In a recent episode of Let’s SOC About It, senior security engineer Mandy Neely shared a compelling analogy on the importance of automation in security operations. She compares automation to wearing a seatbelt—while you might survive without it, being unprotected is a risky choice. This reflects the growing significance of establishing a strategic and sustainable automation framework in modern security practices.
Mandy discusses how the desire for full automation should not overshadow essential foundational steps. Without these, automation can become ineffective, much like “Schrödinger’s cat”—existing in a state of uncertainty without guided frameworks. Her insights especially resonate with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) that navigate diverse client needs and manage high volumes of security alerts.
According to Mandy, developing dependable automation is not an overnight achievement that comes from merely adopting new tools. It demands a disciplined strategy that includes thorough documentation, effective error management, and team cohesion before advancing to more sophisticated capabilities. The episode provides a practical guide to bypassing typical challenges in automation and emphasizes systems that simplify rather than complicate security initiatives.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Robust Error Handling & Alerting: Automation processes will inevitably run into errors. Incorporating solid error management is crucial to identify failures, and this should be coupled with precise alerting to prevent alert fatigue resulting from false positives.
The “SECURE” Automation Framework: Mandy advocates for a strategic approach to automation encapsulated by a memorable acronym:
- Start with a well-defined existing process.
- Prioritize error handling and alerting as key components.
- Involve the entire team in continual process refinement.
- Embrace iterative improvements in tools beyond their initial versions.
- Ensure everyone on the team understands the automation ecosystem to minimize redundancy.
- Instill risk awareness to focus automation efforts on genuine threats.
- Use consistent data management practices for seamless interactions between systems.
Automation: A Necessity: Automation has shifted from a “nice-to-have” feature to a fundamental requirement. The potential consequences of neglecting strategic automation can lead to heightened risks, analyst fatigue, and unsustainable operations.
Measuring ROI: Before initiating automation, it is important to set clear goals and metrics related to manual processes, such as ticket volume and resolution times. Regular tracking of these metrics and engaging engineers to evaluate the real impact of automation can help ensure that the implementation genuinely alleviates workflow challenges.
