Security Operations Essentials
Difficulty
Security Operations Essentials teaches the core skills needed for defensive cybersecurity. This Learning Path prepares learners for the SOC-200 course and the OSDA certification, making it an essential starting point for anyone beginning a career in security operations.
15
modules
231
hours of content
10
real-world skills
Learning Objectives
- Understand Linux and Windows fundamentals, including core operations and services
- Learn networking basics and network service configuration on Linux and Windows
- Automate security tasks using Python and PowerShell scripting
- Understand enterprise network architecture and operational best practices
- Learn SOC processes, including monitoring, analysis, and incident response
- Troubleshoot system and network issues effectively
- Build foundational Active Directory knowledge and validate skills through hands-on assessment
Who is it for?
- Newcomers to security operations
- Learners aiming for roles in a Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Learners preparing for threat hunting or digital forensics roles
Showcase your skills with an OffSec Learning Badge
Proficiency
Proven knowledge of OS basics, networking, scripting, and SOC management processes
Industry recognition
A valuable OffSec credential demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity
Hands-on skill
Demonstrated ability to apply SOC concepts in real-world scenarios
Start learning with OffSec
$799/year*
Intro content
Learn Fundamentals
Access to all fundamental content for one year to prepare for our advanced courses
$2,749/year*
Best value
Learn One
Includes one year of access to one 200 or 300-level course, the associated labs, and two exam attempts
Flexible pricing for teams of any size
Scalable options to fit your team's training needs
Security Operations Essentials FAQ
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Are there any prerequisites for Security Operations Essentials?
No, there are no formal prerequisites, but some background in IT can be beneficial.
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Is Security Operations Essentials good for beginners?
Yes, this learning path is designed to introduce fundamental SOC concepts, making it accessible to everyone.
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Security Operations Essentials: NIST Work Roles
- Communications Security (COMSEC) Management
- Network Operations
- Systems Administration
- Systems Security Analysis
- Technical Support
- Defensive Cybersecurity
- Incident Response
- Infrastructure Support
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Security Operations Essentials: NIST TKS’s
- Perform cost/benefit analyses of cybersecurity programs, policies, processes, systems, and elements
- Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) policies and procedures
- Knowledge of incident handling tools and techniques
- Knowledge of systems security engineering (SSE) principles and practices
- Knowledge of Risk Adaptive (Adaptable) Access Controls (RAdAC)
- Knowledge of system vulnerabilities
- Knowledge of hardware reverse engineering tools and techniques
- Knowledge of data classification policies and procedures
- Skill in evaluating security designs
- Knowledge of authentication and authorization tools and techniques
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Skills learned in Security Operations Essentials
- Python scripting
- Active Directory exploitation
- Incident response support
- Log analysis
- Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs)
- Incident documentation
- Network traffic analysis
- Analytical & Conceptual
- System monitoring
- PowerShell scripting
