<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
---
name: implementing-soc-knowledge-base
description: >-
  SOC knowledge base design and maintenance including runbook development,
  investigation playbook documentation, lessons learned repositories,
  detection logic references, analyst onboarding guides, and searchable
  knowledge management across Confluence, Wiki.js, and GitBook platforms.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: soc-operations
tags:
  - knowledge-base
  - soc
  - runbooks
  - documentation
  - onboarding
  - lessons-learned
  - wiki
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: []
---

# Implementing SOC Knowledge Base

## Overview

A well-maintained SOC knowledge base reduces tribal knowledge dependencies,
accelerates analyst onboarding, ensures consistent response procedures, and
captures lessons learned. Without it, the SOC loses institutional knowledge
with every departure and repeats mistakes. This skill covers knowledge base
architecture, content types, and maintenance workflows.

## Prerequisites

| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Knowledge platform (Confluence/Wiki.js/GitBook) | Content hosting |
| Version control (Git) | Change tracking for runbooks |
| SOC team input | Content creation and review |
| Search capability | Quick analyst lookup during incidents |

## Key Concepts

### Knowledge Base Architecture

```
SOC KNOWLEDGE BASE STRUCTURE:
├── Runbooks/ — Step-by-step response procedures
│   ├── Incident Types/ (phishing, malware, unauthorized-access, ...)
│   ├── Containment Actions/ (isolate-host, block-ip, disable-account, ...)
│   └── Escalation Procedures/ (tier-escalation, management, legal, ...)
├── Investigation Guides/ — How to investigate specific alert types
│   ├── By Rule Name/ (mapped to SIEM correlation searches)
│   └── By ATT&CK Technique/ (T-code organized)
├── Tool References/ — SOC tooling documentation
│   ├── SIEM Queries/ (saved searches, dashboards)
│   ├── EDR Usage/ (isolation, live response, query)
│   └── SOAR Playbooks/ (automation documentation)
├── Detection Logic/ — What rules detect and why
│   ├── Rule Documentation/ (per-rule: logic, tuning, known FPs)
│   └── Coverage Matrix/ (ATT&CK heatmap with rule mapping)
├── Onboarding/ — New analyst training materials
│   ├── SOC Overview/ (mission, structure, shifts)
│   ├── Tool Access Setup/ (accounts, VPN, MFA)
│   └── Training Exercises/ (simulated incidents)
└── Lessons Learned/ — Post-incident knowledge capture
    ├── After-Action Reports/
    ├── Detection Improvements/
    └── Process Changes/
```

### Runbook Template

```markdown
# [Incident Type] Runbook
**Last Updated:** YYYY-MM-DD | **Owner:** analyst-name | **Version:** X.Y

## Scope
What incidents this runbook covers and when to use it.

## Triage (0-15 min)
1. [ ] Validate alert — confirm event matches detection logic
2. [ ] Assess scope — identify affected systems and users
3. [ ] Classify severity — apply severity matrix

## Investigation
1. [ ] Query SIEM for related alerts (24h, same entities)
   ```spl
   index=notable src="$SRC$" OR dest="$DEST$" earliest=-24h
   ```
2. [ ] Check EDR for process tree on affected hosts
3. [ ] Enrich IOCs via threat intel

## Containment
1. [ ] [Action with specific command/procedure]
2. [ ] Verify containment effective
3. [ ] Document containment actions with timestamps

## Escalation Criteria
- Escalate to T2 if: [conditions]
- Escalate to IR lead if: [conditions]
- Notify management if: [conditions]
```

### Lesson Learned Template

```markdown
# Post-Incident Review — [Incident ID]
**Date:** YYYY-MM-DD | **Severity:** P1-P4 | **Duration:** X hours

## What Happened
Brief factual summary of the incident.

## Timeline
| Time | Event | Actor |
|------|-------|-------|
| HH:MM | Detection fired | SIEM |
| HH:MM | Analyst acknowledged | analyst-name |

## What Went Well
- [Specific positive outcomes]

## What Needs Improvement
- [Specific gaps with recommended actions]

## Action Items
| Item | Owner | Due Date | Status |
|------|-------|----------|--------|
| Create detection for [gap] | analyst | YYYY-MM-DD | Open |
```

## Workflow

1. **Audit** — Inventory existing documentation and identify gaps
2. **Structure** — Implement knowledge base architecture
3. **Create** — Write runbooks for top 10 incident types first
4. **Review** — Peer review all content before publishing
5. **Train** — Ensure all analysts know how to search and contribute
6. **Maintain** — Monthly review cycle with assigned owners per section
7. **Measure** — Track article usage and analyst satisfaction

## Verification

| Check | Method |
|---|---|
| Top incident types have runbooks | Coverage audit against alert categories |
| Content is current | Last-updated dates within 90 days |
| Analysts can find information | Search test with timed lookup exercise |
| Lessons learned captured | Post-incident review compliance rate |
| New analysts onboarded via KB | Onboarding checklist completion tracking |
