Why I Think the SOC Level 1 Learning Path on TryHackMe is Perfect for Beginners

Introduction

Some time last year (mid-2023), I was looking for the right training that would suit someone who was a little novice. I had some experience already. I heard a lot about TryHackMe and decided to check it out. The first path I did was SOC Level 1.

Accessible Learning Material

The SOC Level 1 learning path on TryHackMe is designed for beginners with virtually no experience. I had some certs and hands-on experience already, but I still found this challenging enough to where I had to think and problem-solve. The material is digestible and presented clearly to someone who isn't technical at all. Cybersecurity can get pretty complex, but this path took those complex topics and really broke them down Barney style.

Hands-On Experience

As someone who's very hands-on and visual, I really liked the labs. As a beginner, practical experience is invaluable. The SOC Level 1 path includes several interactive labs that allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. These exercises cover:

• Investigating Security Incidents: Using tools like Splunk and Carbon Black to analyze and respond to simulated security incidents.
• Detecting Threats: Setting up and configuring SIEM tools to detect and investigate potential threats.
• Remediating Vulnerabilities: Performing vulnerability scans and applying patches to secure systems.

Structured Learning Path

For beginners, having a structured learning path is essential. The SOC Level 1 path is well-organized, guiding you step-by-step through the fundamentals of working in a SOC. The learning path covers key areas such as:

• Incident Response: Understanding the process of identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from security incidents.
• Threat Detection: Learning to detect potential threats using log analysis, network monitoring, and endpoint security.
• Vulnerability Management: Gaining skills in regular scanning, patch management, and maintaining secure configurations.

Real-World Relevance

The hands-on labs include real-world scenarios you would encounter as a SOC Analyst. The hands-on experience offers a lot of value. As a beginner, you can showcase this to employers during an interview. Even though you have no formal experience, it doesn't mean you can't demonstrate informal experience and enthusiasm to learn.

Community and Support

If you are struggling with these paths, Google will become your best friend if it already wasn't. Even better, some YouTubers have posted step-by-step tutorials, so you can easily have a split screen monitor and follow along.

Conclusion

The SOC Level 1 learning path on TryHackMe is an excellent starting point for beginners in cybersecurity. It offers accessible learning material, hands-on experience, a structured learning path, and real-world relevance. By completing this path, you’ll gain foundational skills and practical knowledge essential for a career in cybersecurity.

If you’re a beginner looking to break into the field, I highly recommend the SOC Level 1 learning path on TryHackMe. It’s a great way to build your skills, gain confidence, and prepare for the exciting challenges of a cybersecurity career.