SOC Operations for Blue Team Professionals (2026)

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Overview

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This course equips blue team professionals with essential SOC skills, focusing on adversary tactics, malware analysis, and threat detection. Learn to utilize frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and Splunk for efficient cyber defense operations. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of SOC operations, focusing on blue team strategies to combat cyber threats. It begins with an introduction to red and blue team roles, highlighting the need for collaboration in network defense. Learners will explore frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and gain hands-on experience with tools such as VirusTotal, Splunk, and PCAP files for malware analysis. The course covers attacker tactics, techniques, and behaviors, forming the foundation for effective cyber defense. Professionals will gain practical skills in log analysis and threat detection with Splunk and other tools. Emphasis is placed on real-world application through malware analysis at both the network and file levels. By mastering these techniques, learners will be able to identify, analyze, and respond to cyber threats efficiently. The course ensures blue team professionals are prepared to stay ahead of evolving threats. By the end, learners will understand SOC operations, malware analysis, and threat hunting. They will confidently apply threat detection frameworks and perform advanced malware analysis, enhancing their blue team capabilities for proactive defense. This course is intended for IT professionals, cybersecurity analysts, blue team members, and anyone interested in advancing their skills in cyber defense operations. Basic knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and familiarity with network protocols is recommended. This course blends theory with practical labs, providing hands-on experience with tools like Splunk and VirusTotal. Students will tackle real-world scenarios, applying techniques in network and file-based malware analysis. By course end, participants will gain a solid understanding of blue team roles and the tools essential for defending against cyber threats. This course is based on SOC Operations for Blue Team Professionals (2026), by Hacktify Technologies Pvt. Ltd.. This course is licensed and distributed by Packt. All rights reserved. Packt is one of the world's most prolific publishers of cutting-edge technical content. For over two decades we've made it our mission to curate and publish the knowledge of only the very best technical experts. We focus on real-world courses that help our customers get the job done, with coverage that extends across a wide range of established and cutting-edge technical topics. If you're an individual or an organisation that embraces learning by doing, Packt is the perfect fit for you.

Syllabus

Introduction to Cyber Defense
- This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of cyber defense, focusing on the roles of SOC operations and the collaboration between red and blue teams. It covers the essential skills needed to understand offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies.
Understanding Adversary Tactics
- This module explores the conceptual model of the 'Bad Pyramid' to identify cyberattack patterns, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between red and blue teams, and provides insights into the roles of various cybersecurity teams in strengthening organizational security.
Roles and Responsibilities in Cyber Operations
- This module explores the essential roles and responsibilities within a blue team, focusing on monitoring, incident response, and security awareness. Learners will gain an understanding of how these functions contribute to organizational cybersecurity. The content provides practical insights into the day-to-day tasks of blue team members.
Cyber Threat Landscape and Frameworks
- This module provides an in-depth look at modern cyber threats and the frameworks used to defend against them. Learners will gain an understanding of attack vectors, common tactics, and how defense strategies can be tested using tools like the MITRE ATT&CK framework. It equips students with the knowledge to identify and respond to cybersecurity challenges effectively.
Introduction to Malware Analysis
- This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of malware analysis, including identifying malware types, using tools like VirusTotal and Splunk, and understanding static and dynamic analysis techniques. It equips learners with practical skills to detect and investigate malware through hands-on examples and knowledge checks.
Log Analysis and Threat Detection
- This module covers the fundamentals of log analysis and threat detection using tools like Splunk and Nuclei. Learners will gain skills in customizing log analysis workflows, interpreting server log data, and leveraging dashboards for effective threat visualization.
Malware Analysis Techniques and Tactics
- This module provides learners with an in-depth understanding of malware analysis techniques, including how malware operates, evades detection, and interacts with system components. It covers key behaviors, countermeasures, and tools used by analysts to investigate threats like TrickBot. Learners will gain practical knowledge of malware analysis frameworks and sandbox environments.
Malware Analysis Process
- This module provides a comprehensive overview of the malware analysis process, including essential tools, techniques, and steps for detecting, analyzing, and mitigating malware threats. Learners will gain practical insights into how to monitor and reverse-engineer malicious software effectively.
Network and File-Based Malware Analysis
- This module covers techniques for analyzing malware at the network layer and through decompilation. Learners will gain skills in examining network traffic, using PCAP files, and identifying malicious behaviors. The content includes practical steps for malware analysis using both static and dynamic tools.