Course Details

Security Operations Center (SOC) Fundamentals Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for understanding the fundamental operations of a Security Operations Center (SOC). In the modern cyber landscape, SOCs serve as the nerve center for an organization's defense, continuously monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats. This program equips participants with a systematic understanding of SOC functions, key roles, essential technologies (like SIEM and EDR), and the incident response lifecycle within a SOC context. Participants will gain deep insights into security monitoring, alert triage, threat hunting, and the collaborative nature of SOC work, all crucial for protecting digital assets, minimizing breach impact, and maintaining a robust security posture.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Fundamentals Training Course is designed for aspiring SOC analysts, IT support staff, network administrators, and anyone interested in a career in cybersecurity operations. It demystifies the complex environment of a SOC, empowering participants with the foundational knowledge and practical understanding required to contribute effectively to a security team, understand the flow of security events, and play a vital role in an organization's proactive and reactive cyber defenses.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for individuals seeking to understand or enter the field of Security Operations Center (SOC) work, including:

• Aspiring SOC Analysts (Tier 1).
• IT Support and Help Desk Personnel.
• Junior Cybersecurity Professionals.
• Network Administrators and System Administrators.
• Students interested in cybersecurity careers.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the mission and core functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Identify the key roles and responsibilities within a SOC team.
• Grasp the function of essential SOC technologies (e.g., SIEM, EDR, SOAR).
• Learn the basics of security monitoring, alert triage, and incident handling.
• Understand the importance of threat intelligence in SOC operations.

MODULES

Module 1: Introduction to Security Operations Centers (SOCs)

• Define a Security Operations Center (SOC) and its importance.
• Understand the mission and objectives of a SOC.
• Discuss the different SOC models (e.g., in-house, outsourced, hybrid).
• Explore the benefits and challenges of operating a SOC.
• Examine the role of a SOC in an organization's overall cybersecurity strategy.

Module 2: SOC Roles, Responsibilities, and Team Structure

• Understand the various roles within a SOC (e.g., Tier 1 Analyst, Tier 2 Analyst, Incident Responder, Threat Hunter, SOC Manager).
• Discuss the daily activities and responsibilities of a SOC analyst.
• Explore the skill sets required for different SOC positions.
• Examine the importance of teamwork and collaboration within the SOC.
• Learn about career paths within a SOC.

Module 3: Essential SOC Technologies

• Understand the function of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.
• Discuss Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms and their capabilities.
• Explore the role of Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) tools.
• Examine network security monitoring (NSM) tools (e.g., IDS/IPS, packet capture).
• Learn about vulnerability scanners, threat intelligence platforms, and ticketing systems.

Module 4: Security Monitoring and Alert Triage

• Understand the concept of continuous security monitoring.
• Discuss different types of security alerts and their sources.
• Explore the process of alert triage and prioritization.
• Examine techniques for reducing false positives and false negatives.
• Learn about setting up effective dashboards and reporting for monitoring.

Module 5: Incident Detection and Analysis in the SOC

• Understand how incidents are detected within the SOC (e.g., SIEM correlation rules, EDR alerts).
• Discuss methods for initial incident analysis and validation.
• Explore the use of logs, network flows, and endpoint data for investigation.
• Examine techniques for identifying Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
• Learn about escalating confirmed incidents to higher tiers.

Module 6: Fundamentals of Incident Response in the SOC

• Understand the phases of the incident response lifecycle as applied in a SOC.
• Discuss the SOC's role in containment and eradication.
• Explore basic steps for incident documentation and evidence collection.
• Examine communication protocols during an incident.
• Learn about contributing to post-incident review and lessons learned.

Module 7: Threat Intelligence in SOC Operations

• Define Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) and its relevance to the SOC.
• Understand different types of threat intelligence (e.g., tactical, operational).
• Discuss how CTI feeds are integrated into SIEM and EDR systems.
• Explore the use of IOCs for proactive detection.
• Examine leveraging CTI to understand adversary Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).

Module 8: SOC Metrics, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Understand key SOC performance metrics (e.g., MTTR, MTTD, false positive rates).
• Discuss the importance of regular reporting on SOC activities and security posture.
• Explore methods for communicating SOC value to stakeholders.
• Examine the role of threat hunting in proactive security.
• Learn about continuous improvement strategies for SOC processes and technologies.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com