Faced with the threat of hackers and other cybercriminals, cybersecurity has become a priority for companies in all sectors. Now, organizations are looking for experts who can protect them against malware.
The cybersecurity industry is developing at a rapid pace, and many professions are experiencing a real boom. This is particularly the case for the role of the Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst.
What is a SOC Analyst?
A SOC analyst‘s role is to react in the event of a cyberattack against the company. This expert monitors and detects cyber threats, and is responsible for implementing protections.
He analyzes threats and vulnerabilities, monitors cybersecurity trends, and prepares disaster recovery plans. The SOC analyst is considered the last line of defence against cybercriminals. He is the last bastion against hackers and other attackers.
Although a cybersecurity analyst can go it alone, they are usually part of the Security Operations Center: the team in charge of ensuring the cybersecurity of an organization. A security centre is usually made up of analysts, security engineers, and managers, and headed by a cybersecurity director.
Multiple levels of SOC analyst
There are several levels of SOC analysts, and responsibilities increase with each level. A first-party analyst only monitors and reports threats, and configures security tools. In the event of a serious incident, he sounds the alarm.
Tier 2 analysts respond to serious incidents reported by the first tier. They attempt to ward off attacks, assess their scale, and collect data for in-depth analysis.
Finally, 3rd party analysts look for system threats and weaknesses. They perform penetration tests and analyze data to understand attacks and their consequences. This job requires an acute sense of detail, in order to detect any potential anomaly. A SOC analyst must also master cybersecurity tools, operating systems or intrusion testing tools.
In addition, in order to save time, the professional must be able to automate log analysis to extract valuable data. Mastering a programming language will be of great help to him, as well as Data Visualization tools.
Becoming a SOC analyst offers many advantages. Here are several good reasons to take training to practice this profession.
1. A highly sought-after profession
Businesses are desperate to protect their data and IT systems. However, there are not enough active experts to cover the needs on a global scale.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, more than 3.5 million positions remain to be filled.
All areas need cybersecurity experts, from healthcare to finance. Even governments are facing an explosion of ransomware attacks.
Similarly, domains that did not use IT in the past are digitizing and represent new prey for hackers. Even hospitals experience a lot of data leaks.
Therefore, SOC analysts and other cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across all industries. Provided you have the required skills, you can easily find a job in the industry of your choice.
2. Few technical qualifications required
The SOC analyst role is one of the most accessible cybersecurity jobs. It is an ideal gateway to this booming field.
This profession does not require a Master’s degree. A short training is enough to acquire all the skills required and to fit into a company.
For good reason, the technology industry is above all based on technical qualifications. Given the scarcity of qualified profiles, employers are ready to accept all competent individuals.
3. Many prospects for development
If you want to move up the ranks in the cybersecurity industry, becoming a SOC analyst is a great start to your career.
The cybersecurity industry itself is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations and emerging threats. This discipline requires constant learning and the continual adoption of new tools.
You will therefore be able to acquire new qualifications over the years. Gradually, you will be able to progress to the role of Cybersecurity Manager.
4. SOC Analyst Salary
Cybersecurity professions allow you to benefit from high remuneration. This is now a priority for companies, which are snapping up experts around the world to protect them from hackers.
To secure the services of professionals, organizations do not hesitate to offer high salaries.
On average, according to Indeed, a cybersecurity expert earns nearly $100,000 a year.
Another benefit of being a SOC analyst is the ability to work remotely. Teleworking is very common in this profession, allowing you to live anywhere and save travel time.
5. A future-oriented career
Over the coming years, cybersecurity will continue to grow. Job offers will continue to proliferate, to cope with ever more determined hackers.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity occupations are expected to grow by 33% between 2020 and 2030. It is therefore clearly an area of the future.
Therefore, discovering cybersecurity training can open many doors for you. The future looks bright for experts equipped with the skills and knowledge to fight cybercrime!
