how can participate for Advanced KQL for SecOps?

To participate in Advanced KQL for SecOps, you can start by familiarizing yourself with Kusto Query Language (KQL), which is essential for querying and analyzing data in Microsoft Sentinel. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Learn KQL Basics: Understand the structure of KQL queries, including how to get, limit, sort, and filter data. You can find resources on KQL basics to help you get started.
2. Explore Advanced Concepts: Once you're comfortable with the basics, delve into more advanced topics like using the evaluate operator and let statements to create complex queries.
3. Practice with Real Data: Utilize the Microsoft Sentinel data lake to run interactive KQL queries and analyze historical data. This hands-on experience will enhance your skills.
4. Engage with the Community: Participate in forums or groups focused on Microsoft Sentinel and KQL to share knowledge and learn from others.
5. Utilize Microsoft Resources: Access tutorials and documentation provided by Microsoft to deepen your understanding and stay updated on best practices.

By following these steps, you can effectively participate in Advanced KQL for SecOps and improve your threat detection and incident response capabilities.

References:

• KQL and the Microsoft Sentinel data lake
• Common tasks with KQL for Microsoft Sentinel

Hello Nacho,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Platform. Thank you for reaching out & hope you are doing well.

I will try to guide you in this scenario as:

So, advanced KQL for SecOps involves moving beyond basic where, summarize, and count operators to utilize complex functions and operators for Threat Hunting, Incident Investigation, and Detection Engineering.

This includes: A.Time Series Analysis: Using functions like make-series, series_stats, and series_fit_line to spot anomalies over time. B.Geospatial Analysis: Utilizing functions to track locations and identify geographic anomalies. C.Complex Joins and Cross-Platform Hunting: Mastering various join types (e.g., innerunique, leftouter) to correlate data across multiple security tables (e.g., DeviceFileEvents, EmailEvents, SecurityAlert). D.Advanced Aggregations: Using functions like autocluster, basket, and diffpatterns for automated root cause analysis and anomaly detection. E.Performance Optimization: Using the materialize and let statements efficiently to handle large datasets.

To effectively participate in Advanced KQL for SecOps, you can follow this roadmap, focusing on official Microsoft training and hands-on practice:

1. Formal Certification Path:

The best formal path is the official Microsoft security course designed for SecOps professionals:

Certification: Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200).

Focus: This certification focuses heavily on using Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR (Advanced Hunting), with a dedicated section on constructing and analyzing data using KQL.

Resources: Utilize the free learning modules on Microsoft Learn that map directly to the SC-200 exam objectives.

2. Structured Learning Resources

Microsoft Learn Modules: Use the structured, free modules specifically for KQL. Start with the basics and progress to more complex topics like the summarize and render operators.

Resource Example: Look for modules titled "Construct KQL statements for Microsoft Sentinel" or "Analyze query results using KQL."

Microsoft Defender XDR Expert Training: Microsoft provides a webcast series (often called "L33TSP3AK") and dedicated documentation for Advanced Hunting, which is pure KQL application. This is ideal for learning real-world threat hunting tactics.

3. Hands-on Practice

Microsoft Sentinel Query Sandbox: Use the KQL Training Solution available in the Microsoft Sentinel Content hub/Marketplace. This solution provides workbooks with pre-loaded data and scenarios to practice your queries.

Real Data Practice: Utilize the Advanced Hunting section in the Microsoft Defender portal or the Logs area in Microsoft Sentinel to run queries against your organization's actual security data. Use the schema tab to familiarize yourself with available tables (like DeviceProcessEvents, EmailEvents, and SecurityAlert).

4. Advanced Topics to Master

To truly be "Advanced KQL for SecOps," focus on the following operators and concepts:

let statement: For query reusability and optimization.

join operator: For correlating data across tables from different security services (e.g., joining an endpoint process event with an identity logon event).

evaluate operator: For invoking powerful data analysis plugins like autocluster, diffpatterns, or external data calls.

reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/kusto/query/?view=azure-data-explorer&preserve-view=true

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-xdr/advanced-hunting-overview

Hope this helps! If it answered your question, please consider clicking Accept Answer and Upvote. This will help us and others in the community as well.

If you need more info, feel free to ask in the comments. Happy to help!

Regards,

Monalisha