As someone deeply invested in blue team operations, I was eager to explore how this book could help align my SOC and red team functions into a cohesive purple team approach. Defending infrastructure is a monumental challenge. Unlike breaking into systems, which often follows predictable patterns, defending against the constantly evolving technology landscape feels like an uphill battle. With these challenges in mind, I approached this book hoping for fresh strategies to refine my SOC operations.
The book delivers on its promise as a security 101 guide. It covers foundational topics like incident response, disaster recovery, compliance, and vulnerability management. The step-by-step instructions and practical advice make it a solid starting point for those new to cybersecurity or working with limited budgets. For small teams or individuals forced to “make it work” without enterprise resources, this guide offers helpful tools and frameworks to implement incremental improvements.
That said, the content felt basic for someone with experience. While advice like “use passwords” is essential, I was hoping for deeper discussions on securing the password stores themselves—topics that go beyond the surface to address real-world complexities. The book also fell short in answering more nuanced questions around integrating SOC and red team operations into a truly collaborative purple team.
Despite its limitations, the book isn’t without merit. It provides a straightforward, pragmatic approach for those beginning their security journey or seeking cost-effective solutions. However, for seasoned professionals or those looking to tackle advanced SOC challenges, it may leave you wanting more.
In the end, it’s a decent resource for building a foundation. For me, though, it was a bit of a miss. The basics are important, but defending complex infrastructure requires more depth and specificity than this book offers.