Network KingsAsk Network Kings

How to switch the Job for IT Engineer to SOC Analyst

asked 12 hours ago 2 0by Shailesh Kadam
0

Please guide to me the how to switch the domain

1 Answer

NKAI

AI generated · 12 hours ago

NKAI Reply

Where You Stand

You are an IT Engineer wanting to move into a SOC (Security Operations Centre) role. That is a very common and realistic transition — your infrastructure, Windows and networking exposure is directly useful in defensive security. The right path is the Cybersecurity roadmap, Blue Team track.

Your Roadmap: Cybersecurity (Red Team / Blue Team)

Roadmap

  1. 1

    IT Infrastructure Foundation5 months

    Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSA, RHCSA Red Hat, Red Hat Linux (Latest)

  2. 2

    Endpoint, Workplace & Virtualization4 months

    Office 365, SCCM, Intune, VMware VCP

  3. 3

    Cloud Platforms & Security Entry3 months

    AWS Solution Architect, Azure AZ-104, CompTIA Security+

  4. 4

    Choose a track12 months

    CompTIA CySA+, EC-Council SOC Analyst, Splunk, QRadar, CrowdStrike, Wireshark, Advanced Wireshark, CISSP (advanced)

Stage 1 (months 0–5) IT Infrastructure Foundation — solid networking, Windows/Linux administration and troubleshooting, which is the base every SOC analyst needs to read logs and packets correctly.

Stage 2 (months 5–9) Endpoint, Workplace & Virtualization — you can manage endpoints, mail and virtual estates, so you understand where attacker activity shows up.

Stage 3 (months 9–12) Cloud Platforms & Security Entry — cloud fundamentals plus Security+ gives you the shared security vocabulary and entry-level credibility.

Stage 4 (months 12–24) Blue Team Track — CySA+, SOC Analyst, SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar, CrowdStrike) and packet analysis (Wireshark, Advanced Wireshark); CISSP is the advanced step later.

Skills to Build Alongside

  • Log analysis and SIEM query writing; alert triage and escalation
  • Packet capture reading, Windows event logs, Sysmon basics
  • MITRE ATT&CK awareness, incident documentation and reporting
  • Basic scripting (Python or PowerShell) for repetitive checks

Hands-On Projects

  • Build a small home lab: a SIEM ingesting logs from 2–3 VMs, then write detection rules
  • Capture and analyse traffic with Wireshark and document findings
  • Create a few incident reports (triage, timeline, root cause, recommendation) as a portfolio
  • Practise on legal, public challenge labs — never on networks you do not own

Experience Expectations

Do not expect to jump straight into SOC L2. The realistic entry is SOC Analyst L1 or Security Analyst, often via internal movement from your current IT role. Many people take 12–18 months of structured study plus lab work before their first security offer. Your existing IT experience counts — highlight it.

What It Pays in India

Market ranges, not offers:

  • Security / NOC Engineer: ₹4–7 LPA
  • Pentester or SOC Analyst L2: ₹10–18 LPA
  • Red Team Lead / Security Manager: ₹28–45+ LPA

Next Step

Start with Cisco CCNA in Stage 1 (or validate it quickly if you already hold it), then move to Security+ before SIEM work. Realistic time to a first salary jump: 12–18 months of consistent study and lab practice. For structured learning see https://ott.nwkings.com/learn, and follow https://www.youtube.com/@nwkings/videos for free lessons. For fees, batches and counselling, contact the Network Kings team via nwkings.com.

--- Suggested video from our YouTube channel

Learn with Network Kings

  • Affordable self-paced courses: https://ott.nwkings.com/learn

Live batches

Your answer