Security Operations Center Analyst
This role involves monitoring and analyzing an organization's security posture, detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents, and improving security measures.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Security Operations Center Analyst
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for monitoring and analyzing an organization's security posture on an ongoing basis. The SOC Analyst's primary function is to ensure that potential security incidents are correctly identified, analyzed, defended, investigated, and reported.
Required Skills
- Knowledge of information security principles and practice.
- Basic experience with SIEM technologies and alarm monitoring systems.
- Understanding of network protocols, infrastructure, and key security technologies and tools.
- Ability to analyze and interpret security logs and data.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a team environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Basic understanding of security principles, IT security controls, and related technologies and products.
- Familiarity with incident response protocols and procedures.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and must possess strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document and explain technical details clearly.
Responsibilities
- Monitor security events and alerts for potential and active threats, intrusions, and attacks.
- Analyze and assess security incidents and escalate to senior analysts or management as required.
- Document all security threats and incidents in the appropriate systems.
- Assist with the development and refinement of SOC processes and procedures.
- Maintain current knowledge of tools and best-practices in advanced persistent threats; tools, techniques, and procedures of attackers; and in security systems and protection strategies.
- Collaborate with other teams to ensure proper response strategies are adhered to in the wake of security incidents.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, you will play a critical role in protecting the organization from various cyber threats. You will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing security events, responding to incidents, and improving security measures. You are expected to work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with other security professionals to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of company data.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Incident Management and Response.
- In-depth understanding of security protocols, cryptography, authentication, authorization, and security.
- Good knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, network layers, Ethernet, ARP, etc).
- Experience with SIEM tools (Security Information and Event Management).
- Knowledge of various operating system flavors including but not limited to Windows, Linux, Unix.
- Strong command of an array of security software, including firewall, antivirus, and encryption tools.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
- 2-5 years of relevant experience in a SOC or related information security role.
- Professional certifications such as CISSP, CEH, GCIH, GCIA or similar are desirable.
- Experience with security monitoring tools and incident response.
- Familiarity with threat intelligence and applied knowledge in analyzing and performing threat analysis.
Responsibilities
- Monitor security events and alerts for signs of unauthorized activity.
- Investigate and analyze security breaches and other cyber security incidents.
- Implement security measures to protect systems and infrastructure.
- Work with the incident response team to mitigate threats and contain incidents.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and security audits.
- Stay current with IT security trends and news, including awareness of new or revised security solutions, improved security processes, and the development of new attacks and threat vectors.
- Recommend enhancements to SOC analytical capabilities.
- Coordinate with other departments to manage and administer the updating of rules and signatures (for IDS/IPS, network security, and content filtering).
- Prepare and document standard operating procedures and protocols.
- Configure and tune security monitoring tools.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a senior Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, you will be tasked with maintaining the security posture of the organization by monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats in real-time. Your expertise will contribute to the development of security measures and protocols to protect the organization from potential cyber-attacks.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in security information and event management (SIEM).
- Expertise in threat analysis and incident response.
- Ability to conduct digital forensics analysis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
- Team leadership and mentoring skills.
- Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) is a plus.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in a SOC or cybersecurity role.
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or SANS GIAC.
- Extensive experience with SIEM tools and security incident handling.
- Strong understanding of network protocols, architecture, and security vulnerabilities.
- Proven track record in incident response and digital forensics.
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS).
Responsibilities
- Monitor security events and alerts for potential or actual security incidents.
- Analyze and investigate security breaches and other cybersecurity incidents.
- Use SIEM tools to collect and review logs and data from various security devices.
- Coordinate with other teams to contain and mitigate security threats.
- Develop and update incident response plans and policies.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior SOC analysts.
- Assess and recommend enhancements to the SOC security tools and processes.
- Prepare and deliver detailed reports on security incidents and their outcomes.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends.
- Participate in security audits and compliance checks.
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