Why automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming increasingly important for SOC operations. Compared to humans, the algorithms are simply much faster in defining a normal state of IT processes or identifying behavioral patterns.
Technology providers are continuously working to improve IT security in companies. But even though Security Operation Centers (SOC) are increasingly able to ward off threats, there is still a lot to be done. AI, machine learning (ML) and automation effectively support the experts without making them superfluous.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) in the SOC
An important basis for improving the work in the SOC was the realization that a defensive based solely on technology is not enough. Because the attackers are often one decisive step ahead in the cat and mouse game between cyber defense and cyber attack. The use of new technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) therefore plays an important role in relieving people. Compared to humans, the algorithms are simply much faster in defining a normal state of IT processes - the so-called baseline - identifying behavioral patterns and recognizing deviations from normal processes.
But it doesn't work without human thinking. Efficient cyber defense needs both: targeted and effective automation technologies as well as AI and machine learning (ML) on the one hand, which complement the specialist knowledge and expertise of a human defender on the other. Both can either be part of an internal Security Operations Center (SOC) or an outsourced service such as Managed Detection and Response (MDR).
The need for human judgment is and remains undisputed
It is a common misconception that more technology creates less need for people. Automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning can probably never completely replace the need for human decision-making in IT security. The human analyst remains irreplaceable while facing a flesh-and-blood assailant.
The hacker's mind is too intelligent and can use abstract thinking to circumvent defensive measures and penetrate a target network in such a way that technology tools simply do not recognize it. Then, for example, even the most advanced EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solution hardly stands a chance against an employee who is induced to issue an administrative password using social engineering.
Technology and people need to work together
Human security analysts who think and act like the attacker offer the best chance of counteracting the individual behavior of a cybercriminal, which can never be predicted with absolute certainty. AI, ML and automation support the experts with information to improve and accelerate the well-founded assessment and decision-making of the defense against complex attacks. An automated enrichment that provides the analyst with all relevant information must draw on various knowledge databases and research resources so that the analysts can understand the battlefield in which they operate and make informed decisions. Building on this, the analysts, who understand what the attacker is trying to achieve, can then initiate appropriate reaction measures.
Where automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning are already successful
Automation, ML and AI initiatives are already successful in various areas of IT security. Where attackers automate their attacks, for example, automated defense is sufficient in return. AI and ML also help against attacks with credential stuffing. Here, threat intelligence serves as a guide for developing tools that can detect malicious actors. Security analysts then receive information on how best to define indicators of compromise (IOCs).
Automation and ML can also predict how malware will develop. In this way, you can create a unique signature against new malware, which then helps to identify further attacks. Another important area of application is to collect and process vast amounts of security data. This data is required to detect and verify abnormal activities as risks and thus to find the proverbial needle in the heap of needles.
The SOC of the future will use AI, ML and automation
Insight into a Bitdefender SOC (Image: Bitdefender).
In general, AI, ML and automation will improve the efficiency of SOCs and provide analysts with more context in real time. In addition, AI can imitate attackers. It scans large environments and compares them with known vulnerabilities in order to then predict how a malicious actor would exploit these attack surfaces. Such information is extremely valuable for analysts to proactively prevent attacks.
The smart helpers will play an important role when it comes to scaling. Currently, analysts can only collect a limited amount of data manually. However, the more information there is, the more patterns, relationships and insights one could derive. However, the licensing models of many tools have so far severely restricted the data volume used. In the future, this limitation will hardly exist anymore and large data sets can be examined more strategically and predictive analyzes can be carried out.
Conclusion: The clever helpers have come to stay
IT security will remain a modern game of cat and mouse. AI, ML and automation are already establishing themselves in SOC operations and helping analysts to improve IT security in the company. The clever helpers already offer many advantages, especially when it comes to identifying possible risks quickly and precisely. In the future, the algorithms will be used for numerous other IT security applications, thereby increasing security. Companies are well advised to already use established technologies based on automation, AI and ML in their SOC and to keep a close eye on new technologies. Regardless of this, the human being remains indispensable. But he needs modern technologies for success.
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About Bitdefender Bitdefender is a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions and antivirus software, protecting over 500 million systems in more than 150 countries. Since it was founded in 2001, the company's innovations have consistently ensured excellent security products and intelligent protection for devices, networks and cloud services for private customers and companies. As the supplier of choice, Bitdefender technology is found in 38 percent of security solutions deployed around the world and is trusted and recognized by industry experts, manufacturers and customers alike. www.bitdefender.de