We don’t have to tell you that the world of cybersecurity is in a constant state of flux, or that old strategies just don’t cut it anymore. Earlier this month, we discussed the increasing adoption of proactive security strategies and highlighted trends from IT and security leaders who are already adopting proactive security technologies. For those who are still exploring how to implement proactive security approaches, we wanted to point out an easy on ramp. Most people leap to artificial intelligence (AI) when they hear the phrase “proactive security,” but you don’t have to jump into that deep end immediately. Starting with automation can be a good first step.
Why Automation is a Must-Have for Proactive Security
If you haven’t yet implemented automation for IT and security operations, you should start any proactive security journey with automation. Because it has been refined and improved over many years, automation capabilities within IT and security tools are generally mature and reliable. Many also can integrate seamlessly into existing systems. (This is a far cry from any AI-enhanced IT and security capabilities on the market right now.)
Think of automation as your security team’s tireless assistant. It can continuously monitor your systems, scan for vulnerabilities, and even apply patches and updates, freeing up your valuable human resources to focus on more strategic tasks.
Here’s how automation can supercharge your proactive security efforts:
- Do More with Less: Automated tools handle repetitive tasks, reducing the risk of human error and accelerating response times.
- React in (Near) Real Time: Depending on your IT infrastructure, you should be able to implement automated responses, enabling your cybersecurity tools to respond to potential threats immediately and minimizing the window of opportunity for attackers.
- Enhance Collaboration and Coordination: By integrating automation tools across both IT and security systems, you can improve collaboration and coordination between these teams. This unified approach ensures that critical information is shared promptly, incidents are handled more efficiently, and overall security posture is strengthened through cohesive efforts.
A recent report from Omdia on proactive security underscores the importance of automation, stating that “Proactive security solutions will not deliver their full potential without strong security automation capabilities.”
Where to Start with Automation
In our work with hundreds of organizations around the globe, we’ve found that prioritizing automation for these critical areas can have a significant improvement in productivity and operational efficiency:
- Patch Scanning and Deployment: Keep your systems up-to-date with the latest security patches without manual intervention. Omdia’s research supports this, emphasizing that “Organizations should ensure that proactive security solutions embrace security orchestration and automation, particularly for patch scanning, patch deployment, vulnerability scanning, and vulnerability remediation.”
- Vulnerability Scanning and Remediation: Quickly identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. According to the Omdia report, “79% of respondents view automated vulnerability remediation capabilities as important or mission critical.”
Learn How Your Peers Are Automating Proactive Security
Want to know how other organizations are using automation to strengthen their security posture? Download the Omdia white paper to get insights into the latest trends and best practices in proactive security. The report reveals that “61% of all respondents believe that automation is foundationally critical to achieving proactive security.”
Don’t get left behind in the race against cyber threats. Embrace automation and take your proactive security to the next level.
Syxsense: Your Partner in Proactive Security
Syxsense is the leading provider of automated endpoint and vulnerability management solutions designed to help organizations stay ahead of the curve. Our comprehensive platform offers automated patching, vulnerability scanning, and remediation, empowering you to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Book a consultation today to find out how we can help you get up and running with proactive security capabilities in less than 30 days.
