This course is designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap from understanding the core mission of a SOC to executing a strategic 90-day plan for employment as a Security Operations Analyst. By moving through the modules, you will transition from a high-level observer to a career-ready candidate with a tangible plan for success. The curriculum is structured to build upon itself, covering five core pillars.

First, you will establish a foundation by describing the core responsibilities, team structures , and operational realities of working in a modern, cloud-first Security Operations Center. Next, you will identify and understand the essential technical suite used to defend modern enterprises, specifically focusing on Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM/SOAR), Microsoft Defender (Threat Mitigation/EDR), and Microsoft Purview (Data Protection & Risk). Following this, you will learn to trace the complete lifecycle of a security incident, exploring how analysts triage alerts in Sentinel, contain threats using Defender, and conduct proactive threat hunting. You will then evaluate common entry pathways into the SOC, focusing on high-value Microsoft certifications (such as the SC-200), building Azure-based home labs, and successfully translating your existing skills. Finally, you will synthesize all of these insights to deconstruct active job postings, perform a personal gap analysis, and create a time-bound, 90-day action plan for pursuing your first SOC analyst position.

Syllabus

Understand the core responsibilities and tier structures of a modern, cloud-first Security Operations Center (SOC).
Identify essential enterprise defense tools, specifically focusing on Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, and Purview.
Learn how to effectively triage security alerts and manage incidents using Microsoft Sentinel's SIEM and SOAR capabilities.
Explore techniques for containing threats and securing endpoints utilizing Microsoft Defender.
Trace the complete lifecycle of a cyber security incident from initial detection through proactive threat hunting.
Identify high-value industry certifications, such as the SC-200, to enhance your professional qualifications.
Gain practical knowledge on building Azure-based home labs to develop and showcase your hands-on technical skills.
Create a personalized, 90-day strategic action plan to successfully secure your first SOC analyst position.