Navigating Your Future
Guide to Becoming a
SOC Analyst
in 6 Months
A Step-by-Step Cybersecurity Handbook for Beginners
Break into Cybersecurity — No Experience? No Problem!
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Table Of Content
1.Introduction to SOC 01
2.6-Month Roadmap 02
3.Essential Skills and Certifications 08
4.Learning Resources 09
5.Detailed Descriptions of SOC Roles 10
6.Differences and Daily Work in Each 10
Role
7.Tips for Job Applications and 11
Interviews
8.Next Steps 12
SOC Roadmap
Introduction to SOC
A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized unit that deals with
security issues on an organizational and technical level. SOC analysts play a
crucial role in monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to
cybersecurity incidents. They are the front line of defense, ensuring the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization's data and systems.
Key Responsibilities of a SOC Analyst:
Monitoring security systems and networks
Analyzing security alerts and logs
Investigating security incidents
Responding to security breaches
Documenting security incidents
Improving security procedures
This roadmap provides a structured 6-month plan to equip you with the
knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to land a SOC analyst job.
1|Page
SOC Roadmap
6-Month Roadmap
This section provides a detailed month-by-month study plan. Each month
focuses on specific topics, skills, certifications, and tasks to help you build the
necessary knowledge and experience.
Month 1: Foundations and Networking Fundamentals
Month 1 is all about building a solid foundation. Understanding how networks
function, navigating a Linux environment, and grasping security concepts are
crucial.
Networking Fundamentals: Study the TCP/IP model and its layers.
Understand the function of each layer, and common protocols like HTTP,
DNS, and SMTP.
Linux Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with basic commands for file
manipulation, user management, and system administration. Linux is a
core OS for many security tools.
Security Principles: Learn about Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
(CIA Triad) and their importance. Also, study basic cryptography such as
symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, and digital signatures.
Home Lab: Set up a virtualized environment using tools like VirtualBox and
Kali Linux to practice your skills.
Topics:
Networking Fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI Model)
Linux Fundamentals
Security Principles (CIA Triad)
Basic Cryptography
Skills:
Command Line Navigation
Network Packet Analysis
Tasks:
Set up a home lab (VirtualBox, Kali Linux).
Join online security communities.
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SOC Roadmap
Month 2: Security Tools and Threat Landscape
Month 2 introduces you to essential security tools and the threat landscape.
Learning to use SIEMs, understanding IDS/IPS and firewalls, and researching
common attack vectors will enable you to analyze logs and identify threats.
SIEM Basics: Explore Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
systems. Tools like Splunk and the ELK Stack are used for log collection,
analysis, and alerting. Install and configure a SIEM in your home lab to get
hands-on experience.
IDS/IPS: Learn how Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion
Prevention Systems (IPS) detect and prevent malicious activity. Understand
signature-based and anomaly-based detection methods.
Common Attack Vectors: Research common attack vectors such as
phishing, malware, ransomware, and SQL injection. Understand how these
attacks work and how to defend against them.
Topics:
SIEM Basics (Splunk, ELK Stack)
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS/IPS)
Firewalls
Common Attack Vectors
Skills:
Log Analysis
Threat Identification
Tasks:
Deploy a SIEM in your home lab.
Research common malware families.
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SOC Roadmap
Month 3: Incident Response Fundamentals
Month 3 focuses on the fundamentals of incident response. Understanding the
incident response lifecycle, learning basic malware analysis techniques, and
grasping forensics concepts are critical for responding to security incidents
effectively.
Incident Response Lifecycle: Learn the steps involved in incident
response: Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery,
and Lessons Learned.
Malware Analysis Basics: Learn basic techniques for analyzing malware,
such as static and dynamic analysis. Use tools like Ghidra or x64dbg to
examine malware samples in a safe environment.
Forensics Fundamentals: Gain an understanding of digital forensics
principles and techniques. Learn about file system analysis, memory
forensics, and network forensics.
Topics:
Incident Response Lifecycle
Malware Analysis Basics
Forensics Fundamentals
Skills:
Containment Strategies
Basic Malware Triage
Tasks:
Practice incident response simulations.
Analyze sample malware.
4|Page
SOC Roadmap
Month 4: Threat Hunting and Intelligence
Month 4 shifts the focus to proactive threat detection and intelligence
gathering. Learn how to hunt for threats, utilize threat intelligence feeds, and
leverage the MITRE ATT&CK framework to understand attacker tactics and
techniques.
Threat Hunting Methodologies: Explore different threat hunting
methodologies, such as hypothesis-driven hunting and intelligence-driven
hunting. Learn how to identify anomalies and indicators of compromise
(IOCs).
Threat Intelligence Feeds: Learn how to consume and utilize threat
intelligence feeds to stay informed about the latest threats and
vulnerabilities. Use open-source and commercial threat intelligence
platforms.
MITRE ATT&CK Framework: Familiarize yourself with the MITRE ATT&CK
framework, a knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based
on real-world observations. Use it to understand attacker behavior and
develop detection strategies.
Topics:
Threat Hunting Methodologies
Threat Intelligence Feeds
MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Skills:
Proactive Threat Detection
Intelligence Gathering
Tasks:
Create threat hunting playbooks.
Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds
5|Page
SOC Roadmap
Month 5: Advanced Security Concepts and Certifications
Month 5 delves into advanced security concepts and focuses on preparing for
relevant certifications. Explore cloud security principles, network security
monitoring techniques, and vulnerability management processes.
Cloud Security: Learn about the security considerations specific to cloud
environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). Understand identity and access
management, data encryption, and compliance requirements.
Network Security Monitoring: Explore techniques for monitoring network
traffic for malicious activity. Learn about packet capture, flow analysis, and
intrusion detection.
Vulnerability Management: Learn about the process of identifying,
assessing, and remediating vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Use
vulnerability scanners like Nessus or OpenVAS to identify vulnerabilities.
Certifications: Consider pursuing certifications like CompTIA Security+ or
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to
potential employers.
Topics:
Cloud Security
Network Security Monitoring
Vulnerability Management
Certifications:
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Tasks:
Study for a security certification.
Conduct a vulnerability scan.
6|Page
SOC Roadmap
Month 6: Job Application and Interview Preparation
Month 6 is dedicated to preparing for your job search. Focus on building a
strong resume, practicing your interview skills, and networking with industry
professionals.
Resume Building: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and
experience. Include projects, certifications, and any contributions to open-
source security projects.
Interview Skills: Practice answering common interview questions related
to SOC analyst roles. Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, problem-
solving abilities, and experience with security tools.
Networking: Attend security conferences, meetups, and online forums to
connect with industry professionals. Networking can help you learn about
job opportunities and get insights into the SOC analyst role.
Topics:
Resume Building
Interview Skills
Networking
Tasks:
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Practice common interview questions.
Attend security conferences and meetups
7|Page
SOC Roadmap
Essential Skills and Certifications
Key skills for a SOC analyst include:
Technical Skills: Networking, Linux, Windows, Security Tools (SIEM, IDS/IPS),
Scripting (Python, Bash).
Analytical Skills: Log Analysis, Threat Identification, Incident Response.
Soft Skills: Communication, Problem-Solving, Teamwork.
Recommended certifications: CompTIA Security+, CEH, GIAC certifications
(e.g., GSEC, GCIH).
Certification Study Guide / Resources
Professor Messer, CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
CertMaster Practice
Blue Team Level 1 BTLO Discord + prep room labs
Splunk's own free fundamentals
Splunk Core Certified User
course
Mike Chapple’s LinkedIn Learning
CySA+
Course
Cyber Security Course
8|Page
SOC Roadmap
Learning Resources
Here are some useful resources for learning:
Online Courses: Cybrary, Udemy, Coursera, SANS Institute.
Books: Blue Team Handbook, Practical Malware Analysis, The Practice of
Network Security Monitoring.
Websites: OWASP, SANS ISC, NIST.
Labs: TryHackMe, Hack The Box
Blogs: Medium, Razzify, Hacking articals.
SIEM & Tools Training
Tutorials:
Splunk YouTube Channel – Hands-on SIEM dashboards, queries
Security Onion Project Docs & Install Guides
Wireshark Basics – Chris Greer (YouTube)
Graylog & ELK Stack Guides – Official docs and community forums
Platform Key Labs/Content Notes
SOC Level 1 Path, Beginner-friendly,
TryHackMe
Splunk, Threat Hunting gamified learning
Blue Team Labs Threat detection, DFIR
SOC-specific scenarios
Online simulations
Blue Team and SOC Corporate-grade
RangeForce
Analyst modules learning
Hack The Box (Blue Packet analysis, SIEM Advanced challenge-
Labs) use cases based
Blue team CTFs, threat Great for building case
CyberDefenders
detection studies
9|Page
SOC Roadmap
Detailed Descriptions of SOC Roles
L1 Analyst: Monitors security alerts, performs initial triage, and escalates
incidents.
L2 Analyst: Conducts in-depth analysis of security incidents, investigates
root causes, and implements containment measures.
L3 Analyst: Provides expert-level support, develops security policies and
procedures, and mentors junior analysts.
Incident Responder: Leads incident response efforts, coordinates with
stakeholders, and ensures timely resolution of security incidents.
Threat Hunter: Proactively searches for threats that bypass traditional
security controls, using threat intelligence and anomaly detection
techniques.
SOC Manager: Oversees the SOC operations, manages the team, and
ensures the effectiveness of security measures.
Differences and Daily Work in Each Role
L1 Analyst Daily Work:
Monitoring SIEM dashboards, Triaging alerts, Escalating incidents,
Following standard operating procedures (SOPs)
L2 Analyst Daily Work:
Analyzing escalated incidents, Investigating root causes, Developing
containment strategies, Writing incident reports.
L3 Analyst Daily Work:
Providing expert support, Developing security policies, Mentoring junior
analysts, Conducting advanced threat analysis.
Incident Responder Daily Work:
Leading incident response efforts,Coordinating with stakeholders,
Ensuring timely resolution, Conducting post-incident analysis.
Threat Hunter:
Analyzing threat intelligence, searching for anomalies, developing
detection signatures, creating reports.
SOC Manager:
Managing the team, developing strategies, reviewing performance,
reporting to management.
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SOC Roadmap
Tips for Job Applications and Interviews
Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant skills and experience for each job
application.
Showcase your projects: Include personal projects or lab exercises to
demonstrate your technical abilities.
Practice your interview skills: Prepare for common SOC analyst interview
questions, both technical and behavioral.
Research the company: Understand the company's business, security
posture, and technology stack.
Ask insightful questions: Show your interest and engagement by asking
thoughtful questions about the role and the team.
Network: Attend industry events and connect with cybersecurity
professionals to expand your network and learn about job opportunities.
Be prepared to discuss:
SIEM concepts, including use cases and limitations.
Incident response methodologies.
Common attack vectors and mitigation techniques.
Log analysis and interpretation.
Your experience with scripting languages and automation.
During the interview, be ready for scenario-based questions such as:
'What would you do if you identified a suspicious file hash on multiple
endpoints?'
'How would you respond to a potential phishing attack?'
'Describe your process for investigating a potential data breach.'
How to Find & Apply for SOC Jobs
Platforms:
LinkedIn (set alerts for SOC Analyst, L1 Security Analyst)
Razzify.in (student-focused job listings)
Internshala (for fresher internships)
Company Careers Pages (Infosys, Wipro, Deloitte)
Sample Job Titles:
SOC Analyst Level 1
Security Monitoring Intern
Blue Team Trainee
Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry Level)
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SOC Roadmap
Next Steps
Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a SOC analyst!
Continue learning, practicing, and networking. Stay up-to-date with the latest
security trends and technologies. With dedication and hard work, you can
achieve your goal of landing a SOC analyst job within 6 months.
Use this space to track your progress, note down , and record any questions
you may have.
Skills to develop:
Certifications to pursue:
Learning resources to explore:
Companies to target:
Networking events to attend:
Summary:
This handbook provided a comprehensive roadmap for getting into a SOC
Analyst job within 6 months. It covered essential skills, certifications, learning
resources, detailed descriptions of SOC roles, job application tips, and progress
tracking. By following this guide, aspiring cybersecurity professionals can gain
the necessary knowledge and skills to launch a successful career in security
operations.
This handbook is a guide, adapt it to suit your learning style and goals. Good
luck!
THANK YOU
12 | P a g e
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