In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organizations are increasingly turning to automation to enhance their security posture. However, the decision to implement security automation is not one to be taken lightly. With a myriad of solutions available, organizations must thoughtfully consider their unique needs, success criteria, and the ever-changing nature of technology. 

In this blog post, we will guide you through crucial questions to ask when evaluating security automation solutions.

Question 1: How do you support changing technologies ?

It’s not about the sheer number of connectors; it’s about long-term support for evolving needs. In a world where APIs change constantly, organizations must ensure that their chosen automation solution can seamlessly adapt to these shifts. Ask your potential vendors about their commitment to staying current with emerging technologies and their strategy for handling evolving APIs.

Question 2: Are you able to match the expertise on my team?

Security automation success hinges on the expertise of your team. Evaluate whether the chosen solution aligns with your team’s skillset: whether through low-code, no-code, or full-code options or if additional training is required. A well-matched team can leverage the automation solution more effectively, maximizing its potential impact on your organization’s security.

Question 3: Does your solution provide customized insights to the different stakeholders?

Security is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders within an organization. Your automation solution should provide clear visibility into the security processes for different teams, from the SOC to executive leadership. Ensure that the chosen solution facilitates communication and collaboration among different stakeholders through composable case management, dashboards and reportings.

Question 4: How do you leverage cutting-edge technologies in your platform? 

Innovation is key to staying ahead of cyber threats. Assess whether the automation solution leverages new technologies to make your life easier. Look for features that support innovation, whether through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, or other cutting-edge technologies that can level up your organization’s security capabilities while keeping humans in the loop.

Question 5: How do you make sure I will be successful?

Consider the support system provided by the vendor. Evaluate whether they offer comprehensive documentation, customer success programs, and training resources. A robust support system ensures that your team can effectively implement and maintain the security automation solution, leading to successful outcomes.

Question 6: Can your solution scale as my company grows? 

Think beyond the Security Operations Center (SOC). A truly valuable security automation solution should be scalable, allowing you to extend its use cases as your company grows. Assess whether the solution can adapt to the changing needs of your organization, beyond the initial use case in the SOC.

Evaluating security automation solutions requires a thoughtful approach that goes beyond surface-level metrics. By asking these critical questions, you can ensure you choose a solution that aligns with your unique needs, provides long-term support, and contributes to the overall success of your cybersecurity strategy. 

If you just started your automation journey, seek out thought leadership resources to gain insights and make informed decisions, ultimately driving success in your automation endeavors. Don’t settle for “good enough” solutions.