Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533084
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 MARCH 2025 6 COMMERCIAL The SOC analyst training: A pathway to advanced cybersecurity skills The MITA-NCC Cybersecu- rity Skilling Program is offering invaluable upskilling opportuni- ties in cybersecurity, including the specialized Security Oper- ations Centre (SOC) Analyst Training. This comprehensive course combines foundational cybersecurity theory with prac- tical, hands-on sessions led by experienced trainers. To gain in- sights into the program's impact, MITA-NCC spoke with Keene Muscat, a software developer who recently completed the Ad- vanced level of the SOC Analyst Training. 1. How would you rate your in- formation security knowledge before the course? Before taking the course, I had a solid foundation in informa- tion security through my soft- ware development studies at the University of Malta. My course- work included networking, se- cure coding, and digital foren- sics. However, my knowledge was primarily theoretical, and I lacked hands-on experience and exposure to real-world industry scenarios. Some cybersecurity topics were available as elective credits, which I chose to deepen my un- derstanding of subjects like cryp- tography. While the SOC An- alyst Training covered familiar topics such as digital forensics, it provided real-world examples and practical applications that helped me truly appreciate what I had learned. 2. What encouraged you to ap- ply for the SOC Analyst Training Course? I've always been fascinated by cybersecurity. When this op- portunity came up, I saw it as a chance to expand my knowledge in an increasingly relevant field. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying up to date on security best practices, vulnera- bilities, threats, and risk mitiga- tion strategies is critical. This course enhanced my ap- preciation for topics I hadn't previously explored. For in- stance, I learned about secure coding's importance and its role in system protection. I al- so gained insights into different threats, which encouraged me to continue researching and learn- ing. The course felt like a natural extension—a "top-up"—to my university education. 3. How would you describe your experience following the SOC Analyst Training Course? The course was highly engag- ing, offering a balanced mix of theory and practical labs. Re- al-life examples supported the theoretical concepts, making the material more tangible and ap- plicable. The lab sessions were particularly valuable, allowing me to apply my knowledge in simulated environments and so- lidify my understanding. The interactive nature of the lessons kept me engaged, espe- cially in areas where I previously had no experience. For exam- ple, I was captivated by reverse engineering, a topic I had never encountered before. During the course, we analyzed a piece of malware with our tutor, provid- ing a hands-on, detailed under- standing of the process. The course exceeded my ex- pectations. It delved into intri- cate details and inspired me to explore further learning oppor- tunities. I am even considering pursuing a master's degree in Cybersecurity, despite my pas- sion for software development. 4. What is your present role? Is this course helping you and how? As a software developer, the SOC Analyst Training Course has been incredibly beneficial. Security is a crucial aspect of software development, and this course has equipped me with the knowledge to design more secure applications, identify vul- nerabilities, and understand how attackers exploit systems. The course emphasized the importance of validations and broadened my perspective on various critical aspects, such as networks and web hosting. It al- so improved my security mindset and deepened my appreciation for the work of security teams. I've already started sharing this knowledge with my colleagues, particularly regarding the signif- icance of server-side validation, to prevent malicious attacks, da- ta corruption and user errors. 5. Which aspects of the course were of most interest to you? I found the Reverse Engineering Malware module particularly in- triguing. It expanded my under- standing of low-level computer architecture and demonstrated how malicious code operates. The tutor's step-by-step analysis made complex concepts accessi- ble, supported by a solid theoret- ical foundation in assembly lan- guages and analysis tactics. The Advanced Cryptography and Offensive Security modules were equally fascinating. I en- joyed learning about Public Key Cryptography's mathematical principles and applying Ethical Hacking techniques in practical scenarios. The lecturer's exper- tise brought these topics to life, making the sessions both in- sightful and enjoyable. 6. Which skills have you ac- quired from the course? Through this course I acquired new skills in threat intelligence and detection; incident response and reporting; malware analysis fundamentals; network securi- ty and endpoint protection and legal aspects of cybersecurity. I also learned how to monitor logs using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, conduct vulnerability as- sessments with scanning tools, and simulate attacks through penetration testing. This was my first experience using such tools, and the practical lab sessions were instrumental in reinforcing these new skills. 7. How would you rate this course? Would you recommend it? I would highly rate this course for its efficiency and effective- ness. It provides a robust founda- tion in a variety of cybersecurity topics within a short timeframe. The online format makes it ac- cessible, and the progression from basic to advanced concepts ensures learners of all levels can benefit. The industry professionals leading the sessions brought re- al-world experience and practi- cal insights that made the ma- terial engaging and relevant. I strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in cyberse- curity—whether they are aspir- ing professionals or simply look- ing to broaden their knowledge. For more information about the MITA-NCC Cybersecu- rity Skilling Programme and upcoming training opportu- nities, visit ncc-mita.gov.mt/ the-cybersecurity-skilling-pro- gramme/ Keene Muscat