Associate SOC Analyst

Leeds
1 week ago
Create job alert

Duties and Responsibilities

As an Associate SOC Analyst, you bring a strong background in IT or cybersecurity to a transitory role that builds towards full SOC Analyst responsibilities. You use your foundational knowledge to independently triage, investigate, and validate alerts using established playbooks. While you handle basic incident investigations and documentation, you escalate cases requiring deeper analysis to Shift Leads or Senior SOC Analysts. This role focuses on developing your skills through mentoring, continuous learning, and hands-on experience, with the expectation of advancing to a full SOC Analyst position within 18 months following your successful probationary period.

Key Responsibilities

  • Incident Triage and Investigation - You review and prioritise new alerts from security monitoring tools (e.g., SIEM, endpoint solutions), performing basic checks to distinguish genuine threats from false positives. You rely on established playbooks and make initial validation decisions while escalating more complex incidents to Shift Leads or Senior SOC Analysts.

  • Continuous Improvement - You contribute to the enhancement of detection logic by identifying recurring or redundant alerts. You participate in threat hunting and skills development sessions to help reduce false positives and accelerate response times.

  • Escalation - You ensure that incidents requiring advanced investigation or containment are properly escalated. Your clear, concise documentation, including detailed ticket notes and supporting evidence, facilitates smooth handovers to Shift Leads, Senior SOC Analysts, or customer teams.

  • Collaboration and Mentorship - You actively participate in knowledge-sharing sessions and seek regular feedback from peers and senior team members. You support your colleagues by sharing insights and learning from collaborative efforts.

    Essential Duties

  • Alert Validation

  • Combine data from SIEM platforms, endpoint solutions, and other security tools to develop a comprehensive view of alerts.

  • Document your findings using clear, evidence-based reasoning to determine if further investigation is warranted.

  • Indicator of Compromise (IOC) Analysis

  • Validate suspected IOCs using documented procedures to identify legitimate threats or false positives.

  • Request guidance from Shift Leads or Senior SOC Analysts when advanced techniques are required.

  • Reporting and Documentation

  • Maintain accurate records in ticketing systems, ensuring each alert has a clear summary and documented conclusion.

  • Contribute data to security reviews by highlighting trends and recurring issues.

  • Continuous Improvement

  • Actively engage in training, self-study, and hands-on exercises to remain updated on emerging cybersecurity threats and best practices.

  • Share newly acquired knowledge and techniques with your team to foster a collaborative learning environment.

    Collaboration with Other Teams

  • Customer Experience and Managed Services - You help keep internal and external stakeholders informed about alert statuses and remediation steps.

  • Engineering - You report sensor or configuration issues identified through repeated alerts via structured change requests, contributing to technical improvements.

  • Security Optimisation - You provide data that supports enhancements to detection rules, improving the SOC’s overall responsiveness and efficiency.

    Position Specifications

    Required Qualifications and Experience

  • You must hold, or be eligible to hold, Security Check (SC) clearance in the UK.

  • A strong foundational background in IT or cybersecurity.

  • Demonstrated ability to perform basic incident triage, analysis, and escalation; extensive hands-on SOC operational experience is not required, as this role serves as a stepping stone to a full SOC Analyst.

  • Willingness to work toward or obtain entry-level cybersecurity certifications (e.g. CompTIA Security+, Security Blue Team BTL1).

  • Familiarity with SIEM platforms, firewalls, endpoint solutions and ticketing systems.

  • A proactive approach to learning and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

    Technical Knowledge

  • Basic Operating Systems: Understand fundamental Windows architecture (navigation of Control Panel, basic Active Directory functions, reading Windows Event Logs) and introductory Linux commands (basic shell navigation, file management).

  • Foundational Networking: Know core concepts of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, simple router/switch operations, and basic firewall configuration principles.

  • Cybersecurity Essentials: Grasp the CIA triad, common attack methods (phishing, malware, and social engineering), and basic risk assessment and security best practices.

  • Introductory Threat Frameworks: Have a high-level awareness of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and Cyber Kill Chain, understanding these as context for attacker behaviour.

    About Claranet

    Founded at the beginning of the dot com bubble in 1996, our CEO Charles Nasser had a light bulb moment to develop a truly customer-focused IT business. Since then, Claranet has grown from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the UK to being one of the leading business modernisation experts, who deliver solutions across 11+ countries.

    At Claranet, we’re experienced in implementing progressive technology solutions which help our customers solve their epic business challenges. We’re committed to understanding their problems, delivering answers quickly, and making a lasting impact to their business.

    We are agile, focused and experienced in business modernisation. Our approach helps customers make genuine, significant shifts in their business strategy, to deliver financial savings, boost innovation, and create a resilient business. We continually invest in our people and the latest technologies, so our customers get peace of mind knowing that they have access to the best talent and services.

    In the UK we have over 500 staff working in London, Gloucester, Warrington, Bristol, and Leeds, or as homeworkers

Related Jobs

View all jobs

SOC Shift Lead

L3 Security Analyst

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Associate Lecturer - Disruptive Learning

Senior Operations Associate

Software Asset Management Associate.

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Tips for Staying Inspired: How Cyber Security Pros Fuel Creativity and Innovation

Cyber security professionals face a rapidly changing digital landscape, where new threats emerge almost daily and the stakes—protecting critical data, safeguarding personal privacy, and defending entire infrastructures—could not be higher. It’s easy to be consumed by vulnerability scans, incident response workflows, and endless compliance checks. Yet, thriving in this high-pressure environment demands more than just technical know-how. It also requires creativity and innovation, which enable you to stay one step ahead of potential attackers. So how do cyber security experts remain inspired and agile, even when the challenges can feel relentless? Below, we’ll explore ten actionable strategies to help security analysts, threat hunters, penetration testers, and security engineers maintain fresh perspectives and keep innovating. If you’re looking to sharpen your problem-solving skills and rediscover the spark that drew you to cyber security in the first place, these tips can guide you toward a more fulfilling and impactful career.

Top 10 Cyber Security Career Myths Debunked: Key Facts for Aspiring Professionals

In a hyper-connected world, cyber security is no longer an afterthought—it’s a core component of modern business, government, and everyday life. From stopping ransomware attacks to safeguarding personal data, cyber security professionals shoulder a vital responsibility: keeping digital systems, networks, and data safe. Unsurprisingly, the demand for skilled cyber security talent continues to surge, offering robust and often lucrative career paths. Yet, despite the industry’s prominence, myths and misconceptions about cyber security careers abound. Is it really just about hacking? Do you need to be a superhuman coder with years of experience? Or is cyber security just a niche field, reserved for tech giants? At CyberSecurityJobs.tech, we see firsthand how these myths deter capable individuals from entering or advancing in one of the most dynamic fields in tech. This article aims to bust the top 10 cyber security career myths—providing clear, evidence-based insights into what it really takes to thrive in this ever-evolving domain. Whether you’re a recent graduate exploring the field, a mid-career professional seeking a pivot, or simply curious about the prospects, read on to discover the true breadth and promise of cyber security careers.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK Cyber Security Job Market to International Landscapes

Understanding opportunities, salaries, and work culture in cyber security across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia Cyber security has rapidly ascended from a back-office concern to a strategic priority for every industry. As data breaches, ransomware, and nation-state attacks increase in frequency and sophistication, organisations worldwide are racing to fortify their digital defences. This ongoing surge in cyber threats fuels an unprecedented demand for skilled security professionals—ranging from penetration testers and threat intelligence analysts to cloud security architects and CISOs. In this article, we’ll explore how the UK cyber security job market compares to major international hubs in the United States, Europe, and Asia. We’ll discuss job opportunities, salary bands, work culture, and provide guidance for those who might be contemplating remote or overseas positions. By understanding the nuances of each region’s cyber security ecosystem, you can make a more informed decision about where and how to advance your career in this high-impact, fast-evolving sector. Whether you’re a seasoned expert with years of experience or a career-changer eager to break into cyber security, this overview will help you navigate the global landscape. By the end, you’ll have a clearer perspective on each region’s advantages and challenges—along with practical insights for seizing the best opportunities in a field that has become mission-critical for every modern organisation.