A Security operation center (SOC) analyst works in a SOC team to detect and monitor threats by analyzing logs collected through various security tools. The SOC team consists of SOC analysts and other cybersecurity professionals who respond to the potential threats and protect the organization's valuable IT infrastructure.
The top skills which are necessary for a SOC analyst are as
follows:
1) Understanding of basic Computer Science:
It is a primary skill for a SOC analyst. A SOC analyst
should have a basic knowledge of algorithms, data structures, databases,
operating systems, networks, and tool development.
2) Network defenders:
The defense is the first task of SOC analysts; they
should be skilled in network defending. Network defenders can protect, detect,
and respond to threats. Network administrators know about network components,
traffic, performance, network topology, location of each system, security policy,
etc. A network defender has a fundamental understanding of the actual construct
of data transfer, network technologies, and software technologies to understand
how networks operate. He must understand what software is automating and
analyze the subject material accordingly.
3) Ethical Hacking:
A SOC analyst, is an expert in ethical hacking which can
recognize potential threats and detect vulnerabilities so that the organization
remains protected from malicious attackers. It also involves knowledge of penetration
testing to test networks, systems, web applications for vulnerabilities and
notify them.
4) Computer Forensics:
To prevent cybercrime successfully, the SOC analysts
should be aware of computer forensics. Understanding digital forensics will help
them in collecting, analyzing, and reporting the evidence. Digital forensics
includes network forensics and includes such areas of expertise as
investigating network security breaches, hacking attempts, and data theft. The
analyst can also create or gather evidence of the violation to avoid further
crimes
5) Reverse Engineering:
Reverse engineering can be used to find out the steps
taken by the attacker to get into the systems. It also allows a SOC analyst to
comprehend a software program's performance so that an analyst can patch a bug.
6) Incident Response:
Incident response is the methodology an organization uses
to respond to and manage a cyberattack. An incident response proposes to
overcome this damage and recover as quickly as possible. The security analyst
works to minimize the impact and suggest modifications in the existing security
controls for future prevention.
Become a certified SOC Analyst with Infosec Train
CSA (Certified SOC analyst) certification from the EC council based on training for the security operation center. This training and Credential help the candidate earn knowledge and in-depth skills, which helps gain more clear opportunities to work in the SOC team. Infosec Train provides instructor-led training for CSA. If you want to get CSA certification, you can check and enroll in our CERTIFIED SOC ANALYST (CSA) Certification Training to prepare for the certification exam.