IBM QRadar tutorial curriculum

Before learners start an IBM QRadar tutorial, they may benefit from having a foundational understanding of IT security. This includes familiarity with SIEM concepts, knowledge of common internet security attack types, and an understanding of network protocol, among other fundamental topics in cybersecurity.

Beginner courses could cover some of the following topics:^{Footnote 2}

• Installing the IBM QRadar SIEM software

• Configuring and managing data

• Investigating offenses

• Creating threat reports for a team

Intermediate-level study of IBM QRadar often builds on your knowledge of SIEM and IBM QRadar concepts. You might explore more in-depth topics such as offense and log analysis, attack simulation, and advanced dashboarding and reporting. You can then familiarize yourself with specific modules, including IBM QRadar SIEM Risk Manager and IBM QRadar SIEM User Behavior Analytics.^{Footnote 3}

Start learning about cybersecurity with edX. edX offers a range of instructional formats to fit different learners’ needs. A boot camp can provide flexible, hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses may be more geared toward professionals. You may also be able to study broader topics related to cybersecurity as part of a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Explore the different options made available through edX.

Explore IBM QRadar jobs

Learners who can operate and manage SIEM solutions can apply that knowledge to a wide range of careers, including:

• Security operations center (SOC) specialist: Monitors and investigates computer network and system security breaches. A SOC specialist could use IBM QRadar to scan for vulnerabilities, identify them based on severity, and provide recommendations for remediation.^{Footnote 4}

• IT security coordinator: Protects data from illegal access, theft, and misuse. IBM QRadar can help them proactively run vulnerability scans and use analytics to search for potential threats.^{Footnote 5}

• Cyber intelligence officer: Gathers intelligence on IT threats, pinpoints weaknesses in IT infrastructure, and manages threat intelligence databases. IBM QRadar SIEM can help them prepare reports to communicate vulnerability metrics to stakeholders or partner organizations.^{Footnote 6}

• Compliance officer: Conducts risk assessments and ensures an organization’s processes meet government regulations. They could use IBM Security QRadar to document compliance metrics and demonstrate alignment with regulatory requirements.^{Footnote 7}

• Network administrator: Responsible for the daily maintenance and security of computer systems and communication networks. They could use IBM QRadar SIEM to provide them with real-time alerts for potential security incidents or anomalies so they can quickly troubleshoot network issues.^{Footnote 8}

To prepare for IBM QRadar jobs, an aspiring QRadar specialist might begin building their knowledge of security threat management through a cybersecurity boot camp. edX offers boot camps on many different topics, such as a coding boot camp, or one on product management and data analytics.

How to use IBM QRadar in your career

If your job is to safeguard your company’s IT infrastructure, you might use SIEM software like IBM QRadar to monitor the system’s security status. 

For example, as a threat intelligence analyst, you may use IBM QRadar to identify emerging threats and malicious activities. Your daily tasks may include reviewing the alerts generated by QRadar to address any issues that require immediate attention. Based on these IBM QRadar reports, you may also need to prepare a summary for management or stakeholders with details of any security incidents, mitigation measures, and recommendations to prevent future occurrences.