Advancing as a SOC Tier 2 Analyst: A Comprehensive Journey

As the digital world becomes increasingly complex, the role of a Security Operations Center (SOC) Tier 2 analyst has never been more critical. SOC Tier 2 analysts play a pivotal role in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets and infrastructure. This essay outlines a comprehensive journey for SOC Tier 2 analysts to advance their skills, knowledge, and impact in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

1. Advanced Threat Intelligence and Analysis:

• In the realm of advanced cybersecurity, threat intelligence is the cornerstone. SOC Tier 2 analysts must not only be well-versed in standard threat intelligence sources but also delve into specialized feeds such as MITRE ATT&CK and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). These sources provide a deeper understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by adversaries.
• Advanced analysts distinguish themselves by acquiring expertise in reverse engineering malware and analyzing Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Books like “Practical Malware Analysis” become invaluable guides on this journey.

2. Advanced Incident Response:

• Incident response goes beyond identifying and mitigating incidents; it encompasses understanding the entire attack lifecycle. Advanced SOC Tier 2 analysts explore frameworks such as the Cyber Kill Chain, Diamond Model, and Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain to gain insights into the various stages of an attack.
• These analysts also master advanced memory and disk forensics techniques to investigate complex incidents, uncovering crucial evidence that might remain hidden otherwise.

3. Advanced Tool Customization and Automation:

• A distinguishing trait of advanced analysts is their ability to customize and fine-tune SOC tools to meet the organization’s specific needs. This often involves scripting and automation, primarily using languages like Python.
• Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms such as Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR or Splunk Phantom become invaluable allies in automating repetitive tasks, streamlining incident response, and enhancing overall efficiency.

4. Advanced Threat Hunting:

• Advanced threat hunters proactively seek out hidden threats within the organization’s network and systems. They employ tools like Elastic Security and Kibana to uncover subtle anomalies and indicators of compromise.
• Books like “The Practice of Network Security Monitoring” serve as indispensable resources for understanding advanced network monitoring and threat hunting techniques.

5. Advanced Network Analysis:

• An essential skill for SOC Tier 2 analysts is advanced network protocol analysis. Tools like Wireshark and Suricata enable them to scrutinize network traffic at a granular level, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) techniques take their network analysis capabilities to the next level, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of network traffic patterns.

6. Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications:

• To validate their expertise in various cybersecurity domains, advanced analysts pursue certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications not only signify knowledge but also demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.

7. Advanced Threat Mitigation and Hardening:

• Advanced analysts take on the responsibility of hardening systems and networks. They implement advanced firewall rules, employ network segmentation, and embrace zero-trust security architectures to bolster their organization’s security posture.
• As the cloud and containerization technologies proliferate, they also explore threat mitigation strategies specific to these environments.

8. Advanced Reporting and Communication:

• In addition to technical prowess, advanced analysts excel in reporting and communication. They craft executive-level reports and presentations that effectively convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Courses on business communication and crisis management further enhance their ability to articulate the importance of security to organizational leadership.

9. Advanced Legal and Compliance Knowledge:

• Recognizing the importance of legal and compliance knowledge, advanced analysts delve deeper into cybersecurity laws and regulations relevant to their industry and region. This includes GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific standards.
• Staying abreast of legal and compliance changes is crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring adherence to regulations.

10. Advanced Soft Skills:

• Advanced SOC Tier 2 analysts evolve into mentors and leaders within their teams. They nurture leadership and mentoring skills as they gain experience, guiding junior staff and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Crisis management skills become their forte, enabling them to make critical decisions under pressure during security incidents.

11. Research and Publications:

• To leave a lasting impact on the cybersecurity community, advanced analysts contribute through research and publications. They write articles, blog posts, and present their findings at conferences, thereby enhancing their reputation and knowledge-sharing within the field.
• Subscribe to cybersecurity news sources such as Threatpost, KrebsOnSecurity, and Dark Reading to stay informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
• Attend industry conferences like RSA Conference, BlackHat, or DEF CON to network with professionals and learn from experts in the field.

12. Learn Company Policies and Procedures

• Review your organization’s cybersecurity policies and procedures. These documents should cover incident response, data handling, access control, and other critical security aspects.
• Ensure that you understand the specific compliance standards relevant to your organization, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. You can find detailed information on these standards on their respective official websites.

13. Improve Your Analytical Skills

• Enhance your analytical skills by exploring resources like the book “Practical Malware Analysis” by Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig.
• Stay updated on the latest threat intelligence by following reputable sources like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
• Participate in tabletop exercises or incident response drills. Some organizations use platforms like RangeForce or CTFd (Capture The Flag platform) to simulate real-world incidents for training purposes.

Creating a 30-day plan to review and improve your skills as a SOC Tier 2 analyst is an excellent approach to structured learning and development. Here’s a step-by-step plan that covers various aspects of your role:

Week 1: Foundation Review and Refresh

• Days 1–3: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Review fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including threat vectors, attack types, and security principles.
• Refer to online resources, such as cybersecurity blogs, articles, and video tutorials.
• Days 4–7: Tool Familiarization
• Reacquaint yourself with the security tools you’ll use, such as SIEM systems, firewalls, and endpoint security solutions.
• Practice navigating and using these tools effectively.

Week 2: Advanced Threat Intelligence and Analysis

• Days 8–10: Advanced Threat Intelligence
• Dive into advanced threat intelligence sources, like MITRE ATT&CK and OSINT feeds.
• Study recent threat reports and APT analyses to understand evolving tactics.
• Days 11–14: Malware Analysis
• Explore malware analysis techniques and tools.
• Experiment with malware samples in a controlled environment (sandbox) if possible.

Week 3: Advanced Incident Response and Tool Customization

• Days 15–17: Advanced Incident Response
• Revisit incident response frameworks like the Cyber Kill Chain and Diamond Model.
• Practice advanced incident triage and investigation.
• Days 18–21: Tool Customization and Automation
• Explore scripting and automation using Python.
• If available, experiment with Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms.

Week 4: Advanced Threat Hunting and Network Analysis

• Days 22–24: Threat Hunting
• Deepen your understanding of threat hunting methodologies.
• Conduct practical threat hunting exercises using real or simulated data.
• Days 25–28: Network Analysis
• Revisit network protocol analysis using tools like Wireshark or Suricata.
• Focus on deep packet inspection (DPI) techniques.

Week 5: Certification and Compliance Knowledge, Soft Skills

• Days 29–30: Certification and Compliance
• Spend time studying for a relevant advanced certification like OSCPor CISM.
• Review compliance standards specific to your industry or region.
• Throughout the Month: Soft Skills and Communication
• Continuously work on your soft skills, including communication, leadership, and teamwork.
• Practice crisis management scenarios with colleagues or in a controlled setting.

Ongoing: Knowledge Sharing and Community Engagement

• Throughout the 30 Days: Knowledge Sharing
• Share interesting findings or insights with your SOC team to foster collaboration and a culture of learning.
• Ongoing: Community Engagement
• Contribute to online cybersecurity communities, forums, or social media by sharing your knowledge and experiences.

Setting up a lab environment for practicing blue team activities is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and enhance your skills as a SOC Tier 2 analyst. Below are some of the best lab environments and tools you can use for blue team practice:

1. Security Onion:

Security Onion is a popular open-source platform designed for network security monitoring. It includes tools like Suricata, Bro (Zeek), and Elasticsearch for log analysis and intrusion detection. You can set up Security Onion in a virtual machine or on dedicated hardware to practice network monitoring and analysis.

2. Elastic Stack (ELK Stack):

Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (ELK Stack) provide a powerful platform for log management and analysis. You can configure ELK Stack to collect and analyze logs from various sources, including servers, firewalls, and IDS/IPS systems. This setup is valuable for log analysis and visualization.

3. Splunk Community Edition:

• Splunk offers a free Community Edition that allows you to index and analyze up to 500 MB of data per day. It’s a great way to practice log management, correlation, and creating custom alerts and reports.

4. Wireshark:

• Wireshark is a widely-used network protocol analyzer. You can use it to capture and analyze network traffic, helping you understand network behavior and identify anomalies or suspicious activity.

5. Cuckoo Sandbox:

• Cuckoo Sandbox is an open-source malware analysis system. Setting up a Cuckoo Sandbox environment can help you practice analyzing and dissecting malware samples in a controlled environment.

6. Metasploit Community:

• Metasploit is a penetration testing framework that also includes features for blue teamers. You can use Metasploit Community Edition to simulate attacks and test your defenses.

7. Atomic Red Team:

• Atomic Red Team is a collection of open-source tests, scripts, and resources designed to test your defenses against various attack techniques. It provides a structured way to practice detecting and responding to threats.

8. Cyber Range Platforms:

• Some platforms like RangeForce, Cyberbit, and others offer cyber range environments where you can practice real-world blue team scenarios, including incident response, threat hunting, and network defense.

9. Capture The Flag (CTF) Platforms:

• Participating in CTFs, especially blue team-oriented ones, is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience. Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and CTFTime host various CTF challenges and exercises.

10. Custom Lab Setup:

• Consider setting up your custom lab environment with a combination of virtual machines (VMs) running different operating systems, network devices, and security tools. This allows you to simulate real-world scenarios tailored to your organization’s needs.

some online Capture The Flag (CTF) platforms and challenges specifically designed for blue team and defenders to practice their skills:

1. Defend The Flag (DTF) by Raytheon Intelligence & Space:

• DTF is an annual blue team CTF challenge focused on defense and incident response. It provides various scenarios to test your detection and response capabilities.
• Website: Defend The Flag

2. Flare-On Challenge:

• While primarily a reverse engineering and malware analysis challenge, Flare-On by FireEye Mandiant includes some blue team scenarios where you analyze malicious artifacts and develop defensive strategies.
• Website: Flare-On Challenge

3. PwnDefend CTF:

• PwnDefend is an online CTF focused on defensive security. It includes challenges related to threat hunting, log analysis, and network defense.
• Website: PwnDefend CTF

4. Blue Team Village CTF (DEFCON):

• The DEFCON Blue Team Village hosts an annual CTF designed for defenders. It covers topics like log analysis, network monitoring, and incident response.
• Website: DEFCON Blue Team Village

5. BSides CTF:

• Many BSides security conferences include CTF challenges with a focus on both offense and defense. Keep an eye on upcoming BSides events for blue team-oriented CTFs.
• Website: BSides Conferences

6. CTF365:

• CTF365 offers a platform for continuous CTF challenges, including blue team scenarios. It provides a gamified environment to improve your skills in a team or solo.
• Website: CTF365

7. Malware Traffic Analysis CTF:

• This CTF focuses on analyzing network traffic to detect and respond to malware-related incidents. It’s an excellent way to practice network-based defense.
• Website: Malware Traffic Analysis CTF

8. Metta CTF:

• Metta CTF challenges include blue team scenarios such as threat detection, log analysis, and incident response. They are designed to test your defensive skills.
• Website: Metta CTF

9. Hacksplaining CTF:

• Hacksplaining offers CTF challenges that focus on web application security, including defense and securing web applications against common attacks.
• Website: Hacksplaining CTF

10. Hack The Box — Blue Team Labs:

• While Hack The Box is known for its offensive challenges, it also offers Blue Team Labs, which provide defensive scenarios to test your skills in real-world simulations.
• Website: Hack The Box

recommended courses:

1. CompTIA Security+:

• Provider: Various, including CompTIA, Coursera, and Udemy
• Description: CompTIA Security+ is a foundational certification that covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including network security, cryptography, and incident response.
• Website: CompTIA Security+ on CompTIA

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):

• Provider: (ISC)², various training providers
• Description: CISSP is an advanced certification for experienced security professionals, covering topics such as access control, cryptography, and security operations.
• Website: CISSP on (ISC)²

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):

• Provider: ISACA, various training providers
• Description: CISM is designed for professionals who manage and oversee an enterprise’s information security. It focuses on governance, risk management, and incident response.
• Website: CISM on ISACA

4. FOR508: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics:

• Provider: SANS Institute
• Description: This SANS course covers advanced incident response and digital forensics techniques, including threat hunting and malware analysis.
• Website: FOR508 on SANS

5. SEC555: SIEM with Tactical Analytics:

• Provider: SANS Institute
• Description: This SANS course focuses on Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and how to use them effectively for threat detection and response.
• Website: SEC555 on SANS

6. Network Traffic Analysis with Wireshark:

• Provider: Pluralsight
• Description: This course teaches you how to use Wireshark for in-depth network traffic analysis, which is essential for detecting and responding to network-based threats.
• Website: Network Traffic Analysis with Wireshark on Pluralsight

7. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization (Coursera):

• Provider: NYU (offered on Coursera)
• Description: This specialization includes multiple courses covering various aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, cryptography, and incident response.
• Website: Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization on Coursera

8. SOC Analyst Training by Cybrary:

• Provider: Cybrary
• Description: Cybrary offers various SOC analyst training courses, including incident response, SIEM, and threat intelligence, which are ideal for SOC Tier 2 analysts.
• Website: Cybrary SOC Analyst Training

9. Practical Malware Analysis:

• Provider: Various, including books and online resources
• Description: This is not a traditional course but a self-study path for understanding malware analysis, a crucial skill for SOC analysts.
• Resources: You can find the book “Practical Malware Analysis” by Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig, as well as online resources and labs related to malware analysis.

Conclusion: Advancing as a SOC Tier 2 analyst is an ongoing journey marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and dedication. In an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, these professionals serve as the frontline defenders of digital assets and information. By embracing advanced skills and knowledge in threat intelligence, incident response, tool customization, threat hunting, network analysis, certifications, threat mitigation, communication, legal compliance, soft skills, and research contributions, SOC Tier 2 analysts can elevate their role and contribute significantly to the security and resilience of their organizations.