations, and deployment models and their consumers. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Describe various SOC types and staffing considerations. • Describe SOC deployment models and their corresponding consumer profiles. 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.
Staffing an Effective SOC Team
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you to understand about staff that work in SOC and their personnel roles and titles. Describe the necessary skills to work in a SOC. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Describe the role of each SOC member in general and in the context of incidence response. Describe the skill set of each SOC member and their toolkit components. • Describe the interactions of SOC members with each other and external entities in the context of incidence response. 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.
Security Events Data and SOC Analyst Tools
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you understand the data collection and data analytics activities performed in a SOC. Identify tools for performing data collection and analysis activities and how they complement each other. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Describe SOC relevant data and security event data. • Describe SOC tools and their features. 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.
Developing Key Relationships with Internal and External Stakeholders
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you understand the importance of using effective tools and developing a good relationship with external organizations. Describe the most important tools and software the SOC team uses to achieve this goal. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Describe intelligence resources, regulatory agencies, and government industry organizations with which the SOC communicates. • Describe the policies, procedures, and governance rules to integrate with SOC procedures that define how it engages with users, HR, and legal in response to detected violations of procedures. 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.
Understanding SOC Metrics
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you explain the use of SOC metrics to measure the effectiveness of the SOC. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Explain security data aggregation. • Explain Time to Detection (TTD) in context to network security. • Describe security controls detection effectiveness. • Describe SOC metrics. 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.
Understanding SOC Workflow and Automation
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you understand the use of a workflow management system and automation to improve the effectiveness of the SOC. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Describe SOC WMS concepts. • Describe how a typical workflow management system is integrated within a SOC.• Describe SOC WMS integration. • Provide an example of SOC workflow automation. 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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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).
This book offers a different perspective through a practical guide that is considered one of the best in this field.
This handbook provides structured overview of the field of cybersecurity operations and the skills needed for the job.
Classic in the field of security, providing insights into the psychology of attackers and how to defend against social engineering attacks.
Tells the story of the Stuxnet attack, one of the most sophisticated and impactful cyber weapons ever created.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cyber warfare, from its early origins to the present day.
Dives deep into the security implications of developing modern, complex, software systems.
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.

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