Pranali Kiran Sonar
Cybersecurity Enthusiast
Windows Server · Linux · Networking · Splunk · VMware
I build hands-on cybersecurity labs using Windows Server, Linux, VMware, Splunk and networking technologies. My focus is on learning through practical projects that simulate real IT infrastructure and security environments while preparing for a SOC Analyst career.
About me
Aspiring SOC Analyst focused on building practical, real-world security skills.
I'm a cybersecurity enthusiast with a B.Sc. in Physics, currently focused on building hands-on experience in Windows Server administration, Linux, networking, and SIEM tooling with Splunk. I set up isolated lab environments in VMware to reproduce real-world scenarios end-to-end.
My goal is to work as a SOC Analyst. I learn best by doing — configuring domain controllers, forwarding logs into Splunk, hardening endpoints, and documenting each project so it can be reproduced and reviewed.
Technical skills
Tools and concepts I've used in labs and projects.
- TCP/IP
- DNS
- DHCP
- ICMP
- VLAN
- Routing
- Subnetting
- Windows Server
- Active Directory
- Domain Controller
- User Management
- Group Policy
- Client Connectivity
- Red Hat
- Ubuntu
- File Permissions
- LVM
- Samba
- Cron Jobs
- Firewall
- Splunk
- Log Analysis
- SIEM Basics
- Event Monitoring
- VMware
- Cisco Packet Tracer
- Git
- GitHub
Projects
Hands-on labs simulating real IT infrastructure and security workflows.
Windows Client Connectivity Lab
Configured Windows Server and Windows Client inside VMware. Joined the client to the domain, verified network communication, and tested centralized authentication.
- Active Directory
- DNS
- Domain Join
- VMware
Splunk Log Monitoring Lab
Installed Splunk Enterprise on Windows Server and Universal Forwarder on Windows Client. Collected Windows Event Logs and built dashboards for monitoring system activity.
- Splunk
- Windows Logs
- SIEM
- Dashboards
Linux Server Administration
Configured users, permissions, Samba shares, LVM volumes, cron jobs, TAR backups, and firewall rules on Linux (Red Hat / Ubuntu).
- Linux
- Samba
- LVM
- Firewall
- Cron
Network Topology Lab
Designed and configured routing and switching topologies using Cisco Packet Tracer, including VLANs, subnetting, and inter-VLAN routing.
- Cisco Packet Tracer
- Routing
- VLAN
- Subnetting
Coming next
What I'm currently working on
Active labs and skill areas I'm focused on right now.
- Windows Security Hardening Lab
- Splunk Dashboard Development
- Active Directory Administration
- SOC Analyst Skill Development
Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity Training
- Networking
- Windows Server
- Linux Administration
- Splunk
- VMware
- Cisco Packet Tracer
Certifications
- Networking Fundamentals
- Windows Server Administration
- Linux Administration
- Splunk Fundamentals (in progress)
Education
Bachelor of Science — Physics
GitHub activity
Ongoing work and pinned repositories.
Live from github.com/Pranali-Sonar
Get in touch
Open to SOC Analyst opportunities, internships, and collaboration.