Cloud Security, PowerShell Expertise Emerge as Key SOC Analyst Skills

A SANS Institute survey of ~400 cybersecurity practitioners highlights that SIEM, host-based XDR, and vulnerability remediation remain core SOC skills, with cloud security, PowerShell, Python/bash scripting, and automation increasingly in demand; soft skills like critical thinking and communication are also vital. Organizations still struggle with limited automation, staffing shortages, visibility gaps, and silos, but SOC retention is improving due to automation of Tier-1 tasks, better work environments, and expanded training. Demand is rising for cloud platform knowledge (AWS/Azure), Active Directory/Entra ID understanding, and PowerShell for M365/GraphAPI. While current AI/ML tools rate poorly for SOC analysis, they are expected to shift work toward higher-level investigation, context, and critical thinking, with niche areas like supply chain security gaining importance.