Retrain as a SOC Analyst with TechVets |

Why are SOC Analyst jobs perfect for veterans in Cyber Security?

As a service leaver, reservist, veteran or military spouse, you could excel as a SOC analyst. Learn all about this popular entry-level tech specialisation here (including how to get started).

In 2018, the New York Times predicted a massive cyber security skills gap leaving more than 3.5 million cyber industry jobs unfilled by 2022. They were right.

The demand for skilled and certified cyber security pros is growing faster than the British workforce can handle. If you’re considering retraining for a tech career, cyber security is a safe bet.

You can do a lot of different jobs within cyber, but a popular starting point is to become a Tier 1 SOC analyst (also called ‘security operations control analyst’ or ‘security analyst’). This role is expected to be one of the world’s top ten fastest growing careers over the next decade. The US Bureau of Statistics gives it a projected employment growth rate of 31%, versus the average projected growth rate for all occupations (4%).

Additionally, many SOC analyst roles are ideal for military spouses and people with Armed Forces backgrounds. If you’ve served in the Army, Air Force, or Navy, you may already have the skills necessary to pursue it. Read on to learn why.

What Do SOC Analysts Do?

A SOC analyst’s job centres around assessing IT security systems. They find weaknesses and potential improvements for the digital security systems of the organisations that hire them. This is an incredibly pressing need: Approximately 70% of businesses in 2022 have reported that they’re struggling to keep up with high volumes of cyber security threats.

SOC analysts have a range of critical responsibilities. Common tasks include:

Monitoring an organisation’s IT infrastructure (computer systems, data, & network) to keep digital assets private & secure.
Investigating suspicious activity to alert their organisation to potential malicious attacks.
Configuring security tools, reviewing incidents to assess their urgency & escalating incidents if necessary (performing IT triage).
Improving their organisation’s IT security by implementing new trends in cyber security.

Jobs in SOC analysis are often flexible and remote. They’re best suited for people with strong problem solving and risk assessment skills. This makes them great options for service leavers in tech.

“A security-focused mind (and instinct) helps,” says Mark Murphy, a cyber security expert who recently gave career advice to TechVets. “Veterans have a view on life that those outside the military rarely get…it’s the truest experience of collaboration, teamwork, discipline, drive, passion, loyalty and focus, all while working in sometimes very pressured and reactive theatres of work.”

How Can TechVets Support You Retraining for This Field?

If you’re interested in becoming a Tier 1 SOC analyst, there are certain certifications you’ll need. TechVets provides ‘tech curious’ members of the Armed Forces community with a range of job success support, including upskilling opportunities, partnerships with top tech companies, a community of mentors, job boards, and more.

Along with Cisco and Fortinet training for those interested in this particular specialism, we provide access to an industry-approved Tier 1 SOC Analyst pathway. This pathway includes Immersive Labs split into three parts:

Part 1- Intro to Information Security (taking on average 7hrs 30 minutes to complete). Part 2- Networking and Encryption (taking on average 9 hrs 30 minutes to complete).

Part 3- Defensive Security and Incident Response (taking on average 19hrs 30 minutes minutes to complete).

Veterans, service leavers, reservists, and military spouses considering going down this path, find support by registering your interest at [email protected] – or visit the link below to learn more.

NEXT: TechVets Digital Cyber Academy- Pathways