Cybersecurity isn’t just about stopping attacks — it’s about responding, recovering, and improving after them.
This module introduces the core principles of Security Operations (SecOps) — the team, processes, and tools that keep systems safe 24×7.
You’ll learn to think like a defender: assessing risks, creating incident response playbooks, managing backups, and building a personal defense routine.
💡 Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will:
Understand the functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC).
Explain the Risk Management Lifecycle.
Describe the Incident Response (IR) process.
Apply backup and recovery principles.
Create a personal incident response plan.
Participate in a tabletop cyber defense simulation.
1. What Is Security Operations (SecOps)?
SecOps = Security + Operations.
It’s the continuous monitoring and defense of systems and data.
Functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC):
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | Observe system logs and alerts 24×7. |
| Detection | Identify suspicious or malicious activity. |
| Response | Take action to contain and recover from incidents. |
| Reporting | Document findings, timelines, and lessons learned. |
| Prevention | Apply lessons to strengthen defenses. |
In small organizations or personal setups, you act as your own SOC — responsible for observing, analyzing, and improving your system security posture.
2. Risk Management Basics
Risk = Threat × Vulnerability × Impact.
Risk Management Lifecycle
Identify – list all assets (data, devices, credentials).
Assess – estimate the likelihood and impact of threats.
Treat – choose mitigation strategies.
Monitor – continuously reassess new risks.
Risk Treatment Options:
| Option | Example |
|---|---|
| Mitigate | Apply patches, firewalls, MFA. |
| Transfer | Buy cyber insurance. |
| Accept | Low-impact, low-probability risks. |
| Avoid | Stop risky activities entirely. |
💡 Tip: Create a “Risk Register” — a table tracking threats, impact levels, and chosen mitigation.
3. Incident Response (IR) Lifecycle
When an incident happens, panic is the enemy — process is your friend.
The 6 Stages of Incident Response
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Define policies, roles, tools. |
| 2. Identification | Detect the incident (alert, log, report). |
| 3. Containment | Stop the spread — isolate systems. |
| 4. Eradication | Remove the root cause (malware, access). |
| 5. Recovery | Restore systems and monitor stability. |
| 6. Lessons Learned | Review what went right/wrong and update playbooks. |
🧩 Example Scenario:
A laptop infected by ransomware → Identify → Disconnect → Restore from backup → Investigate → Patch weakness → Update backup policy.
4. Backups & Disaster Recovery
A solid backup is your ultimate safety net.
The 3–2–1 Backup Rule:
3 copies of your data
2 different storage media (e.g., HDD + cloud)
1 copy off-site/offline
Backup Best Practices:
Test restores monthly.
Encrypt backups.
Automate using built-in tools (Windows Backup, Time Machine) or cloud sync (Google Drive, OneDrive, Backblaze).
Label backup dates clearly (avoid overwriting).
⚙️ Pro Tip: Keep at least one air-gapped (offline) backup in case of ransomware.
5. Security Awareness & Policy
Human error is responsible for over 80% of incidents.
Well-written policies and awareness training turn users into your first line of defense.
Core Security Policies:
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Password Policy
Data Classification Policy
Incident Response Policy
Awareness Training Topics:
Recognizing phishing attempts.
Device security and data handling.
Reporting suspicious behavior.
💬 Culture Tip: Encourage a “no-blame” reporting culture — early reporting saves systems.
6. Practical (Safe) Exercises
Exercise 1 — Build Your Personal IR Plan
Create a document answering:
Who will you contact if your system is compromised?
How will you isolate your devices?
Where are your backups stored?
How will you restore your system?
What will you do differently afterward?
📋 Result: Your Incident Response Playbook — a personal guide for emergencies.
Exercise 2 — Tabletop Incident Simulation
Scenario:
You receive an alert that your cloud storage was accessed from an unknown location.
Steps:
Identify the incident.
Contain (change passwords, revoke sessions).
Eradicate (scan for malware, audit connected apps).
Recover (re-secure accounts, restore lost files).
Record lessons and update checklist.
Discuss or document each decision step.
7. Ethics & Legal Context
Incident response often involves access to sensitive logs or data — always act ethically:
Respect privacy; review only what’s necessary for analysis.
Report findings responsibly, not publicly.
Follow your organization’s incident disclosure policy.
Unauthorized intrusion “for curiosity” is illegal under laws like the IT Act (India) and CFAA (USA).
💡 Quick Tips Box
💡 Tip: Save IR templates (checklists, contact list) before you need them.
⚙️ Tip: Simulate an incident once every quarter — practice makes calm.
📦 Tip: Keep offline backups disconnected when not in use.
8. Summary & Takeaways
This module transforms you from a “user” into a defender.
✅ Key concepts:
SecOps = continuous defense + monitoring + response.
Risk = threat × vulnerability × impact.
Incident response = prepare, detect, contain, recover, improve.
Backups are your best recovery strategy.
Awareness training reduces 80% of preventable attacks.
🧱 Next Up: Module 6 — Android Security: Understanding Mobile Threats →