Mastering the Language of Cybersecurity: The Essential Guide to Protocols for SOC Experts

Estimated read time 5 min read
Estimated read time 5 min read

Introduction

The role of a Security Operations Center (SOC) expert has never been more critical. As we step towards 2024, the stakes are higher, and the challenges are more complex. So, what about a test? do you know your networking protocols?

This comprehensive guide delves into the key protocols you should understand to excel in a SOC environment.

Evaluate Your Expertise in Cybersecurity Protocols

The focus of the forthcoming questions centers on networking protocols. Are you well-versed in these critical elements of cybersecurity? Put your knowledge to the test. To reveal the answers, simply click on each individual question.

HTTP is the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web to define how messages are formatted and transmitted, primarily used for transmitting web pages.


HTTPS is an extension of HTTP, designed to secure communication over a computer network by encrypting the transmitted data.


FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet.


SFTP is an extension of SSH protocol, used for secure file transfer capabilities.


TCP is a foundational protocol that enables reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of bytes between applications.


UDP is a simpler, connectionless Internet protocol wherein error-checking and recovery services are not offered.


ICMP is a supporting protocol that sends error messages and operational information upon network discovery.


SNMP is an Internet-standard protocol for managing devices on IP networks.


DNS translates human-readable domain names to IP addresses, allowing browsers to load Internet resources.


DHCP is a network protocol that enables automatic IP address assignment for devices on a network.


ARP translates IP addresses to MAC addresses and vice versa.


RARP is used to obtain the IP address for a given MAC address.


VLAN is a protocol to partition a physical network into multiple, isolated virtual networks.


NAT allows a single device to act as an agent between the Internet and a local network, mapping local IP addresses to a single public IP address.


IMAP is a protocol used by email clients to retrieve messages from a mail server.


POP3 is a protocol used by local email clients to retrieve emails from a remote server.


SMTP is a protocol for sending email messages between servers.


LDAP is a protocol for accessing and maintaining directory services over an IP network.


OSPF is a routing protocol for Internet Protocol (IP) networks, using a link-state routing algorithm.


BGP is a protocol designed to exchange routing information for the Internet and is the protocol used between Internet service providers (ISP).


NTP is used to synchronize the clocks of computers over a network to a time reference.


SIP is a protocol used for initiating, maintaining, and terminating real-time sessions in multimedia communication.


RTP is used to deliver audio and video over IP networks.


RTSP is a protocol used for controlling audio or video streaming media servers.


SSL and TLS are cryptographic protocols designed to provide secure communication over a network.


PPP is a protocol for communication between two computers using a serial interface.


MPLS is a routing technique that directs data from one node to another based on short path labels rather than long network addresses.


VoIP allows for voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol networks.


Telnet is a protocol used for a two-way interactive communication facility.


SSH is a cryptographic network protocol for secure data communication, particularly for remote command-line login and remote command execution.


Wrapping Up: Kudos on Taking the Initiative

You’ve done a commendable job by challenging your understanding of networking protocols—a critical component in the toolbox of any aspiring SOC expert.

Feel free to return to this guide anytime you need a refresher or want to test your expertise anew. This resource is designed to serve as an ongoing reference point for you as you continue on your journey towards mastering the nuanced landscape of SOC operations.

So, hats off to you for taking this important step. Your proactivity today lays the foundation for your successes in the cyber battlefield of tomorrow.