Book | Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career: A Roadmap to Cybersecurity Success | A Conversation with Authors Tyler Wall and Jarrett Rodrick | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin

Guests: 

Tyler Wall, CEO, Cyber NOW Education

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerewall

On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@cybernoweducation

Jarrett Rodrick, Sr. Manager, Threat Management at Omnissa [@WeAreOmnissa]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrett-rodrick/

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Hosts: 

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/sean-martin

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Episode Notes

In the latest episode of Redefining CyberSecurity, host Sean Martin converses with Tyler Wall and Jarrett Rodrick, co-authors of "Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career: A Roadmap to Cybersecurity Success." The discussion dives into the essential aspects of starting and advancing a career as a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst, shedding light on the realities and opportunities within the cybersecurity landscape.

Tyler Wall, a full-time cybersecurity professional and founder of CyberNow Education, highlights that entering the SOC analyst role doesn't necessarily require a college degree. Wall emphasizes the importance of certifications like Security+ and Network+, combined with real-world IT experience. The discussion points out that many successful SOC analysts have transitioned from desktop support roles or other IT positions, using these pathways to gain relevant experience and knowledge.

Jarrett Rodrick, formerly a SOC lead at VMware and now overseeing multiple security teams at Omnissa, underscores that this field values practical skills and continuous learning. Rodrick's own journey from combat soldier to SOC manager exemplifies the diverse backgrounds from which professionals can emerge. He points out that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cybersecurity job market was robust, but now there is fiercer competition with many qualified candidates vying for roles.

Wall and Rodrick discuss the structure of their book, which includes five real-world stories from various SOC analysts. These stories serve to inspire and provide practical insights into the everyday challenges and rewards of the role. The book also covers the technical and non-technical skills necessary for SOC analysts, such as curiosity, the ability to delve into rabbit holes of information, and a thorough understanding of cloud security.

Networking and community involvement are vital for career growth, as highlighted by Wall. He advises aspiring SOC analysts to join groups like DEF CON, 2600, and online communities such as Black Hills Information Security to build connections and gain industry insights. Blogging about one's learning journey and challenges can also attract attention and establish a professional network.

The conversation also touches upon the future of the SOC analyst role, particularly in light of advancements in automation. Rodrick notes that while automation will handle some of the more mundane tasks, it will never completely replace human analysts. These tools are designed to enhance efficiency and allow analysts to focus on more complex and strategic issues. Wall adds that having a background or education in cloud security is increasingly important as more companies migrate to cloud environments.

In summary, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the SOC analyst career path, highlighting the need for practical skills, continuous learning, and community engagement. Wall and Rodrick's insights and recommendations serve as a valuable guide for anyone looking to enter or advance in this critical cybersecurity role. Their book, "Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career," is a testament to their commitment to supporting the next generation of SOC analysts and promoting a secure digital world.

Key Questions Addressed

• How can one get started as a SOC analyst?
• What skills are necessary for a SOC analyst?
• How is automation impacting the SOC analyst role?

About the Book

The frontlines of cybersecurity operations include many unfilled jobs and exciting career opportunities.A transition to a security operations center (SOC) analyst position could be the start of a new path for you. Learn to actively analyze threats, protect your enterprise from harm, and kick-start your road to cybersecurity success with this one-of-a-kind book.

Authors Tyler E. Wall and Jarrett W. Rodrick carefully and expertly share real-world insights and practical tips in Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career. The lessons revealed equip you for interview preparation, tackling day one on the job, and setting long-term development goals.This book highlights personal stories from five SOC professionals at various career levels with keen advice that is immediately applicable to your own journey. The gems of knowledge shared in this book provide you with a notable advantage for entering this dynamic field of work.

The recent surplus in demand for SOC analysts makes Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career a must-have for aspiring tech professionals and long-time veterans alike. Recent industry developments such as using the cloud and security automation are broken down in concise,understandable ways, to name a few. The rapidly changing world of cybersecurity requires innovation and fresh eyes, and this book is your roadmap to success.

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Resources

Jump-start Your SOC Analyst Career: A Roadmap to Cybersecurity Success - 2nd Edition (Book): https://amzn.to/3MRUFbW

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