For those who work in a NOC/SOC, what do you do in downtime?

alexander77

I'm glad to finally work in a SOC environment and away from the helpdesk, but I notice theirs a ton of downtime at this type of job. Since my SOC is so small there isn't much opportunity to learn and shadow from senior analyst or I'd be following them when free. I was wondering what do others so in their spare downtime?

MSP-IT

Study. You do realize you're on a certification forum, right?

RHEL

At my previous job, I know they fell asleep a lot. Of course, that was the graveyard shift. If it were me, I'd probably work toward certifications (read books), try to learn the environment better, or do something non-work related that wasn't completely obvious.

I've had many positions where there simply isn't work to do all the time and it is impossible to be productive at all times. In these situations, its more about appearing to be busy while keeping yourself sane at the same time.

cmitchell_00

When I worked NOC we studied a lot for certifications and on new technology. Also ask the team lead for more responsibilities or take on a project it shows dedication. What is the next certification you are looking to take since you have your CCNA/Sec+?

E Double U

Been in my current position for over a year and I've used my downtime to study for the CCNA Security and CCNP Security. Now that those are done I'm using my time to prepare for CISSP. Since I'm married with two small children I don't get downtime at home.

Studying is the best thing you can do with free time.

Mishra

I run a NOC and I have a million to-do tasks for them to do. I think it's funny that companies can't come up with work for their technicians to do. But that's why I think we have one of the best NOCs. All of us are always thinking.

Typical tasks that I assign technicians are to look at how we are monitoring certain technologies and see how we can improve the alerting and monitoring of that technology.

That's what I would do personally... Learn active directory then look at how to monitor it better. Are you looking for unwanted changes? Are you testing capabilities end-to-end? etc..

W Stewart

Just left a NOC after a year and a half. Learn what you can on the job, study what you can't on your own and move up or out before it drives you crazy and definitely don't ever let yourself get complacent. A guy at the NOC that I just left tried to leave himself about a year ago after working at the NOC for 5 years. He was asking for his old job back on the first day of starting his new job after feeling the difference between playing PC games in a NOC and having to do real work. He's still there and I won't make the same mistake. I've never been okay with sitting around doing nothing at my job.

Funny story. They gave me an annual bonus even though I had only been there for three months at the time and they told me not to tell anybody. They were pissed off when the guy mentioned above left and I heard through another coworker that he forfeited the raise that they counter-offered him along with his annual bonus. I now realize that they probably gave me his bonus. I made sure to quit after they passed out the annual bonuses.

snunez889

Has any one ever worked in a NOC overnight by yourself? Whats that like?

jvrlopez

I worked overnight with another person for half of the week and 2 others for the other half of the week.

It was mind numbingly boring and slow. We had dual screens, so most people streamed media on one side and kept something work related on the other.

I studied on my downtime when I worked nights. I was able to put in a lot of time towards my CCNA.

Now that I work days (at another job), it's a lot harder to study since a lot of the leadership is present even if there is little to do. It just gives the wrong impression to some, I guess.

Gorby

I used to work in a noc for a 12 hour shift, it was really boring my biggest challenge was fighting sleep by 3am lol. I'd get a certification or 2 and learn everything I could then either get promoted from within for find another position with more responsibility.

Kinet1c

Currently working in NOC, really enjoying it 2 months in. Seems to be always something going on and you tend to get a good view of all infrastructure. Not a whole lot of downtime but if there is I'll read a pdf or watch an online video.

Usually work as part of a 2 man team on shift but have worked on my own too at nights, not heard or seen anyone fall asleep in here but have heard of it elsewhere. I've got my sleep pattern down pretty good now where I can utilise my days off to do something constructive as opposed to lay about if tired.

linuxlover

I try studying, but my shifts (even nightshifts) pass really quick. I wish I had more time tbh.

dmoore44

You have downtime? The only downtime I have is called lunch...