A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Role of a SOC Analyst

Introduction

As someone who has spent years working in the field of cybersecurity, I have seen firsthand the crucial role that SOC (Security Operations Center) analysts play in keeping organisations protected from cyber threats. Whether you’re just starting out in the field or you’re looking to learn more about the different positions available, I believe that the role of a SOC analyst is one of the most important and exciting careers you can pursue in this field.

In this blog post, I want to provide an in-depth look at what this role entails. I’ll cover the different levels of SOC analysts, their responsibilities, and the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, I’ll also discuss the typical salary range for SOC analysts and give you a glimpse into what a typical day in the life of a SOC analyst might look like.

So, whether you’re just getting started in cybersecurity or you’re looking to take your career to the next level, I hope that this blog post will provide you with the information you need to succeed as a SOC analyst.

What is a SOC Analyst?

A SOC (Security Operations Center) analyst is a cybersecurity professional who works as part of a centralised security services team. The role of a SOC analyst is to monitor, detect, and respond to potential security threats within an organisation’s network. This is done by using various security tools and processes to identify anomalies and investigate incidents.

SOC analysts typically work in three different tiers, with job-specific duties varying based on the organisation they work for.

What Does a SOC Analyst Do?

A SOC analyst is responsible for three main tasks: monitoring, detection, and response. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tasks:

Monitoring:

SOC analysts use various security tools, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools, to monitor an organisation’s network and systems. They look for any signs of anomalous activity and report it to the next tier of SOC analysts.

Detection:

If the level 1 SOC analyst detects any anomalous activity, they will escalate the issue to a level 2 SOC analyst. This analyst will investigate the behaviour and perform initial malware analysis if necessary.

Response:

The level 3 SOC analyst is responsible for performing incident response (IR) duties, as well as threat hunting and profiling. They may also do some work in reverse engineering malware and digital forensics, depending on the organisation.

Skills and Tools Used by SOC Analysts

To be effective in their role, SOC analysts must have a strong understanding of cybersecurity, network security, and security operations. They must also be familiar with various security tools and technologies, such as:

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
• Security information and event management (SIEM)
• Firewall and IPS/ID logs
• Network traffic analysis tools
• Incident response (IR) tools
• Malware analysis tools
• Digital forensics tools

SOC analysts must also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve security threats. Good communication skills are also important, as SOC analysts must be able to effectively collaborate with other members of the SOC team and communicate security incidents to the appropriate stakeholders.

Salary Range for a SOC Analyst

The salary range for a SOC analyst can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, and the size of the organisation they work for. On average, a SOC analyst in the United States can earn anywhere between $60,000 to $120,000 per year. With more experience and certifications, a SOC analyst can earn a higher salary.

A Day in the Life of a SOC Analyst

A day in the life of a SOC analyst can vary greatly depending on the organisation they work for and the level of their role. However, here is a general idea of what a typical day might look like:

Checking security tools and systems: A SOC analyst starts their day by checking their security tools and systems to make sure everything is functioning correctly. They look for any potential threats or anomalies that may have arisen overnight.

Responding to security incidents: If a security incident is detected, a SOC analyst must quickly respond to contain and mitigate the threat. They might need to perform an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and take appropriate action to prevent it from happening again in the future. Several of the alerts generated will probably be false-positives, so the SOC analyst will have to determine whether they are worth investigating. 

Collaborating with other teams: SOC analysts often work with other teams within the organisation, such as the network security team or the system administration team. They might need to share information or collaborate on resolving a security incident.

Keeping up to date with the latest security threats: A SOC analyst must stay up to date with the latest security threats and be familiar with the latest security technologies and techniques. They may attend training sessions or read up on the latest security trends to stay ahead of potential threats.

Preparing reports: A SOC analyst may need to prepare reports on the security incidents they have responded to, including the steps they took to resolve the issue and any recommendations for future improvements.

Is SOC Analyst an Entry-Level Role?

Many people are interested in entering the cybersecurity industry and are wondering whether a SOC analyst role is a good starting point. In my opinion, it can be an entry-level role for people who have some experience in the IT field and a good understanding of the fundamentals of networking and cybersecurity.

To start as a tier 1 SOC analyst, it’s important to have a solid understanding of cybersecurity definitions and principles, as well as a basic knowledge of firewalls and networking. Additionally, having the ability to search through logs in SIEM tools such as Splunk can be a valuable skill for a tier 1 analyst.

However, it’s worth noting that the role of a SOC analyst can be demanding, and it’s important to have a strong foundation in the field to be able to perform the job effectively. If you are just starting out in the industry and don’t have a background in IT or cybersecurity, it may be beneficial to consider other entry-level roles in IT to gain the experience and skills necessary to transition into a SOC analyst role in the future.

Overall, a SOC analyst role can be a good entry-level position for those with some experience in IT and a strong foundation in the field, but it’s important to understand that the role can be challenging and requires a certain level of expertise. By starting with a foundational understanding of the field and gaining experience in other entry-level roles, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career as a SOC analyst.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a SOC analyst is a critical component of a managed security services team. They play a crucial role in monitoring, detecting, and responding to potential security threats within an organisation’s network. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a SOC analyst, you will need to develop a strong technical foundation, as well as soft skills such as problem-solving and communication.