SOC-Automation-LAB

Objective

The SOC Automation Lab project was a pivotal element in my cybersecurity education. My main aim was to leverage this platform to develop practical skills in the automation of security operations. The hands-on experience gained from orchestrating the interplay between different security tools not only enriched my technical knowledge but also enhanced my ability to employ automation to expedite threat detection and response. This initiative has been integral in reinforcing my understanding of the security operations framework and in developing my competencies as a security analyst.

Skills Learned

• Enhanced skills in detecting network abnormalities and executing prompt and effective response mechanisms to mitigate threats.
• Developed the ability to automate security processes, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing manual error.
• Script development for specific threat detection, including crafting custom scripts to identify and mitigate the use of sophisticated tools like Mimikatz, enhancing the SOC's capability to tackle advanced cybersecurity threats.
• Acquired a systematic approach to incident logging, analysis, and management, ensuring organized and strategic responses to security events.
• Honed skills in utilizing threat intelligence platforms for deeper analysis of potential and actual security threats, improving alert accuracy and threat mitigation.
• Gained practical experience in configuring and managing security infrastructure in various environments, including cloud platforms, to support robust SOC operations.
• Enhanced proficiency in integrating and managing various operating systems within the SOC environment, ensuring a comprehensive security posture.

Tools Used

• Wazuh: Open-source security monitoring for event analysis and compliance management.
• Shuffle: Orchestration platform for automating security tool workflows.
• Mimikatz: Utilized as part of our security testing toolkit to simulate credential theft attacks, aiding in the refinement of detection and response strategies.
• TheHive: Scalable, open-source security incident response platform.
• VirusTotal: A service to check files and URLs for viruses and malware.
• Digital Ocean: Cloud hosting services providing the infrastructure for the SOC system.
• Windows VM: For ensuring coverage and monitoring in Windows environments.

Steps

• Initial Setup: Configured Wazuh for comprehensive network monitoring, including generic threat detection.
• Automation Implementation: Deployed Shuffle for security workflow automation, enhancing the SOC's operational efficiency.
• Script Development for Mimikatz Detection: Created custom scripts aimed at identifying Mimikatz usage signs, integrating these scripts into the SOC workflow for enhanced detection capabilities.
• Incident Management Integration: Integrated TheHive for effective incident management and response coordination.
• Threat Intelligence Enhancement: Utilized VirusTotal for ongoing threat intelligence, improving the system's threat detection capabilities.
• Infrastructure Deployment: Leveraged Digital Ocean for cloud-based SOC infrastructure, ensuring scalability and flexibility.
• System Compatibility Testing: Incorporated and tested a Windows VM to ensure the system's compatibility and preparedness for a wide range of threats.

Visual Representation of the SOC Automation Lab Workflow

Ref 1: Network Diagram showcasing the flow of data and alerts within the SOC Automation system.

Ref 2: Shuffle workflow demonstrating the automated process of alerting and incident response.

Ref 3: Screenshot of an alert generated by Wazuh and managed in TheHive.

Ref 4: Digital Ocean dashboard illustrating the hosting of SOC components like TheHive and Wazuh.

The SOC Automation Lab project showcases a well-rounded approach to the practical applications of cybersecurity tools and techniques. With each step, the project outlines a roadmap to building an efficient and integrated SOC environment ready to face modern cybersecurity challenges.