Why Data Professionals Make Excellent SOC Analysts

Why This Article, Jasper?

Hi! My name is Jasper, and I blog about a variety of cybersecurity topics. Although I’m not yet employed in cybersecurity, I’m actively working toward that goal. I started this blog as a way to capture my thoughts and share my journey with like-minded people. You might be wondering: “Jasper, you’ve had successful jobs as a BI developer, web developer, and GIS analyst. What sparked your interest in cybersecurity?”

I’ve asked myself why my jobs always becoming dull countless times over the years. The simple answer? I’ve often felt that my previous roles lacked true meaning. Despite the success, I craved a career where I could make a real-world impact. With our increasingly unstable world and our growing dependence on the internet, AI, and machines, I realized that cybersecurity offers a chance to protect not just a company, but society as a whole. This is my hopeful theory though, so let’s see where I am in 5 years 😉

If you’re also a data professional feeling stuck in a role that lacks meaning, you’re not alone. Many of us enter the world of data analytics, business intelligence, or data engineering hoping to create change, only to find ourselves drowning in endless reports and dashboards. But what if your data skills could be the perfect foundation for an exciting career in cybersecurity, specifically as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst?

Why Cybersecurity? Why Now?

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields today. With cyber threats increasing in both frequency and sophistication, organizations are desperate for skilled professionals who can monitor, analyze, and respond to security incidents. The demand is outpacing supply, which means excellent job security and competitive salaries. Entry-level SOC Analyst positions often pay above what many data professionals earn, with clear pathways to advanced roles like Security Engineer, Threat Hunter, or even CISO (Chief Information Security Officer).

And here’s the best part: your data expertise gives you a head start. Let’s dive into how the skills you’ve honed in your current role can seamlessly transition into a cybersecurity career. With some extra work of course! Good things seldom come easy.

The Overlapping Skills

You might not realize it yet, but many of the skills you use daily in your data job are directly applicable in a SOC. Here’s how some of your potential skills related to Cyber Security skills (focus on SOC):

1. Analyzing Large Datasets → Threat Hunting

In your day-to-day work, you’re accustomed to filtering noise, identifying patterns, and extracting meaningful insights from massive datasets. In SOC operations, you’ll do the same—but instead of sales trends or customer behaviors, you’ll be looking for signs of cyber threats. Imagine the satisfaction of not just analyzing data, but actively defending your company or community. Isn’t it more rewarding to look for potential adversaries in your companies network, compared to tracking yet another KPI?

2. SQL, Python, or PowerShell → Incident Investigation

If you’ve written SQL queries to extract data or used Python to automate workflows, you already have scripting skills that are invaluable in a SOC. These skills are used daily to investigate security logs, automate threat detections, and respond to incidents. Your familiarity with other languages such as PowerShell further strengthens your toolkit. There is no limit to what you can automate!

3. Dashboards & Reporting → Security Monitoring

Building dashboards in Power BI or Tableau has likely been a major part of your role. In a SOC, you’ll use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools like Splunk or the ELK stack to monitor and visualize security events. Imagine combining your knack for visualization with the knowledge that you’re tracking and thwarting real cyber threats. It will help you make more meaningful visualizations when holding meetings with your peers and bosses, and hey, maybe you can even show off some Power BI!

4. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving → Threat Analysis

You’ve spent years troubleshooting data inconsistencies and optimizing queries. These same analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial when determining if an alert is a false positive or a genuine threat. If you love solving puzzles, it’s a challenge well worth taking on. And hey, maybe you even get to do some OSINT sometimes, which I love personally.

5. Understanding Systems, Databases & Networks → Security Awareness

Your experience with databases, APIs, and cloud platforms means you already understand how systems interact. This is essential for SOC analysts who need to identify vulnerabilities and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. If you’ve ever built data pipelines (ETL & ELT), you’re probably no stranger to considering security aspects.

What Skills to Develop Next

While your data background gives you a strong foundation, there are several cybersecurity-specific skills you’ll need to add to your toolkit:

1. Networking Basics

Understanding networking is fundamental to cybersecurity. You’ll need to get comfortable with concepts like TCP/IP, ports, and common protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and DNS.

There are two sources that I have personally benefited from:

TryHackMe’s Networking Fundamentals: An interactive way to get hands-on experience. THM has plenty of rooms related to networking so have a look. Many of them are completely free!
Professor Messer’s Video Series: His clear, concise explanations helped me solidify my own understanding. Visit Professor Messer
HackTheBox Acdemy: This is another great resource, especially for some more intermediate knowledge.

2. Security Tools

Proficiency with industry-standard security tools is crucial, as these are the instruments you’ll use daily in a SOC.

Key Tools to Learn:

SIEM Platforms (e.g., Splunk, ELK Stack): Essential for aggregating, monitoring, and analyzing security events.
Packet Analyzers (e.g., Wireshark, Snort and more): Vital for capturing and examining network traffic to spot anomalies.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools: Helps monitor and manage endpoint security.

This is one area that might require the most dedicated effort. I recommend following TryHackMe’s SOC Level 1 Path found here: https://tryhackme.com/path/outline/soclevel1
Once you get more comfortable you can even try setting up a home lab or using virtual labs to simulate scenarios and get hands-on practice.

3. Threat Intelligence

Developing threat intelligence skills will enable you to proactively identify potential threats. Here are some areas to focus on:

Cyber Threat Indicators: Learn what makes a behavior or activity suspicious.
MITRE ATT&CK Framework: A comprehensive resource that details adversary tactics and techniques.
Kill Chains & Diamond Model: Understand the stages of an attack—from reconnaissance to exfiltration—so you can spot early warning signs.
OSINT Tools: Learn about websites such as URLScan.io, Abuse.ch, Cisco Talos Intelligence, VirusTotal and more!
Software: Learn about tools, such as OpenCTI, MISP, and Yara.

Engaging with online communities, following threat intelligence feeds, and practicing alert correlation can help you see the bigger picture of threat behavior.

4. Incident Response

A critical part of a SOC analyst’s role is being prepared to react quickly and efficiently to security incidents. You need to be comfortable to:

Response Processes: Familiarize yourself with standard incident response workflows—from detection and analysis to containment and remediation.
Tools and Techniques: Learn how to use incident response tools and craft effective incident reports.
Simulated Practice: Participate in tabletop exercises, Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, or incident response drills to build confidence and competence.

5. Certifications

Certifications help validate your skills and make you more marketable in the competitive cybersecurity field.

Recommended Certifications:

Network+: A great certification to solidify your understanding of networking before diving deeper.
Security+: An excellent starting point that covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
SOC Analyst-focused Certifications: Look into credentials like Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) to gain specialized recognition in security monitoring and incident response.

SOC Analyst: A Stepping Stone into Cybersecurity

While a SOC analyst role is a fantastic entry point into cybersecurity, it’s just the beginning. As you gain experience, you might find yourself drawn to other areas such as:

Threat Intelligence: Researching and predicting cyber threats before they occur.
Security Engineering: Building and maintaining security tools and infrastructure.
Incident Response & Forensics: Investigating breaches and mitigating damage.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Ensuring organizations adhere to security regulations and best practices.

Working in a SOC gives you hands-on exposure to real-world security threats, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring these other career opportunities.

How to Make the Switch

Embarking on a cybersecurity journey is easier than you might think. I began by diving into beginner-friendly training platforms like TryHackMe and HackTheBox. Their interactive labs provided a solid foundation and helped me build confidence in my new skills. I’m currently enrolled in the SOC Level 1 Path, and I can tell you—it’s been a game changer!

Beyond structured courses, gaining hands-on experience is essential. I recommend setting up a home lab to simulate real-world scenarios, participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, or contributing to open-source security projects. These activities not only reinforce your learning but also help build a portfolio that demonstrates your growing expertise. (Stay tuned—I plan to write an article soon on building your own SOC cybersecurity lab.)

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Engage with cybersecurity professionals on LinkedIn, join SOC analyst communities, and actively apply for entry-level roles. I’ve found that connecting with others in the field has provided me with insights, support, and even opportunities. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: Jasper’s LinkedIn.

Final Thoughts

Switching from data analytics to cybersecurity isn’t just possible—it makes perfect sense. You already possess the core skills needed to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats. If you’ve been craving a more meaningful career with greater job security and better pay, transitioning into a SOC analyst role might be the best move you ever make.

So, are you ready to turn your data expertise into cyber defense? Start exploring today and take your first steps toward a career that truly makes an impact. I’d love to hear your thoughts—please leave a comment and let’s connect. See you on the other side. Thanks for reading!