How to Practice Threat Detection Without Access to a SOC
Practicing threat detection without access to a Security Operations Center (SOC) is possible with the right tools, strategies, and mindset. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals can use open-source platforms, virtual labs, and simulated attack environments to build detection skills. Tools like Wireshark, Splunk (free version), and ELK Stack allow hands-on practice in identifying anomalies, log analysis, and incident investigation. Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges and home lab setups also help replicate real-world attack scenarios. Enrolling in practical training from institutes like SKILLOGIC, known for its hands-on cybersecurity programs, further enhances threat detection capabilities even without formal SOC access.