Job Profile: Level 2 SOC Analyst

Pathway: Cybersecurity Operations

Now you’ve got your experience as a Level 1 SOC Analyst, the next step is to look at becoming a Senior SOC analyst in the Cyber Security Operations Centre. Those with IT administrator, cyber or incident management experience may well be able to compete effectively for Level 2 roles, even without experience in an entry level role. But what further experience do you need and how can our pathways help get you to become a competitive candidate? Read on to find out more.

WHAT DOES A SENIOR SOC ANALYST DO?

Day-to-day, conducts vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, and reviews alerts, industry news, threat intelligence, and security data. Actively hunts for threats that have made their way into the network, as well as unknown vulnerabilities and security gaps. When a major incident occurs, responding to and containing it. 

HOW MUCH DOES A SENIOR SOC ANALYST LEVEL 2 MAKE IN THE UK?

The average salary expectations are: £50,000 - £65,000.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO BECOME A SENIOR SOC ANALYST LEVEL 2? 

Ex-military personnel with a background in military operations and experience in incident management and standard operational procedures are well-suited to a career in cyber operations. Level 1 SOC Analysts looking to progress their career and those with network/ system administrator experience would be a great match for this role.

Soft skills required

• Strong relationship skills

• Communication skills

• Empathy

• Emotional intelligence

• Motivation

• Ability to work under pressure

Hard skills required

Must have Level 1 SOC analyst work experience/ qualification in one or more industry monitoring tools e.g:  

1. IBM QRadar SIEM Foundation Badge | IBM Security Learning Academy  

2. Udemy Cyber Security SOC Analyst Training - SIEM 

3. Udemy OWASP: Threats Fundamentals  

4. Udemy Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response 

CAREER PROGRESSION

If you want to climb the SOC analyst career ladder, the most common route of progression is:

Senior SOC Analyst Level 2 

↓

SOC Manager

To begin your cyber pathway journey and find out about current opportunities with Forces-Friendly employers - sign up today!