chat
expand_more

How AI Will Change the Role of the SOC Team

Discover how AI is transforming security operation centers by reducing noise, enhancing clarity, and empowering analysts with enriched data for faster threat detection and response.
November 15, 2024

The security operations center (SOC) has long been the nerve center of an organization's cybersecurity efforts, monitoring, analyzing, and responding to threats in real-time. It serves as the frontline defense against increasingly sophisticated attacks, protecting sensitive data and critical systems. However, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the SOC, promising unprecedented efficiency and accuracy while raising important questions about its ultimate role. From automating repetitive tasks and reducing alert fatigue to enabling proactive threat detection and response, AI is transforming the way SOC teams operate. This shift is not only changing the tools and processes used but also redefining the skills and strategies required to combat modern cyber threats effectively.

The AI Advantage in the SOC

Reducing Noise, Enhancing Clarity

A fundamental challenge for SOC teams is filtering through overwhelming volumes of data to pinpoint threats. Traditional methods often leave analysts buried in alerts, leading to "alert fatigue." AI is stepping in as the ultimate magnet in the haystack hunt. Dave Kennedy, founder of TrustedSec and Binary Defense, describes it this way:

“Now we have the ability for the needle in the haystack to not really be there anymore. Analysts can avoid sifting through mountains of data and instead focus on what’s truly critical.”

By leveraging machine learning models, SOC teams can more efficiently identify anomalies and suspicious behaviors. AI doesn’t just flag potential issues; it provides enriched, human-readable context that allows analysts to assess risk quickly and accurately.

Faster Response Times

AI's ability to analyze and correlate data from multiple sources significantly accelerates incident response. For instance, when a malicious script triggers an alert, AI can swiftly reverse-engineer the code, identify deviations from legitimate scripts, and offer contextual insights into associated IP addresses or historical user behaviors.

Abnormal Field CISO Mick Leach notes the time savings these capabilities provide:

“AI eliminates hours of manual work by curating and enriching data, allowing analysts to act on a fuller picture from the outset.”

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI offers significant benefits, its integration into SOCs presents notable challenges. Implementing AI solutions can be complex, requiring substantial expertise and resources, which may pose difficulties for small to medium-sized businesses. Additionally, human oversight remains critical, as AI is not infallible.

Both Kennedy and Leach stress the importance of human involvement to validate alerts and make nuanced decisions. As Leach explained, “AI isn’t replacing analysts—it’s augmenting their capabilities. But at the end of the day, humans must validate what AI surfaces.”

Furthermore, ethical dilemmas arise with AI’s ability to automate tasks such as identifying sensitive data or executing response actions. Kennedy highlighted a pivotal question: “Should AI prioritize the safety of the organization, its users, or external parties? These are complex decisions we must address carefully.”

Preparing SOC Teams for an AI-Driven Future

To fully leverage AI, SOC professionals must adapt. New skills and expertise will be crucial, particularly in the following areas:

  • Data Science and Machine Learning Proficiency: Understanding how AI models work and where their limitations lie is essential.

  • Prompt Engineering: Crafting precise queries to extract meaningful insights from AI tools will become a valuable skill.

  • Adaptability to Emerging Roles: AI is creating entirely new roles in the cybersecurity landscape, such as “AI Security Engineers” and “Threat Enrichment Specialists.”

A Collaboration Between Humans and AI

The integration of AI is set to transform the role of the SOC, shifting its focus from reactive incident response to proactive threat hunting and strategic planning. By automating repetitive tasks, AI frees analysts to focus on uncovering sophisticated threats and developing long-term security strategies. Its ability to map attack chains—from initial compromise to lateral movement—enhances an organization's understanding of threats and strengthens defenses. Moreover, AI democratizes advanced cybersecurity, enabling smaller organizations with limited resources to adopt robust security measures.

However, AI can also pose its own challenges, as Kennedy emphasizes, “AI isn’t a silver bullet. The complexity of cybersecurity means it will take time—and collaboration between humans and AI—to unlock its full potential.”

Empowering the SOC of Tomorrow

AI is poised to redefine the SOC, bringing efficiency, clarity, and new challenges to the forefront. As organizations adopt AI-driven solutions, they must ensure their teams are equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness its power responsibly. By blending the strengths of human expertise with AI’s computational capabilities, the SOC of the future can become a more resilient and proactive force against ever-evolving cyber threats. Whether you're a seasoned cybersecurity professional or a business owner, now is the time to explore AI's possibilities.

Interested in learning more about AI-powered defense? Schedule a demo today!

Schedule a Demo
How AI Will Change the Role of the SOC Team

See Abnormal in Action

Get a Demo

Get the Latest Email Security Insights

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on the latest attacks and new trends in the email threat landscape.

Get AI Protection for Your Human Interactions

Protect your organization from socially-engineered email attacks that target human behavior.
Request a Demo
Request a Demo

Related Posts

B Podcast Blog
Explore insights on AI, collaboration, career growth, and unforgettable stories from industry leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Read More
B AI Vendor
Learn how to evaluate transparency, risks, scalability, and ethical considerations to make informed cybersecurity decisions.
Read More
B SOC Prod
Learn how AI-driven automation boosts SOC productivity by reducing false positives, addressing skills gaps, and enhancing threat detection. Discover strategies to future-proof your SOC and strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
Read More
B Proofpoint Customer Story F500 Insurance Provider
A Fortune 500 insurance provider blocked 6,454 missed attacks and saved 341 SOC hours per month by adding Abnormal to address gaps left by Proofpoint.
Read More
B Malicious AI Platforms Blog
What happened to WormGPT? Discover how AI tools like WormGPT changed cybercrime, why they vanished, and what cybercriminals are using now.
Read More
B MKT748 Open Graph Images for Cyber Savvy 7
Explore insights from Brian Markham, CISO at EAB, as he discusses cybersecurity challenges, building trust in education, adapting to AI threats, and his goals for the future. Learn how he and his team are working to make education smarter while prioritizing data security.
Read More