The role of security analysts has evolved. With a substantial influx of complex data for human operators to process, automation is becoming common in the cybersecurity environment.
Computers are increasingly used to make critical decisions without human interaction. Some SOCs are now machine-assisted: automating data gathering, running comparative analysis. So the question is, does this mean cybersecurity decisions will be done without any human involvement? And will demand for security jobs fall?
What automation brings
Like any other industry, automation in cyber security brings more efficiency and reduces operational time. It reduces risks and operational errors. Not every step can be automated, and testing in many aspects still depends on manual analysis. The major time saving is in production management and industrial control systems, where automating repetitive processes lifts overall cybersecurity performance.
Analysts with the right tools focus on actually analysing data rather than mundane tasks. Automation zeroes in on the intelligence for humans to take a call on.
Demand will go up, not down
Automation in air traffic control led to increased capacity and accuracy, not redundancy. The same expected pattern applies in security. With more sophisticated tools, demand for security professionals is expected to rise. Cyber security still needs talent with strong critical thinking to analyse threats and secure networks.
Originally published 5 June 2017. Migrated to the new IRC site in 2026.