What do you need to apply for a SOC Analyst job?

Given the growing number of cyberattacks, many organizations prioritizing hiring a SOC Analyst. Generally, though, the cybersecurity industry depends on the strength of a diverse field of security teams and analysts working together, including technical, legal, finance specialists, and beyond, to keep an organization’s digital propriety and data secure. But most importantly, SOC Analysts are in the first line of defense, without which other security operatives cannot function, exposing the organization to constant attack. Therefore, An SOC Analyst plays a particularly important role in ensuring that cyber threats are solved and prevent future incidents from attacking the security network of the organization.

The growing number of security issues has increased the demand for SOC Analysts in different areas. The career path of becoming a SOC Analyst requires gathering sufficient knowledge and skills in critical security-related areas to be able to counter all forms of threats at any given time. So, we now take a look at some of the things that make a SOC Analyst a crucial part of every IT organization.

Who is a SOC Analyst?

SOC stands for Security Operations Center, which represents the team comprising of multiple analysts working together on security issues. They are cybersecurity professionals that help in monitoring a company’s network for malicious activities. The SOC Analyst is the job title given to a skilled and knowledgeable cyber/network security analyst who analysis, monitors and responds to and incidents. It is possible to have a single cybersecurity analyst in a company, but SOC Analysts form part of a large security team. They work hand-in-hand with other departments of an organization to fight against hacks, and their job is to ensure sensitive information is secured.

What does a SOC Analyst do?

The job role and responsibilities of SOC Analysts require great attention to detail and general awareness for all things cyber. Overall, their responsibility is to ensure that an organization is safe from security breaches. They are always vigilant and belligerent to filter out cyber-attacks and mitigate risks before they occur. It is essential to know that when a security incident occurs, SOC Analysts are the first to counter these attacks and make sure an organization is safe.

In addition to the above, as a SOC Analyst, your sole responsibilities are:

◉ Analyze the root cause of a security breach
◉ Fight and monitor suspicious cybersecurity threats in an organization
◉ Access security systems and put up improvements to a network.
◉ Document security incidents for a security response plan
◉ Perform risk examinations, vulnerability testing, security analyses.
◉ Execute security audits, internal and external
◉ Ensure security systems in an organization are up-to-date.
◉ Manage security plans with important vendors.

What skills do you need to be a SOC Analyst?

SOC jobs are in high demand, but each organization has its preferred degree, work experience, and skill requirements for its candidates. However, most companies do require that SOC candidates possess a CSA certification and, or a bachelor’s degree in computer science or any relevant field. Also, candidates should have undergone CSA training and have at least one year of IT work experience.

Some other SOC Analyst skill requirements are:

◉ Knowledgeable in all security policies

◉ Ability to teach and educate network users on security risks and protocols.

◉ Noting security areas that need improvements

◉ Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Technical knowledge requirements for a SOC position are:

◉ SQL

◉ CEH, SCA, Security+, CISSP, and CEH certifications

◉ Firewall detection and prevention protocols

◉ C, C++, C#, Java or PHP programming languages

◉ Antivirus and antimalware

Source: eccouncil.org