1. Introduction to Security Operations Center (SOC)

1.1. Overview of SOC

• Understanding the fundamentals of a Security Operations Center (SOC) and its role in organizational cybersecurity.
• Exploring the responsibilities and functions of a SOC analyst in monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents.

1.2. SOC Structure and Roles

• Learning about the different roles within a SOC, including Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 analysts.
• Understanding the collaboration and communication processes within the SOC team.

2. Threat Landscape and Intelligence

2.1. Understanding Cyber Threats

• Exploring the various types of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
• Analyzing the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors.

2.2. Threat Intelligence

• Learning about the importance of threat intelligence in proactive security.
• Utilizing threat intelligence platforms and feeds to gather, analyze, and act on threat information.

3. Security Monitoring and Detection

3.1. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

• Understanding the role of SIEM in aggregating and analyzing security data.
• Configuring and using SIEM tools to monitor security events and identify potential threats.

3.2. Log Analysis and Correlation

• Learning the importance of log analysis in identifying suspicious activities.
• Utilizing log correlation techniques to detect and investigate security incidents.

4. Incident Response and Handling

4.1. Incident Response Lifecycle

• Understanding the phases of the incident response lifecycle, including preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.
• Developing and implementing incident response plans and playbooks.

4.2. Incident Detection and Triage

• Learning techniques for detecting and prioritizing security incidents.
• Performing initial analysis and triage to determine the severity and impact of incidents.

5. Intrusion Detection and Prevention

5.1. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

• Understanding the role of IDS in detecting malicious activities.
• Configuring and using IDS tools to monitor network traffic and identify threats.

5.2. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

• Learning about IPS and its role in blocking malicious activities.
• Implementing and managing IPS solutions to enhance network security.

6. Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering

6.1. Basic Malware Analysis

• Understanding the fundamentals of malware analysis and its importance in incident response.
• Utilizing tools and techniques for static and dynamic malware analysis.

6.2. Reverse Engineering Malware

• Exploring advanced techniques for reverse engineering malware to understand its behavior and impact.
• Using reverse engineering tools to analyze obfuscated or encrypted malware.

7. Network Security Monitoring

7.1. Network Traffic Analysis

• Understanding the principles of network traffic analysis and its role in threat detection.
• Using tools like Wireshark and TCPdump to analyze network traffic and identify anomalies.

7.2. Network Forensics

• Learning techniques for conducting network forensics to investigate security incidents.
• Collecting and analyzing network artifacts to reconstruct attack timelines and identify threat actors.

8. Endpoint Security

8.1. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

• Understanding the role of EDR in monitoring and protecting endpoints.
• Implementing and managing EDR solutions to detect and respond to endpoint threats.

8.2. Host-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS)

• Learning about HIDS and its role in monitoring host activities.
• Configuring and using HIDS tools to detect suspicious behaviors on endpoints.

9. Vulnerability Management

9.1. Vulnerability Assessment

• Conducting vulnerability assessments to identify and prioritize security weaknesses.
• Utilizing automated tools and manual techniques to assess vulnerabilities.

9.2. Patch Management

• Understanding the importance of patch management in maintaining security.
• Developing and implementing patch management processes to remediate vulnerabilities.

10. Reporting and Documentation

10.1. Incident Reporting

• Learning best practices for documenting and reporting security incidents.
• Creating detailed incident reports that include findings, actions taken, and recommendations.

10.2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Understanding relevant compliance standards and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
• Ensuring SOC activities align with regulatory requirements and best practices.

11. Hands-On Labs and Case Studies

11.1. Practical Exercises

• Participating in hands-on labs to apply course concepts in real-world scenarios, including incident detection, analysis, and response.
• Gaining practical experience with SOC tools and technologies to reinforce learning and develop practical skills.

11.2. Real-World Case Studies

• Analyzing real-world security incidents and breaches to understand their impact and learn from past experiences.
• Reviewing case studies to gain insights into best practices and strategies for effective SOC operations.

12. Conclusion and Certification

12.1. Review and Recap

• Summarizing key topics covered throughout the course and highlighting essential takeaways for SOC analysts.

12.2. Certification Preparation

• Providing guidance on preparing for SOC analyst certification exams, including recommended study materials and exam strategies.