SOC Analyst Training with LetsDefend:

My Thoughts and Takeaways

As someone aspiring to become a security analyst, I recently had the opportunity to explore LetsDefend. After trying the Free Basic plan for about a week, I signed up for their individual annual premium VIP+ plan in July. One of the standout qualities of LetsDefend is its emphasis on hands-on learning, which is essential for anyone aiming to succeed in cybersecurity. It offers a diverse range of Blue Team training categories for various roles and skill levels. I decided to enroll in the Security Operations Center (SOC) training, which focuses on monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time.

The platform offers a variety of realistic scenarios and challenges that mimic the situations security analysts face in the real world. I especially value how the platform focuses on understanding fundamental concepts instead of merely relying on rote memorization. This practical training not only improves my technical skills but also increases my confidence in effectively managing cybersecurity incidents.

The SOC analyst learning path features 25 structured modules, most of which include clear instructions that guide users through a range of topics, such as detecting web attacks, identifying brute force attempts, and conducting dynamic malware analysis, among others. Some users might find the course quite challenging. To help maintain motivation and encourage momentum, particularly in the early stages, LetsDefend offers a streak rewards incentive. This system helps you stay on track while earning exciting rewards and swag along the way. I love it; it's a great addition. With my technical background, I initially expected the material to be easy to grasp, but, boy, was I wrong. Some topics required considerable effort, while others were easier to manage. The overall difficulty depends on your knowledge, skills, and experience.

Another notable feature of LetsDefend is its community aspect. The platform encourages a collaborative environment where learners can share insights, ask questions, and support each other through Discord. This has been immensely beneficial for expanding my network and gaining valuable perspectives from the experiences of others.

Areas for Improvement:

I have a few concerns regarding their courses and overall structure. First, the pacing of the lessons was somewhat inconsistent and could have been organized more effectively. I found the lesson numbering a bit confusing; for example, it would have made more sense for lesson #7, 'How to Investigate a SIMM Alert,' to be positioned earlier in the sequence. This created some initial confusion for me about the monitoring section.

One minor concern I have with the platform is the connection to the lab environment, which can take about 2-3 minutes to load. While this delay isn't a major issue, there are times when the lab fails to load and instead displays a blank screen. In such cases, you'll need to terminate the connection and reconnect. Other users have also reported experiencing this issue.

While some may find the cost a bit high when compared to competitors like Hack-The-Box, Udemy, and other platforms, it isn't particularly exceptional; still, it might pose a barrier for some. Annual subscriptions offer better deals, and students can benefit from a 50% discount as well. In today’s economy, people are transitioning between careers and upgrading their skills to adapt to the evolving job market. It would also be great to see discounts for seniors interested in learning new skills and advancing their careers.

Lastly, here’s a tip if you’re trying to save money: by enrolling in the Free Basic plan and earning three rewards, you can get a 15% discount code. Combine that with an annual VIP+ plan to save an extra $120, which is exactly what I did to get a fantastic deal.

In conclusion, I highly recommend LetsDefend to anyone serious about pursuing a career in cybersecurity. The platform’s combination of hands-on experience, user-friendly design, and supportive community makes it an exceptional resource for aspiring security analysts.

Pros and Cons of LetsDefend:

Pros:

• Hands-On Learning: The platform offers realistic scenarios that simulate real-world cybersecurity incidents, providing valuable practical experience.

• Updated User-Friendly Interface: LetsDefend is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.

• Structured Modules: For the most part, the content is well-organized and presented, helping users grasp complex concepts effectively.

• Community Support: The collaborative environment allows learners to engage with one another, share knowledge, and ask questions.

• Comprehensive Topics: LetsDefend covers a wide range of essential cybersecurity topics, ensuring learners develop a well-rounded skill set.

Cons:

• Subscription Costs: The price of access could be a hurdle for some users, particularly those who are just beginning their careers in the field.

• Variable Pace: Some users may find the pace of learning inconsistent, depending on the complexity of the topics covered.

• Short or Unclear Responses from Admin: Occasionally, responses from admins on Discord may be brief or may not fully address user questions, leading to unclear answers.

• Complex Topics for Beginners: Some subjects may be challenging for individuals without a technical background, making it difficult to grasp key concepts.

• Inconsistent lab connection: Some users have encountered a blank page while downloading the lab environment, so this issue needs attention.