Course Overview
Security Operations Centers (SOC) are the first line of defense for organizations against rapidly evolving cyber threats. This training course aims to qualify participants and equip them with the practical and cognitive skills needed to work as Tier 1 cyber incident analysts. It covers everything from understanding the SOC architecture, analyzing network traffic, and reviewing system logs, to managing SIEM systems, performing alert triage, and executing initial incident response with high efficiency and professionalism according to the highest global standards.
Course Objectives
- Master the fundamental concepts of SOC operations and accurately differentiate between cyber events, alerts, and incidents.
- Analyze network data traffic and device logs to detect abnormal patterns and suspicious connections.
- Develop skills in reading and analyzing operating system logs (Windows & Linux) and endpoint security solutions (EDR/XDR).
- Professionally manage Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and apply alert triage methodologies.
- Execute rapid initial containment procedures, accurately document technical tickets, and appropriately escalate complex incidents.
Target Audience
- Information security analysts working in Security Operations Centers (SOC Tier 1).
- Cybersecurity and incident response team members looking to enhance their foundational and practical skills.
- Network and IT engineers or technicians aspiring to transition into the cybersecurity field.
- Computer science and IT graduates interested in building a career in security analysis.
Course Syllabus
The course modules are divided over 5 days as follows:
Day 1: Introduction to SOC Operations and Incident Management
- SOC architecture and the roles and responsibilities of Tier 1 analysts.
- Core concepts of cyber incidents and the differences between an Event, Alert, and Incident.
- Incident response lifecycle phases according to NIST and SANS standards.
- Understanding the Cyber Kill Chain and the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
Day 2: Network Traffic Analysis and Threat Detection
- Review of core network protocols and packet analysis using Wireshark.
- Monitoring and analyzing network device logs (Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Proxies, DNS).
- Detecting abnormal patterns and suspicious connections (C2 Communications).
- Extracting Network Indicators of Compromise (Network IoCs).
Day 3: System and Endpoint Log Analysis
- Analyzing core Windows Event Logs and tracking suspicious processes.
- Fundamentals of Linux log analysis (Syslog & Auth Logs).
- Working with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR / XDR) solutions and interpreting their alerts.
- Identifying host-based Indicators of Compromise (Host-based IoCs) at the system and file level.
Day 4: SIEM System Management and Alert Triage
- The operational mechanism of SIEM systems and log correlation.
- Initial alert triage methodology and prioritization.
- Accurately distinguishing between True Positives and False Positives.
- Practical applications on log searching and building basic queries.
Day 5: Documentation, Escalation, and Practical Simulation Scenarios
- Rapid initial incident containment procedures.
- When and how to execute Tier II Escalation.
- Technical incident report writing and ticketing system documentation skills.
- Comprehensive practical lab: A full workday simulation in a SOC, triaging a set of live attacks.
Expected Impact on the Trainee
- The practical ability to confidently and efficiently perform the daily tasks of a Tier 1 cybersecurity analyst.
- Reduced threat detection and response times through accurate and rapid security alert triage.
- Proficiency in extracting Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) from various network and endpoint sources.
- The ability to draft professional technical reports and apply standard escalation and containment procedures during live incidents.
This course represents a true starting point toward professionalism in security operations and cyber incident analysis. It combines theoretical foundations with intensive practical application to empower participants to protect digital infrastructures efficiently and competently.
