Cybersecurity Job Market | SOC Analyst

Curious about the cybersecurity job market, especially for SOC Analysts? This video takes you through the ins and outs, giving you the lowdown on what it means to be a SOC Analyst in today's cybersecurity job market.
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🕒 TIMELINE
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - What to do
02:34 - Tip 1
03:05 - Tip 2
04:10 - Tip 3
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#cybersecurity #cybersecuritytrainingforbeginners #cybersecurityforbeginners #socanalyst #soc

[@Solar_and_Security]

YES. I have been saying this for YEARS. I was here from 2012-2018. Everything you do grows you as a person if you let it, and see it as a growth opportunity. Sounds corny, but if you approach it from that angle, you'll be ready when the opportunity you've been waiting for presents itself. Do literally all you can, and the while you feel stuck at times, you will shoot up exponentially at the right time, but only if you're ready for it. Worked on skills, and when I got the chance, took it, and now have the life I wanted, and worked so hard for. 99% of people have no shortcuts, you have to trust the process, and most of all, in yourself.

[@MyDFIR]

YESSSS 🙌🙌 100% agreed. Thanks for sharing!

[@Cubuchin]

My education and work experience are mainly in behavioral healthcare. I worked in that field with a Master's for a while before deciding to pivot into cybersecurity/cyberpsychology. I picked up my Sec+ and CEH and attended local events where I networked with cyber professionals. I even optimized my resume for cybersecurity and had it reviewed. In months of applying to cybersecurity jobs, the only response I ever received was an automated rejection email or, more often, no response at all. I've since returned to behavioral healthcare but I still enjoy learning about cybersecurity as a hobby.

[@MyDFIR]

I'm sorry to hear that, I wish you would've at least gotten a human response. Hopefully in the future you can try again to break into this field! I am positive you have the knowledge and drive.

[@ultravioletiris6241]

@@MyDFIR It’s not about the knowledge or drive unfortunately.

[@ProBallerJake2]

Because you don’t have any IT experience and you’re applying for mid-senior level IT roles (cybersecurity). Anyone can get an IT cert, not everyone has IT experience. Start from the ground up - otherwise don’t complain. I wouldn’t be able to “career transition” to a senior level behavioral healthcare role. I’d have to go to school and start out as a tech. You need to do the same.

[@Cubuchin]

​@@ProBallerJake2 Nope, I just pivoted into an IT manager/cybersecurity role. I joined the company because of my bh background, showed an interest in cyber while I treated patients and they made the position for me. :)

[@steventelfer8186]

Great video! The job marketing is broken and every job is extremely competetive. I come from a Graphic design background, so I'm also applying for design roles since i cant land a job in IT and Cybersecurity. I'm also constantly practicing cybersecurity so i dont lose my skills. At this point, any job will do to bring food on my table.

[@MyDFIR]

Great mindset and I love that you are constantly practicing your skills!

[@harilalmc279]

Absolutely resonated with the challenges in the cybersecurity job market. Your advice is gold, especially for us newcomers. Your tips on honing soft skills and staying updated are right on point. Appreciate the honesty about the tough market, but your encouragement to persevere is inspiring. Thanks for the valuable insights during these times. Already a subscriber, and hitting that like button for more! Keep up the fantastic work, and let's stay curious and innovate together

[@MyDFIR]

You’re awesome and thank you for watching ❤️ lets definitely continue to innovate together!

[@kirkreiglori2434]

Great words of wisdom from our Cyberguru. Thanks Steven for the encouragement and direction to this fantastic community. Blessings back to you.

[@MyDFIR]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@t3keen0ob]

Thanks Steven!! 💯 learn and fine tune your craft and character to be ready when the market picks back up!!!

[@MyDFIR]

Absolutely!

[@hober91]

You are absolutely right, I'm sending my cv's here in region of Montreal no call yet. I just finished a cybersécurity certificate in Polytechnique of Montreal

[@MyDFIR]

It's rough out there... but don't lose hope! Continue to level up while you apply, you'll get there. 💪

[@harshiniborra4933]

Time being I realized that We need this man!

[@MyDFIR]

Its tough out there, promise me you won't get discouraged! Keep practicing your skills and continue to level up. 💪

[@PacketWatchDog]

I noticed the difference this year vs last year. A lot of the postings or recruiters reaching out to me are now either offering me contract roles, same pay, and/or hybrid/in office only. 😕

[@MyDFIR]

Yup Ive seen the same too, definitely a change!

[@nunoalexandre6408]

Game Over.

[@Phanabot]

What do you think of the new announcement by the US government that degrees are no longer required for IT related government jobs ?

[@MyDFIR]

Honestly I kinda like it. As long as the candidate has some kind of experience and can prove they know the terminology and have some understanding, they deserve a chance.

[@packmanbp]

Thankfully I already am in a full time job, trying to pivot into cybersecurity so no rush for me...yet 😅

[@MyDFIR]

Yup! No rush, hone your soft skills and if you can/want, think about investing in yourself with education 💪

[@killerbung]

Question: I know most SOCs are 24/7, but are the shifts generally always rotating or can you find standard 9 to 5 shift. Are there things to watch out for on job postings that might clarify this?

[@MyDFIR]

Great question - Yeah generally most SOCs are shifts however there are some that offer graveyard shifts lol so although not a standard 9-5 but you'll always be 10-6. If they do offer some kind of standard 9-5 you should see it within the job posting.

[@RainMan52]

I feel better about filling up the broken milkshake machine

[@Cyber.Panda.]

Hi Steven, I find a lot of conflicting answers when it comes to AI and Cybersec. Is AI something that will replace a level 1 SOC now? or perhaps in 5 years? or is it simply a tool that will aide a level 1 SOC?

[@trickwheel]

Just my thoughts, I feel AI is a tool to be used but you have to know how to leverage it. Like a SOAR, an analyst has to be there to confirm or deny actions being taken so that no mistakes occur. For example, if you ask AI about specific game theory concepts it will give mixed or confusing results. It seems to have issues with the analysis aspect. To someone not trained it will look good but if you understand the concepts you will see the mistakes. I feel the same can be said for cyber. Maybe not more common concerns but for more complex issues, an analyst with a keen eye will be there to act properly. I'm interested to hear what others think.

[@MyDFIR]

Bang on! Its essentially a google for dummies haha but seriously, AI will NOT take over a level 1 SOC NOW. Will it? Maybe in the future, we never know. However, it is a tool that will aide a tier 1 as you mentioned 👍 - Now will automation/SOAR take over a tier 1? A properly tuned and implemented one, most definitely. Thus, an analyst must know how to provide value (investigations) rather than be a “ticket monkey” as some would call it. Hope that helps!

[@Cyber.Panda.]

@@MyDFIR Thanks and I appreciate the input!

[@fotsodieudonne1186]

We are waiting the training bro

[@MyDFIR]

June 10th is the expected release date! Stay tuned 😁

[@firasa60]

Im a junior secure computing students. I’ve been applying to summer internships since November (100+) and got nothing so far. My resumes solid and I got 3.3 cumulative (4.0 in the fall) but I guess it’s not meant to be for this summer

[@MyDFIR]

Yea it’s rough, have you tried looking for IT as well or just cybersecurity? If the latter, try expanding to IT

[@mauricecioccato9818]

Nice video, I wanted to know if you are you talking about US job market or general one?

[@MyDFIR]

For sure here in Canada and I am going to confidently say in US as well.

[@mauricecioccato9818]

@@MyDFIR im from Europe...

[@israelisraily1308]

@MyDFIR Have you heard that many GRC opportunities are coming up with the new 2025 Government regulations for their contractors?

[@MyDFIR]

Thats great news for folks wanting to get into GRC that have clearance!

[@TheSilentLearner786]

Sir please do splunk soar unprivileged tutorials❤

[@zy7236]

Can you make a video regarding the websites for Canadian to apply for cyber security related job? Indeed does not have too much cybersecurity job open.

[@MyDFIR]

Personally I use indeed & LinkedIn as my 2 go to sources. Setup job alerts with your keyword search to have you be alerted when new opportunities present itself

[@jeffreycruz6454]

From a hiring manager perspective, how does a candidate combat hiring managers who state for example, " you have Microsoft Defender EDR experience but not Crowdstrike or Microsoft Sentinel but not Exabeam. Different vendors but same underlying technology. How can you prove to a hiring manager you know one platform and can learn another. I only ask because i went through this countless times before i landed my second SOC role

[@MyDFIR]

Thats a great question and firstly, congrats on landing your role! My answer to this would be to prove that you know the underlying concept vs the technology. Talk about how a tool is just a tool and provide examples. I would be looking to see if the candidate really understands.

[@hardlessons9732]

Stick with IT and add cybersecurity at your job. And negotiate salaries

[@MyDFIR]

Yup that is a great idea 🙌

[@bebryan1201]

My understanding is that a lot of these positions have been and are being moved overseas for considerably less $

[@MyDFIR]

You're correct, however IMO there are a lot of companies that are not going this route due to data residency. Sure there are "cheaper" but can and will come with more risk. - Just my 2 cents!

[@sammergill1430]

Hi Steven, how many project should i put on my resume ? 2 3 ?

[@tommypham1101]

Are you trolling or serious?

[@sammergill1430]

@@tommypham1101 seriously why?

[@JBVIEWS_]

Two or three wouldn’t make a difference I would say more the merrier

[@MyDFIR]

At the end of the day, its more so the skills you've learned that you can start applying to your resume. Yes the projects are great to have but think of it as a talking point rather than something to jam into your resume. With that being said, depending on how "full" your resume is, you can include projects as needed. Try to make your resume a 1 pager but don't go over 2 pages.

[@yamin1702]

I feel like there is no value for people with little to no experience. All i see is roles requiring years of experience with an extensive set of skills or either one of those (YOE or extensive skills).

[@MyDFIR]

Yeah…its certainly quite difficult starting out which is why I always tell people to try and network with others as that could help get them one step closer.

[@yamin1702]

@@MyDFIR I'm trying to grow my LinkedIn connections every day. Do you think it's better to connect with people in the same area as you? For example, I'm based in London, UK, or is it better to just connect with everyone no matter the location?

[@MyDFIR]

@@yamin1702 Great question, the short answer...I'd say that wouldn't matter AS much, sure same location has the opportunity to meet in person but instead, I'd suggest you put your efforts into focusing on conversations regardless of location, participate in threads, post about your thoughts/findings/labs/projects..anything that is related to this industry if you aren't already. Hope that helps!

[@sunjidulislam329]

should I enter in this sector or not?

[@MyDFIR]

I cannot answer that for you, it is something you need to ask yourself. Do you enjoy cybersecurity? What about it do you enjoy? Are you a curious individual by nature? Do you like researching and troubleshooting?

[@sunjidulislam329]

@@MyDFIR I am enjoying this field ...but I want to be a Digital Forensics Investigator ...should I focus on soc ? or bachelor of forensic or masters of forensic ..now I am studying in Computer Engineering And a soc can be a digital forensic investigator?

[@bulba888]

always can go unethical hacking))

[@johndank2209]

which will result in an increase in cybersecurity jobs, it's a win win. :D

[@MyDFIR]

👀👀👀

[@marlinshanklin-ww7em]

Club Fed always has a room available.

[@bulba888]

@@johndank2209exactly 💯

[@billbanks9141]

Lol not great advice. Believe me ,companies want techincal skills first. Most companies already have plenty of "people" employees. They are looking for employees that know what they are doing.

[@MyDFIR]

Thanks for sharing! Even better if the individual has soft skills along with the technical.

[@rsleepy255]

I blame biden

[@A42yearoldARAB]

impossible! He says everything is great!

[@Phanabot]

lol the White House just announced that US government IT jobs no longer require a degree. Everything is now skill based.