EC-Council Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) Training
The Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) training is designed to equip security professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to work effectively in a Security Operations Center (SOC). It focuses on monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time.
The course bridges the gap between entry-level cybersecurity certifications and advanced SOC operations, preparing learners to handle modern security incidents using SIEM solutions, threat intelligence, and incident response methodologies.
Learners gain hands-on experience in log analysis, detecting suspicious patterns, correlating events, and investigating alerts using industry-standard tools. The training also covers SOC processes, communication workflows, and compliance requirements.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand SOC roles, responsibilities, and architecture.
- Monitor and analyze security events with SIEM platforms.
- Detect and triage potential threats and incidents.
- Investigate and escalate incidents using structured playbooks.
- Apply threat intelligence for proactive defense.
- Support incident response and reporting procedures.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General IT / Networking Knowledge
- A basic understanding of computer networks, operating systems (Windows/Linux), and IT concepts.
- Familiarity with TCP/IP, firewalls, and common network protocols.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Awareness of cybersecurity principles, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Prior exposure to security tools (antivirus, firewalls, SIEM, IDS/IPS) is helpful but not mandatory.
Experience (Recommended, not mandatory)
- 1 to 2 years of experience in IT systems, network administration, or security operations.
- Freshers with strong IT fundamentals can also join.
Educational Background
- No strict academic requirements, but a diploma/degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field is an advantage.
Mindset & Skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Interest in threat analysis, incident response, and security monitoring.
SOC Analyst Complete Course Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to SOC
- Understanding the role of a SOC in cybersecurity
- SOC hierarchy (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Incident Response, Threat Hunting)
- SOC architecture (people, process, technology)
- Key SOC terminologies
Module 2: Networking Fundamentals for SOC
- OSI & TCP/IP models
- Common protocols (HTTP/HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, DHCP, SNMP, RDP, SSH, etc.)
- Network addressing, subnets, VLANs
- Firewall, IDS, IPS, Proxy basics
- Packet analysis with Wireshark
Module 3: Cybersecurity Foundations
- Threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits
- Cyber kill chain & MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Common attack vectors (phishing, malware, ransomware, brute force, etc.)
- Endpoint vs. network security concepts
- CIA triad, defense-in-depth
Module 4: Security Devices & Logs
- Firewalls, routers, switches, and WAFs
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) tools
- Antivirus/Antimalware solutions
- Understanding logs (system logs, application logs, security logs)
- Windows Event Viewer & Linux syslogs
Module 5: SIEM Fundamentals
- What is SIEM? (Security Information and Event Management)
- SIEM architecture & log ingestion
- SIEM use cases in SOC
- Creating correlation rules
- Log analysis in Splunk / QRadar / ArcSight / ELK
- Hands-on alert triaging
Module 6: Incident Detection & Response
- Incident lifecycle (Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, Lessons Learned)
- Indicators of Compromise (IoC) & Indicators of Attack (IoA)
- Event triage process (false positives vs. true positives)
- Malware analysis basics (hashing, sandboxing, VirusTotal, Any.Run)
- Responding to phishing, brute force, malware, and insider threat alerts
Module 7: Threat Intelligence & Hunting
- Understanding threat intelligence (strategic, tactical, operational, technical)
- Threat intelligence platforms (TIPs, OSINT sources)
- Hunting with MITRE ATT&CK
- Using YARA rules and Sigma rules
- Hands-on threat hunting labs
Module 8: Digital Forensics Basics
- Disk, memory, and network forensics
- Forensic evidence handling
- Tools (Autopsy, Volatility, FTK Imager)
- File system artifacts (Windows registry, browser history, logs)
- Email header analysis
Module 9: Vulnerability Management
- Vulnerability scanning tools (Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys)
- CVE, CVSS scoring system
- Patch management & remediation workflow
- Role of SOC in vulnerability management
Module 10: Cloud & Modern SOC
- Cloud security basics (AWS, Azure, GCP logging & monitoring)
- CASB and cloud-native security tools
- Zero Trust and identity security in SOC
- XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
Module 11: Compliance & Frameworks
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA basics
- GDPR, CCPA impact on SOC operations
- Incident reporting and documentation standards
Module 12: SOC Tools & Hands-On Labs
- SIEM (Splunk, QRadar, Elastic SIEM)
- EDR (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Defender for Endpoint)
- SOAR (Security Orchestration Automation and Response)
- Threat Intel (MISP, AlienVault OTX, ThreatConnect)
- Packet capture tools (Wireshark, tcpdump)
Module 13: Soft Skills & SOC Reporting
- Analytical & critical thinking
- Writing SOC reports (executive vs. technical reports)
- Effective communication with IR and management teams
- Escalation procedures
Module 14: Capstone Project & Simulation
- Real-world SOC lab environment
- Simulated phishing attack detection & response
- Malware infection scenario handling
- Incident documentation & reporting
COURSE BRIEF
- Course Title: Certified SOC Analyst
- Duration: 1 month instructor-led Training
- Level: Beginner to Advance Level
- Format: Online Training with Series of Projects
- Regular Assignments & Case Studies
SCHEDULES
- Days: Monday – Friday
- Duration: 1hr Everyday
- Time: 9pm (CST)