Will cyber security jobs soon be automated?

Over the last few years, enterprises have witnessed a spike in cyber security automation, both in terms of event and alert processing. Automation is used to reduce the risk of human error and is needed in higher volume processing. But where does this leave cyber security professionals in the near future?

A global survey from 2021 indicates that there is a high level of cyber security automation taking place within organisations worldwide. Almost 85% of respondents indicated that a medium to high level of automation is used in security operations and event or alert processing. Almost 75% reported that medium to high levels of automation are being used to prevent security exposures to the network.

There has been exponential growth in the global cyber security industry in recent years. Faced with evolving threats, security professionals that leverage automation are the most equipped to thrive in a changing threat landscape.

For example, automation can be used to rapidly update all devices connected to a company network with the latest security patches. This can be easily done from a remote console with the click of a button. In the past, technicians needed to manually update each individual device - a time-consuming and repetitive task that can be easily replaced with automation.

Threat detection and intervention involves a lot of manual tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming when done through manual intervention. Cyber security software can take over with automated processes. This frees up cyber security professionals and allows them to focus their attention on higher level tasks aligned to business objectives. Artificial intelligence (AI) ensures that security teams can identify and respond to threats a lot faster.

Automation tools for cyber security

Security information and event management (SIEM) systems help to streamline and centralise cyber security threat detection and response. A SIEM system collects and aggregates data generated on various applications, networks, devices, data centres and digital ecosystems.

Using automation, such as data analytics and AI, these systems deliver key insights that can drive decision-making among cyber security professionals. Within a SIEM system are various tools that leverage automation. Endpoint protection and threat response tools are used to constantly monitor all business end points, such as employee devices, sensors, routers and more.

Cyber security tools for malware detection, data monitoring and vulnerability scanning are also based on automated software that can process huge data sets and deliver insights in real-time.

User behaviour and entity analytics gives cyber security professionals key insight into trends and patterns happening within the business network. Should there be any deviation from the norm beyond a reasonable level, automated tools trigger alerts to let the relevant personnel or teams know about potential threats or security incidents.

Automation offers better visibility and security protection

Cyber criminals exploit vulnerabilities, particularly when companies use multiple vendors and security solutions. In these instances, the security solutions do not provide a blanket coverage of all attack surfaces. In the current security climate, it is necessary for organisations to cover their entire attack surface using next generation security solutions that are cloud-based and use automation.

As such, enterprises are using attack surface management tools that constantly monitor for potential threats, classifying and prioritising processes in line with the decisions and objectives outlined by cyber security professionals. Enterprises that rely on large networks have ever-growing attack surfaces and need a holistic approach to cyber and information security to prevent debilitating security and incidents, such as distributed denial of services (DDoS) attacks.

Automated tools can make the incident response process faster by offering greater insight and protection for multiple business endpoints. Over time, automation reduces the number of false positives through machine learning capabilities. Enterprises benefit from detailed reporting; automated reports are generated much faster and provide more comprehensive insight than manual reporting and monitoring.

The changing role of cyber security professionals

Technological advancements are constantly pushing ICT professionals to upskill in order to stay ahead of the game and secure their jobs. There is certainly a salary incentive, with attractive remuneration and promotion opportunities for cyber security professionals who undergo frequent upskilling. These professionals are in a better position to cater for changes in cyber security methods, including how to make best use of automated tools and machine learning capabilities.

Cyber security personnel need to balance out both internal and external threats, taking a flexible approach to their cyber security management. It is necessary for them to stay ahead of the latest trends in order not to get too bogged down with manual tasks and interventions.

As global security threats continue to evolve and grow, the World Economic Forum urges businesses and governments to update their cyber security on a continuous basis, in order to combat the dangers associated with a growing band of skilled cyber criminals and obsolete or outdated legacy security systems.

Chief information security officers (CISOs) now have a new set of roles and responsibilities that include the implementation of new technologies, projects and supporting business growth while addressing the associated security risks. CISOs need to be able to write policies, innovate and transform business processes. They are also often required to develop the relevant training programmes to ensure that employees are able to implement any changes and use emerging technologies.

The roles and responsibilities for cyber security professionals

Despite the growing use of automation, cyber security professionals are still needed to oversee security operations and monitor for any security alerts. They are also involved in setting up and configuring automation to reflect key business metrics and objectives.

Certain skill sets remain essential for cyber security professionals. These include things like coding and legal analysis, but strategy has become a key skill needed by cyber security teams so that they are able to respond to a rapidly changing technological age. In order to adapt, grow and diversify, cyber security professionals need skills beyond tech skills, such as problem solving, creative thinking, collaboration and communication skills.

Cyber security professionals need to use the organisational structure and corporate governance to enhance their approach to cyber security. Targeted analytics through animation can reduce or eliminate the human element of cyber risk. By applying threat intelligence and analytics, security teams are able to respond proactively to advanced cyber threats.

Benefit of automation for cyber security teams

There are a number of benefits that come with automation. Cyber security professionals and CISOs can make use of insights from automated reports, focusing their attention on high-priority, high-risk threats. Machine learning algorithms offer greater accuracy and allow security professionals to detect and respond to breaches much more effectively and quickly.

By reducing the amount of manual tasks, security professionals can free up their time and focus on building the business and servicing their stakeholders. For more information or to get a quote for our automated cyber security solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

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