In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, organizations face challenges posed by well-funded threat actors who are utilizing cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence to carry out attacks. Meanwhile, Security Operations Centers (SOCs), which are built on outdated technologies such as security information and event management (SIEM) solutions, are struggling to keep up. This discrepancy is creating a pressing need for a scalable solution that can effectively combat advanced attack campaigns, cloud initiatives, and digital transformation.
One of the major issues faced by SOC analysts is the overwhelming amount of security data generated by today’s expanded enterprise attack surface. This data is often complex and stored in separate systems, leading to challenges in analysis and causing alert fatigue, slowed investigations, and missed threats. As a result, hackers can infiltrate networks and remain undetected for prolonged periods, causing irreparable damage. In this new landscape, it is crucial to focus on the pain points of SOC analysts and transform the way these security teams operate.
The first wish is for automation. Traditionally, SOC analysts have conducted manual research, which consumes a significant amount of their time and contributes to analyst exhaustion. This lack of trust in the system can manifest when incidents are not properly reported and investigated due to a lack of automated remediation. To address this issue, advancements in security orchestration automation and response technologies are helping analysts automate initial research and gather context from different technologies. This saves time and effort, allowing analysts to respond to alerts more effectively and focus on high-risk incidents rather than being overwhelmed by massive amounts of data. Similar to a self-driving car that no longer requires constant human control, an automated SOC can handle low-risk alerts, mitigations, and analysis tasks, freeing up analysts to work on urgent and meaningful incidents.
The second wish is for incident distribution. SOC analysts often find themselves repeating the same tasks day in and day out, which leads to stagnation and disengagement. To address this, security teams should create a system where incidents are allocated to analysts in a varied manner. This not only keeps analysts challenged and satisfied in their roles but also allows them to expand their knowledge and expertise by addressing a diverse range of alerts. By encountering unfamiliar alert types, analysts are motivated to broaden their skill set and become more well-rounded. This intentional allocation of diverse alerts fosters a dynamic environment that promotes constant learning, proactivity, and problem-solving, resulting in a stronger and more effective team.
The third wish is for comprehensive training. Training plays a critical role in driving consistency and reducing risk within an organization. New analysts require formal guidance on the organization’s infrastructure, tools, and processes. Effective onboarding programs should include opportunities for shadowing existing analysts and should be regularly updated to ensure accuracy. Moreover, ongoing training is essential for existing employees to develop their skills, stay abreast of industry advancements, and adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Providing these learning opportunities boosts analysts’ confidence and awareness of the latest technologies, tactics, and trends, which in turn enhance incident response and threat protection capabilities.
Fulfilling these three wishes is integral to the success of a modern-day SOC that can effectively handle the cybersecurity challenges of the present and future. Organizations must prioritize the needs of their analysts and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their roles. To learn more about transforming SOC operations, Palo Alto Networks offers a comprehensive book titled “Elements of Security Operations.” This resource delves deeper into the strategies and technologies required for building and maintaining a resilient SOC in today’s cybersecurity landscape.