🔒 Security Operations & SOC

Master the operations and management of Security Operations Centers and continuous monitoring

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Security Operations & SOC Curriculum

12
SOC Units
~85
Operational Techniques
20+
SOC Tools
24/7
Operations Focus
1

SOC Fundamentals

Learn the foundational concepts, structure, and purpose of Security Operations Centers.

  • SOC mission and objectives
  • SOC types and models
  • Organizational structure
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • SOC maturity models
  • Business alignment
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • SOC governance
2

Security Monitoring and Detection

Master continuous security monitoring techniques and threat detection methodologies.

  • Continuous monitoring
  • Log collection and analysis
  • Event correlation
  • Anomaly detection
  • Signature-based detection
  • Behavioral analysis
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Monitoring strategies
3

SIEM and Log Management

Implement and manage Security Information and Event Management systems effectively.

  • SIEM architecture
  • Log aggregation
  • Parsing and normalization
  • Correlation rules
  • Dashboard creation
  • Use case development
  • Tuning and optimization
  • SIEM administration
4

Threat Intelligence Integration

Integrate threat intelligence feeds and leverage intelligence for enhanced detection.

  • Threat intelligence types
  • Intelligence feeds
  • IOC management
  • Threat hunting
  • Attribution analysis
  • Intelligence platforms
  • Tactical intelligence
  • Strategic intelligence
5

Alert Triage and Analysis

Develop skills in prioritizing, investigating, and analyzing security alerts.

  • Alert prioritization
  • Triage procedures
  • Investigation methodologies
  • Evidence collection
  • Impact assessment
  • False positive reduction
  • Escalation procedures
  • Case management
6

Incident Response Coordination

Coordinate incident response activities and manage security incidents effectively.

  • Incident classification
  • Response coordination
  • Communication protocols
  • Stakeholder management
  • Resource allocation
  • Timeline management
  • External coordination
  • Recovery oversight
7

SOC Tools and Technologies

Master the tools and technologies essential for effective SOC operations.

  • SIEM platforms
  • SOAR solutions
  • Threat hunting tools
  • Network monitoring
  • Endpoint detection
  • Vulnerability scanners
  • Forensic tools
  • Communication systems
8

Security Orchestration and Automation

Implement automation and orchestration to improve SOC efficiency and response times.

  • Automation strategies
  • Playbook development
  • Workflow automation
  • Response automation
  • Tool integration
  • API utilization
  • Orchestration platforms
  • Automation metrics
9

Threat Hunting

Develop proactive threat hunting capabilities to identify advanced persistent threats.

  • Hunting methodologies
  • Hypothesis development
  • Hunt techniques
  • Data analysis
  • Hunting tools
  • IOC development
  • Hunt campaigns
  • Threat landscape analysis
10

SOC Metrics and Reporting

Establish meaningful metrics and reporting systems to measure SOC effectiveness.

  • KPI development
  • Performance metrics
  • Efficiency measurements
  • Quality metrics
  • Executive reporting
  • Operational dashboards
  • Trend analysis
  • Continuous improvement
11

SOC Team Management

Manage SOC teams effectively including staffing, training, and career development.

  • Team structure
  • Staffing models
  • Skill development
  • Training programs
  • Career progression
  • Performance management
  • Knowledge management
  • Team collaboration
12

SOC Evolution and Future Trends

Understand emerging trends and future directions in SOC operations and technologies.

  • Cloud SOC models
  • AI and machine learning
  • Zero trust integration
  • DevSecOps alignment
  • Managed SOC services
  • Hybrid SOC models
  • Technology convergence
  • Future capabilities

Unit 1: SOC Fundamentals

Learn the foundational concepts, structure, and purpose of Security Operations Centers.

SOC Mission and Objectives

Understand the core mission and strategic objectives that drive SOC operations.

Detection Response Recovery Prevention
A SOC's primary mission is to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents using a combination of technology solutions and human expertise. The SOC serves as the central hub for security monitoring and incident coordination.
# SOC Core Objectives
soc_objectives = {
  "primary_mission": {
    "detect": "Identify security threats and incidents",
    "analyze": "Investigate and assess security events",
    "respond": "Execute incident response procedures",
    "recover": "Restore normal operations quickly"
  },
  "operational_goals": {
    "coverage": "24x7x365 monitoring capability",
    "visibility": "Comprehensive security visibility",
    "speed": "Rapid detection and response times",
    "accuracy": "Minimize false positives",
    "coordination": "Effective incident coordination"
  },
  "strategic_outcomes": {
    "risk_reduction": "Lower organizational cyber risk",
    "compliance": "Meet regulatory requirements",
    "business_protection": "Safeguard business operations",
    "reputation": "Protect organizational reputation"
  },
  "success_metrics": {
    "mttr": "Mean Time to Response",
    "mttd": "Mean Time to Detection",
    "accuracy": "Alert accuracy percentage",
    "coverage": "Asset monitoring coverage"
  }
}

SOC Types and Models

Explore different SOC organizational models and deployment approaches.

SOC Delivery Models:
• In-house SOC: Fully internal team and infrastructure
• Outsourced SOC: Fully managed by external provider
• Hybrid SOC: Combination of internal and external resources
• Virtual SOC: Distributed team using cloud technologies
• Co-managed SOC: Shared responsibilities with provider
Model Selection Factors:
Consider organizational size, budget, expertise availability, compliance requirements, and risk tolerance when choosing a SOC model. Each approach has distinct advantages and trade-offs.

Organizational Structure

Learn about SOC organizational structures and reporting relationships.

Typical SOC Hierarchy:
• SOC Manager: Overall SOC leadership and strategy
• SOC Analysts (L1): Initial alert triage and escalation
• SOC Analysts (L2): Incident investigation and analysis
• SOC Analysts (L3): Advanced analysis and threat hunting
• SOC Engineers: Tool management and maintenance
• Threat Intelligence Analysts: Intelligence gathering and analysis
# SOC Staffing Model
soc_structure = {
  "tier_1_analysts": {
    "responsibilities": [
      "Monitor security dashboards",
      "Perform initial alert triage",
      "Execute standard playbooks",
      "Escalate complex incidents"
    ],
    "skills": ["Basic security concepts", "Tool operation", "Documentation"]
  },
  "tier_2_analysts": {
    "responsibilities": [
      "Investigate escalated incidents",
      "Perform deeper analysis",
      "Coordinate response activities",
      "Develop new detection rules"
    ],
    "skills": ["Incident response", "Forensics", "Malware analysis"]
  },
  "tier_3_analysts": {
    "responsibilities": [
      "Handle complex investigations",
      "Conduct threat hunting",
      "Develop advanced analytics",
      "Mentor junior analysts"
    ],
    "skills": ["Advanced analysis", "