This online challenge will run from 23rd February until 27th February.
What is a SOC Challenge?
A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is responsible for detecting, analysing, and responding to cyber threats.
In this challenge, you will investigate suspicious activity within a fictional organisation, analyse logs and alerts, identify indicators of compromise, and determine the correct incident response actions.
This challenge consists of three levels.
Level 1 – Beginner
Begin your SOC journey with Level 1, designed to introduce core cyber security concepts including phishing detection, password hygiene, and basic threat identification.
This tier is suitable for newcomers and experienced participants alike, offering an engaging and educational introduction to real world cyber investigations.
Level 2 – Intermediate
Elevate your analytical skills in Level 2, where you will examine authentication logs, VPN activity, and system events to determine whether a compromise has occurred.
This tier challenges your ability to correlate information, identify suspicious patterns, and separate genuine threats from background noise.
Level 3 – Advanced
For those ready to go deeper, Level 3 places you in the middle of an active cyber incident.
Analyse endpoint alerts, suspicious PowerShell activity, lateral movement attempts, and outbound connections. Determine what happened, who was affected, and what actions must be taken to contain the threat.
This tier demands structured thinking, careful analysis, and confident decision making.
Open to all during CyberScotland Week – Whether you are a seasoned professional or a curious learner, everyone is invited to join this Cyber Week challenge.
On completion of each level, if you have answered all questions correctly, you will be automatically entered into the prize draw
Completing Level 1 earns you one entry into the prize draw
Completing Level 2 earns you a second entry
Completing Level 3 earns you a third entry
All winners will be selected by a live prize wheel spin on 27th February once the competition closes.
Prizes
Four winners will receive the following prizes:
2x £100 Amazon vouchers
1x £100 Hack The Box voucher
1 x $100 Hak5 voucher
Each completed level gives you an additional entry into the draw.
The more levels you complete, the greater your chances of winning.
Register for the event using the “Book Now” button below.
Best of luck, and we look forward to seeing your investigative skills in action during CyberScotland Week.