SOC Analyst Training Blog

Practical guides for people breaking into security operations.

Career8 July 20265 min read

SOC analyst salary in the UK in 2026: what to expect at L1, L2, L3

What does a SOC analyst actually earn in the UK? Realistic salary ranges by level, location, and sector — not the optimistic top-of-range figures.

Scenarios7 July 20266 min read

Phishing alert investigation: a step-by-step walkthrough

What does a phishing alert actually look like in a SOC? A realistic walkthrough from raw alert to verdict — the same process you'll follow on day one.

Concepts6 July 20264 min read

What is MTTR and why does every SOC manager track it?

MTTR is one of the most-quoted metrics in security operations. Here's what it actually means, how it's calculated, and what it tells you about your SOC.

Certifications5 July 20265 min read

CompTIA Security+ vs BTL1: which cert should you do first?

Two of the most recommended entry-level security certifications, two very different experiences. An honest comparison to help you decide where to spend your time and money.

Tools4 July 20265 min read

Splunk basics for SOC analysts: reading your first search

New to Splunk? Here's what you actually need to know to read alert data, write basic searches, and not feel lost on day one.

Career1 July 20267 min read

A day in the life of a SOC analyst: what the job actually looks like

An honest walkthrough of a SOC analyst shift — the 08:00 queue, the alert types you see every week, the ticketing nobody mentions, and what separates good analysts from great ones.

Fundamentals24 June 20267 min read

What is alert triage? How SOC analysts separate real threats from noise

Alert triage explained: the true positive vs false positive decision, why MTTR matters, and a step-by-step worked example of triaging a C2 beaconing alert.

Career10 June 20268 min read

How to become a SOC analyst in 2026: a practical roadmap

What the SOC analyst role actually involves, the skills and certifications that matter, and how to build the triage experience hiring managers actually look for.