How to start a career in SOC analysis: roadmap for a beginner specialist
I’m a beginner in information security with secondary education and I’m pursuing higher education part-time. I have experience as an information security technician and system administrator. Currently, I’m choosing my career development path and planning to build a career in SOC.
Please help me create a roadmap to become an L1 SOC analyst. I’m interested in:
- What are the requirements for candidates for an L1 SOC analyst position?
- What knowledge and skills are needed to start in this role?
- What is the optimal learning path: self-study, courses, or finding a mentor?
I’ve heard many reviews about the ineffectiveness of certain courses (for example, Skillbox) and I’m considering self-study. I’ve also tried finding a mentor, but most offers from experienced professionals are focused on career growth from L1 to L2 and have a high cost.
I would be grateful for a concrete list of skills and knowledge needed to start as an L1 SOC analyst.
L1 SOC Analyst - An Entry-Level Position in Security Monitoring
An L1 SOC analyst is an entry-level position in a security monitoring team that requires basic knowledge of information security, the ability to work with analysis tools, and adherence to standard procedures. Starting a career in SOC begins with mastering fundamental security concepts, practical skills in working with SIEM systems, and developing analytical thinking for identifying and classifying incidents.
Contents
- Requirements for L1 SOC Analysts
- Required Knowledge and Skills for Starting
- Optimal Learning and Development Path
- Practical Action Plan for Beginners
- Tools and Technologies for Learning
- Employment Recommendations
Requirements for L1 SOC Analysts
Educational Requirements
For L1 positions, typically:
- Secondary vocational or higher education (technical specialty)
- CompTIA Security+, Network+ certificates or equivalent
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals and operating systems
Experience Requirements
Typically 0-2 years of IT experience:
- System administrator experience (like yours) - excellent foundation
- Basic knowledge of information security
- Understanding of network protocols and architectures
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Communication skills for documenting incidents
- Basic English for reading technical documentation
Required Knowledge and Skills for Starting
Technical Skills
Network Technologies:
- TCP/IP stack and main protocols (HTTP, DNS, FTP, SMTP)
- Firewall and IDS/IPS operation principles
- Basic routing and switching concepts
Operating Systems:
- Windows Server and Windows Client
- Linux basic commands and management
- macOS for understanding the Apple ecosystem
Security Tools:
- SIEM systems (Splunk, QRadar, Elastic Stack)
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
- Antivirus solutions and EDR
- Access control systems
Practical Skills:
- Reading and analyzing logs
- Basic scripting (Python, PowerShell)
- Command line work
- Traffic analysis basics
Theoretical Knowledge
Threat Models:
- MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
- ISO 27001, NIST standards
Attacks and Defenses:
- Phishing and social engineering
- Application vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)
- Network infrastructure attacks
- Cryptography and encryption
SOC Procedures:
- Incident classification
- Escalation procedures
- Incident documentation
- Digital forensics basics
Optimal Learning and Development Path
Self-Education (recommended approach)
Free Resources:
- Coursera - cybersecurity courses from Google, IBM
- edX - MIT, Harvard cybersecurity courses
- TryHackMe - practical labs
- Hack The Box - practical challenges
- Khan Academy - networking and programming fundamentals
Structured Learning:
- Start with CompTIA Network+ for networking understanding
- CompTIA Security+ - security fundamentals
- Splunk Core User or Elastic Certified Engineer certification
Practical Projects
Home Laboratory:
- Installation and configuration of ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
- Setting up Wireshark for traffic analysis
- Creating a test environment for incident response practice
- Installing Metasploitable for vulnerability testing
Community Involvement:
- Reddit - discussions and advice
- Stack Exchange Information Security
- Local IT meetups and conferences
Courses vs Self-Education
Advantages of self-education:
- Flexibility in learning pace
- Focus on practical skills
- Cost savings
- Ability to choose relevant topics
When to consider courses:
- If you need structure and discipline
- For obtaining official certifications
- For access to specialized laboratories
- For networking with other professionals
Practical Action Plan for a Beginner
Stage 1: Foundation (1-3 months)
- Master networking fundamentals (CompTIA Network+)
- Study basic security concepts
- Set up a home laboratory
- Complete free courses on Coursera/edX
Stage 2: Practice (3-6 months)
- Study SIEM systems (start with free alternatives)
- Practice reading logs and identifying anomalies
- Complete practical challenges on TryHackMe
- Create a portfolio describing your projects
Stage 3: Certification (6-9 months)
- Obtain CompTIA Security+
- Study Splunk Core User or equivalent
- Master incident analysis basics
- Prepare a resume emphasizing practical experience
Stage 4: Job Search (9-12 months)
- Start with internships or L1 positions
- Participate in hackathons and security competitions
- Network with recruiters and HR
- Prepare for technical interviews
Tools and Technologies for Learning
SIEM Systems
Free options for learning:
- Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
- Wazuh (free AlienVault alternative)
- Graylog
- OSSEC
Platforms for practice:
- Splunk - has a free version for learning
- IBM QRadar - educational programs
- Microsoft Sentinel - free tier for Azure
Analysis Tools
Network Analysis:
- Wireshark - packet capture and analysis
- tcpdump - command line for traffic analysis
- NetworkMiner - network traffic carding
Log Analysis:
- Logstash - log processing and transformation
- Fluentd - log collection and processing
- Graylog - centralized logging system
Practical Platforms
Online Laboratories:
- Cybrary - free courses
- SANS Cyber Aces - practical challenges
- OverTheWire - learning security through games
Employment Recommendations
Resume Preparation
Key Sections:
- Brief professional summary
- Technical skills with security focus
- Education and certifications
- Projects and practical experience
- Public achievements (GitHub, CTF competitions)
What to emphasize:
- System administrator experience
- Security projects in portfolio
- Certificates and courses
- Community involvement
Job Search
Employment Channels:
- HH.ru and LinkedIn for job searching
- Specialized IT sites (Habr Career)
- Participation in career fairs
- Recommendations from colleagues
Company Types for Beginners:
- Outsourced SOC companies
- Large corporations with in-house SOC
- Security startups
- IT companies with security departments
Interviews
Typical Questions:
- Describe your experience with networks and systems
- How would you handle a suspicious log?
- What security tools have you used?
- Tell me about your security project
Practical Assignments:
- Log analysis to identify incidents
- Solving practical security cases
- Demonstrating tool usage skills
Sources
- CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
- MITRE ATT&CK Framework Documentation
- Splunk Core User Certification Guide
- Elastic Stack Documentation
- TryHackMe Learning Path for SOC Analyst
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Coursera Cybersecurity Specialization
Conclusion
Starting a career as a SOC analyst requires a systematic approach to learning and practical experience. Your experience as an IT technician and system administrator provides an excellent foundation for transitioning to SOC. Key steps for starting include:
- Master fundamental networking and security knowledge through self-education
- Create a home laboratory for practical tool study
- Obtain basic certifications (CompTIA Security+, Network+)
- Develop practical SIEM system skills
- Create a portfolio describing your projects
Self-education is the most effective approach for beginners, allowing flexible selection of relevant topics and focus on practical skills. Don’t be afraid to start with an L1 position - it’s an excellent path for gaining the necessary experience and advancing to higher positions in SOC.
Remember that a career in SOC is continuous learning and development. A systematic approach, practical skill development, and active participation in the security community will help you successfully build a career in this in-demand field.