One of the most common questions asked frequently by students and cybersecurity graduates on starting a career in cybersecurity focus on processes and methodology. Some go on to ask if a role as an SOC Analyst can be useful.

An attempt to answer this question —after researching extensively and drawing judgment from my career in the cybersecurity space— reveals that one of the most interesting entry points into the field is the security operation center (SOC) role for many reasons.

Rewarding entry point

The SOC analyst position can be quite rewarding, especially with the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

As a matter of fact, the experience gained in SOC can equate a double in other areas of cybersecurity, particularly if it is garnered in a managed security service provider SOC. 

This is a result of high workload and expectations, which expose analysts to a different kind of cyber experience within a short time.

Hence, the SOC role has served as a beautiful launching pad for a career in cybersecurity, with many organizations now needing a dedicated team to be responsible for investigating any computer security incidents. But who is a SOC Analyst?

Technically, an SOC analyst is a cybersecurity expert that collaborates with a team to monitor and combat threats to an organization’s IT infrastructure as well as evaluate security measures. In big organizations, the role also includes evaluating systems for flaws and recommending future improvement opportunities.

With the advancement in technology, the SOC analyst role is highly technical and versatile in terms of technical cyber security issues. And, it is considered as a very vital experience to have as a  senior cyber security professional.

Starting off your career as an SOC Analyst gives you a tick of becoming a versatile and highly technical senior cybersecurity professional.

Less competitive

There is also an advantage for anyone going through this route in the sense that there is less competition with highly skilled professionals within the SOC.

This is because highly skilled professionals move from SOC to other areas of cybersecurity, so SOC tends to take in less experienced analyst.

The rigor

The condition in SOC also does not encourage senior cyber professionals to work within it due to the rigorous nature.

In SOC, the work timeline usually involves working the night shift and on the weekends, a common career hindrance for most senior professionals who have risen through the ranks and now crave to have a work-life/family balance.

This gap might be a good opportunity for you as a less experienced individual to get in, get trained, and become a senior professional as you look to move to a more juicy part of cybersecurity using the experience you have gained in SOC as a launching pad.

In conclusion, if you are looking to gain rapid and concise experience in cybersecurity as a starter, joining a cyber SOC team might be the best launch pad for you. Talk to CyberGate Technologies today for our in-house cyber SOC training.