Duration: 5 days – 35 hrs

 

Overview

The “SOC Network and Threat Detection and Analysis” training course is designed to equip Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts and IT security professionals with the skills and knowledge required to detect, analyze, and respond to network threats effectively. This comprehensive course covers essential topics such as threat intelligence, network monitoring, intrusion detection, and incident response.

 

Objectives

• Understand the role and functions of a SOC.
• Identify and analyze various types of network threats and attacks.
• Utilize threat intelligence to enhance detection and response capabilities.
• Implement and manage network monitoring and intrusion detection systems.
• Develop and execute effective incident response plans.

 

Audience

• SOC Analysts: Individuals responsible for monitoring and defending organizational networks.
• IT Security Professionals: Staff involved in network security and threat detection.
• Network Administrators: Professionals managing network infrastructure and security.
• Incident Response Teams: Members tasked with responding to and mitigating security incidents.

 

Prerequisites 

• Basic understanding of networking concepts and cybersecurity principles.

• Familiarity with IT infrastructure and network protocols (helpful but not mandatory).

 

Course Content

Day 1: Introduction to Security Operations Center (SOC) Networks    

Understanding Security Operations Centers (SOCs)    

• Definition and role of Security Operations Centers (SOCs)
• Overview of SOC functions and responsibilities
• Importance of SOC networks in cybersecurity defense

 

Introduction to Network Security   

• Basics of network security principles and concepts

• Common network security threats and vulnerabilities
• Overview of network security controls and defenses

 

Network Traffic Analysis    

• Basics of network traffic analysis techniques

• Identifying normal and abnormal network behavior
• Introduction to network traffic analysis tools (e g, Wireshark)

 

Introduction to Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)    

• Role of IDS in detecting and preventing network intrusions
• Types of IDS (e.g., signature based, anomaly-based)
• Basics of IDS deployment and configuration

 

Hands-on Activity: Network Traffic Analysis    

• Guided exercise using Wireshark to analyze sample network traffic
• Identifying common network protocols and traffic patterns
• Analyzing network packets to detect potential security incidents

 

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Basics    

• Overview of SIEM systems and their role in SOC networks
• Basics of log collection, correlation, and analysis
• Introduction to popular SIEM platforms (e g, Splunk, ELK Stack)

 

Incident Handling and Response Basics    

• Basics of incident handling and response processes
• Role of SOC teams in incident response activities
• Introduction to incident response frameworks (e g, NIST, SANS)

 

Introduction to Threat Intelligence    

• Basics of threat intelligence and its relevance to SOC operations
• Sources of threat intelligence (e.g., opensource feeds, commercial providers)
• Role of threat intelligence in proactive defense and incident response

 

Day 2: Advanced Topics and Hands-on Exercises    

Advanced Network Security Concepts    

• Advanced network security controls and techniques (e g, intrusion prevention systems, next-generation firewalls)

• Best practices for securing network infrastructure and endpoints
• Case studies of advanced network security incidents and defenses

 

Advanced Network Traffic Analysis    

• Advanced techniques for network traffic analysis (e g, deep packet inspection, flow analysis)

• Identifying advanced threats and attack patterns in network traffic

• Hands-on exercise using advanced network traffic analysis tools

 

Advanced SIEM Configuration and Use Cases    

• Advanced configuration options and features in SIEM platforms
• Building custom dashboards and reports for SOC monitoring
• Hands-on exercise configuring SIEM rules and alerts

 

Incident Response Simulation Exercise    

• Full-day scenario-based incident response simulation exercise
• Participants work in teams to respond to simulated security incidents
• Application of incident response techniques and processes learned during the workshop

 

Threat Hunting Basics    

• Basics of threat hunting and proactive threat detection
• Identifying signs of compromise and indicators of attack (IOAs)
• Introduction to threat-hunting methodologies and tools

 

Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)    

• Introduction to SOAR platforms and their role in SOC automation
• Basics of playbook creation and automation workflows
• Hands-on exercise building and testing SOAR playbooks

 

Continuous Improvement in SOC Operations    

• Strategies for continuous improvement of SOC capabilities
• Importance of training, knowledge sharing, and collaboration
• Incorporating lessons learned from incidents into SOC processes

 

Conclusion and Next Steps    

• Recap of key learnings and takeaways from the workshop
• Guidance on further resources and training opportunities for advancing in SOC network operations

 

Day 3: Focus on Incident Response and Management

Detailed Incident Response Planning

• Components of an incident response plan
• Creating incident response playbooks
• Establishing communication plans during incidents

 

Advanced Malware Analysis

• Techniques for analyzing malware behavior
• Tools for static and dynamic malware analysis
• Hands-on exercise with malware analysis tools

 

Digital Forensics Basics

• Introduction to digital forensics
• Forensic imaging and evidence handling
• Basic forensic analysis techniques

 

Forensic Analysis Tools

• Overview of forensic analysis tools (e.g., EnCase, FTK)
• Practical session using forensic tools to analyze disk images
• Reporting forensic findings

 

Case Study: Real-world Incident Response

• Examination of a real-world incident response case
• Lessons learned from the case study
• Group discussion on improving response strategies

 

Hands-on Exercise: Incident Response Tabletop Simulation

• Tabletop exercise simulating a security incident
• Teams practise response coordination and decision-making
• Debrief and feedback session

 

Advanced Threat Intelligence Utilization

• Integrating threat intelligence into SOC operations
• Tools and platforms for threat intelligence analysis
• Practical session on using threat intelligence feeds

 

Building a SOC Playbook

• Importance of playbooks in SOC operations
• Steps to create and maintain effective playbooks
• Collaborative session to develop a sample playbook

 

Day 4: In-depth Analysis and SOC Optimization

Behavioral Analytics in SOC

• Introduction to behavioral analytics
• Techniques for detecting anomalies in user and network behavior
• Hands-on session with behavioral analytics tools

 

Machine Learning in Cybersecurity

• Basics of machine learning concepts
• Applying machine learning for threat detection
• Tools and platforms for implementing machine learning models

 

Log Management and Analysis

• Best practices for log management
• Tools for effective log analysis
• Hands-on exercise analyzing log data for security events

 

Incident Detection and Response Metrics

• Key metrics for measuring SOC performance
• Techniques for improving detection and response times
• Implementing continuous monitoring and metrics tracking

 

SOC Automation Strategies

• Benefits of automating SOC processes
• Identifying tasks suitable for automation
• Implementing automation with scripts and tools

 

Hands-on Exercise: Building Automation Scripts

• Writing scripts to automate common SOC tasks
• Testing and validating automation scripts
• Collaborative session to share and improve scripts

 

Advanced Threat Hunting Techniques

• Techniques for advanced threat hunting
• Utilizing threat intelligence for proactive hunting
• Hands-on threat hunting exercise

 

Panel Discussion: SOC Challenges and Solutions

• Discussions with industry experts on common SOC challenges
• Solutions and strategies for overcoming these challenges
• Q&A session with the panel

 

Day 5: Integrative Capstone Project and Review

Capstone Project Introduction

• Overview of the integrative capstone project
• Project objectives and deliverables
• Team assignments and roles

 

Project Work Session 1: Network Security

• Applying network security concepts to the project
• Teams work on securing a simulated network environment
• Guidance from instructors

 

Project Work Session 2: Incident Response

• Developing incident response plans for the project scenario
• Simulating incident response activities
• Teams document their response strategies

 

Project Work Session 3: Threat Hunting and Analysis

• Conducting threat hunting and analysis as part of the project
• Identifying and mitigating threats in the simulated environment
• Teams report their findings

 

Project Presentation Preparation

• Preparing to present project findings and solutions
• Teams create presentation materials
• Practice sessions with feedback from instructors

 

Capstone Project Presentations

• Teams present their project outcomes
• Instructors and peers provide feedback
• Discussion on best practices and innovative solutions