A SOC Analyst is a cybersecurity specialist that works in a company’s Security Operation
Center (SOC) and is responsible for threat identification and analysis on the
front lines. A SOC Analyst proactively identifies threats and vulnerabilities,
investigates attacks on systems, and reports the findings to the senior members
of the team. On average, a SOC Analyst’s salary in the United States is
$65,272.
It may be an ideal profession for you if you are good at crisis management and wish to investigate technical crimes and cyber incidents.
Let us consider you are a newbie who wishes to start a career in cybersecurity or the information security industry as a SOC Analyst but does not know where to begin. We have got you covered, and this article will discuss how you can become one. However, there is no sure shot method, but these steps will surely get you there.
1. Get a bachelor’s degree: This is the first step to becoming a SOC Analyst. Get a bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science, information technology, or other related disciplines.
2. Learn computer and network fundamentals: The basic knowledge of computers and networks form the backbone of your cybersecurity career. It would help if you had a good grasp on topics like computer hardware and software, switches, routers, networking protocols like TCP/IP, OSI model, DNS, logs, firewalls, and more.
3. Learn to operate different operating systems: You must be able to work on a variety of operating systems like Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS.
4. Learn cybersecurity fundamentals: Learn how to use firewalls, routers, and other security infrastructure, as well as how to discover vulnerabilities and threats and threat and risk management frameworks. You should also learn hacking and penetration testing skills.
5. Learn programming languages: You are expected to be proficient with core programming languages such as Python, C, C++, PHP, Perl, Java, and scripting to become a SOC Analyst.
6. Learn to work with tools: It is essential to learn to operate tools like Wireshark to prepare you for the role.
7. Earn certifications: Although it is not a necessary step, you must consider earning a badge to prove your credibility and acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the position. You can opt for certifications like CompTIA CySA+ and EC-Council CSA. We will also recommend opting for certifications like Network+, Security+, and CEH before the CySA+ and CSA certifications. This will help you hone your foundational skills. You can enroll in SOC Expert combo, SOC Analyst, or SOC Specialist training courses at InfosecTrain. These courses have been specifically designed to help you prepare for SOC Analyst and multiple other SOC roles.
8. Hone your soft skills: It will require a bunch of soft skills with technical skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, teamwork, and collaboration.
Moreover, you need to have a continuous learning mindset and always stay updated on the cybersecurity landscape.
Final words:
If by now you have
decided to become a SOC Analyst, InfosecTrain, a leading provider of cybersecurity and IT security training,
is there to help you out in your journey. Our various training programs like CompTIA CySA+ and CSA will
help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a SOC Analyst. We
not only help you to cultivate the real-world skills that hiring managers need,
but we also prepare you for the interview.
