Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career: A Roadmap to Cybersecurity Success

by Tyler Wall, Jarrett Rodrick

The frontlines of cybersecurity operations include many unfilled jobs and exciting career opportunities. A transition to a security operations center (SOC) analyst position could be the start of a new path for you. Learn to actively analyze threats, protect your enterprise from harm, and kick-start your road to cybersecurity success with this one-of-a-kind book.

Authors Tyler Wall and Jarrett W. Rodrick carefully and expertly share real-world insights and practical tips in Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career. The lessons revealed equip you for interview preparation, tackling day one on the job, and setting long-term development goals. This book highlights personal stories from five SOC professionals at various career levels with keen advice that is immediately applicable to your own journey. The gems of knowledge shared in this book provide you with a notable advantage for entering this dynamic field of work.



The recent surplus in demand for SOC analysts makes Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career a must-have for aspiring tech professionals and long-time veterans alike. Recent industry developments such as using the cloud and security automation are broken down in concise, understandable ways, to name a few. The rapidly changing world of cybersecurity requires innovation and fresh eyes, and this book is your roadmap to success.



What You Will Learn



Understand the demand for SOC analystsKnow how to find a SOC analyst job fastBe aware of the people you will interact with as a SOC analystBe clear on the prerequisite skills needed to be a SOC analyst and what to studyBe familiar with the day-to-day life of a SOC analyst, including the tools and language usedDiscover the rapidly emerging areas of a SOC analyst the cloud and security automation

 

WhoThis Book Is For



Anyone interested in starting a career in cyber recent graduates, IT professionals transitioning into security, veterans, and those who are self taught

Genres: Technology

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2021

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat informative, but I would've liked more about a typical day for a SOC analyst, the differences between various types of SOCs (e.g., within an infosec firm vs. within a large corporation, or in different industries), and what to do while you're an SOC analyst to move to the next phase in your infosec career. The final chapter with career stories from 5 SOC analysts was helpful.

Notes
The Demand for Cybersecurity and SOC Analysts
SOC analysts usually work in shifts of 8, 10, or 12 hours. Shifts can be evening, overnight, holidays.

Some work can seem mindless.

Job Hunting
Security analyst position is easiest 1st step into infosec. Titles may be security analyst, information security analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst.

Most SOCs require you to be on-site for security purposes, but there are remote options, especially after COVID-19.

Quizlet.com provides flashcard-style learning for certifications like Network+ and Security+.

Prerequisite Skills
You need to know networking and security fundamentals. Most prerequisite knowledge can be gained by security certifications such as Network+ and Security+.

While it is true there is less malware that targets MacOS, that's not what makes MacOS more secure. Apple has taken endpoint security to the hardware layer with built-in security chips on the motherboard. These chips are dedicated to encrypting the file storage, ensuring a secure boot of the OS every time, and application runtime security. Other software-based technologies like execute disable (XD), address space layout randomization (ASLR), and system integrity protection (SIP) all work to ensure malware can't affect critical system files.

Real SOC Analyst Stories
Employers and recruiters value SANS, ISC2, or ISACA certifications over CompTIA ones. Many more job postings list CISSP or GCIH than Security+.

Expect a somewhat sporadic schedule. There may be shift changes every week, month, or quarter. If there's a breach, you'll need to work weekends and other times you wouldn't otherwise need to.

[Íris · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a beginner or someone preparing to enter the world of cybersecurity it's a very helpful book, for sure.

It aids you in what to expect on the daily tasks of the job, how much can be automated, and to balance expectations regarding work culture and business tools.

There are also some personal stories by the end of the book that help you understand what a day in the life of a SOC Analyst looks like.

I'm very excited to enter this field, learn and and evolve, and be helpful to the organizations I'll be working for.

[Kevin Laduu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some spelling mistakes and rushed writing, but that also made it feel like I was talking with a soc nerd. Some good insights tho

[K.Dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good way to get inspired if you don't have a degree or a tech background. Detailed insights on job interviews and how to form an understanding from zero.