John Hammond Shares Experience with TryHackMe's New Level One Security Analyst Certification

In this video, John Hammond shares his experience with the new Level One Security Analyst certification from TryHackMe, a defensive certification designed to help professionals get hired in the field of cybersecurity. This certification, focused on defense and blue teams, includes a simulated Security Operations Center (SOC) and an environment with a SOC simulator, providing a practical and immersive experience. Hammond begins by explaining the steps required to obtain the certification. He mentions that the training includes several modules and rooms on TryHackMe to learn the basics and fundamentals. The exam itself is divided into three sections: 80 multiple-choice questions with a one-hour time limit, a SOC simulator scenario with a two-hour time limit, and a second SOC simulator scenario also with a two-hour time limit. Although the exam must be completed within 24 hours, it is realistic to finish it in about 5 hours. Hammond emphasizes the importance of carefully reading the questions and possible answers, as there is only one correct answer among several options that may seem correct. He stresses the need to understand cybersecurity terminology and acronyms well. For the practical section with the SOC simulator, he highlights the importance of reading all the provided documentation and keeping an eye on real-time alerts. He also recommends keeping detailed notes on each case to reference and adjust as new information comes in. After completing the exam, Hammond shares his impressions. He mentions that although he passed, he found certain parts particularly nuanced, especially distinguishing between legitimate and malicious traffic. He appreciates the exam's realism, which reflects the daily work of a SOC analyst, including managing alerts and the need to stay vigilant even when alerts are rare. Hammond concludes by recommending this certification to those interested in a career in defensive cybersecurity or who wish to test their skills. He emphasizes that the certification provides a solid foundation for understanding cybersecurity jargon and concepts, as well as applying this knowledge in practical scenarios. For more details, you can watch the full video at the following address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIPbFFJgD4o