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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Is planning to implement a security operations…
An organization is planning to implement a security operations center (SOC) and is considering different monitoring strategies. Which THREE of the following are essential components of a tiered SOC model? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between SOC tiers and supporting roles; the trap here is that candidates mistake management or intelligence functions as part of the tiered analyst hierarchy, when only Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 analysts constitute the core escalation model.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Tier 2 analysts who conduct in-depth analysis and incident response
Tier 2 analysts in a tiered SOC model are responsible for in-depth analysis of escalated incidents, performing incident response actions, and determining the scope and impact of security events. This tier bridges the gap between initial triage and advanced threat hunting, ensuring that confirmed incidents are properly contained and remediated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A SOC manager who oversees daily operations and reporting
Why it's wrong here
The SOC manager is a management role, not a tier in the operational model.
- ✗
A dedicated threat intelligence team that provides context on indicators
Why it's wrong here
Threat intelligence is a function, not a tier; it may support all tiers.
- ✓
Tier 2 analysts who conduct in-depth analysis and incident response
Why this is correct
Tier 2 handles escalated incidents and performs root cause analysis.
- ✓
Tier 1 analysts who monitor alerts and perform initial triage
Why this is correct
Tier 1 is the first line of defense, filtering and escalating alerts.
- ✓
Tier 3 analysts who focus on threat hunting and advanced forensics
Why this is correct
Tier 3 handles complex incidents and proactive threat hunting.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Impact
Impact is the measure of the potential damage or harm that a risk event could cause to an organization's assets, operations, or reputation.
Key term
Scope
In IT, scope defines the boundaries, goals, and deliverables of a project, assessment, or engagement, specifying what is included and what is excluded.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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