What is automation in terms of information technology? According to TechTarget Network, IT automation is “the linking of disparate systems and software in such a way that they become self-acting or self-regulating.”
Automation is a tool that saves time and makes life easier. Do you use Siri? What about an Amazon Echo? Thermostats, cameras, laptops, tablets, smoke detectors, motion sensors. These ALL use automation. You know those self-driving cars we keep hearing about? That is the most current example of technology using automation in innovative ways.
So where does automation fit in with cyber security? Recently, automation has been a significant help in working through cyber security incidents, attacks and data breaches. It saves personnel time, and may even bring down pricing of IT services for many businesses.
There are many different types of automation when it comes to IT and cyber security. Have you heard of Robotic process automation (RPA)? This type of automation uses software with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to handle high-volume, repeatable tasks that previously required a human to perform. RPA is unique in the fact that its software has the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, exceptions and new situations, allowing it to manipulate data, trigger responses, initiate new actions and communicate with other systems autonomously. TechTarget Network also reported that RPA will transform IT service delivery in 2017, by linking up with big data and analytics.
AI is huge right now, not only in the world of social media and gaming, but it has also spiked interest in the world of cyber security. Last week IBM announced that their beloved Watson is entering the realm of cyber security. Watson for Cyber Security (named by IBM), will have the ability to read millions of documents and terabytes of information to derive insights a human might not —and puts them all into a security operations center (where enterprise information systems are monitored, assessed, and defended). This new tool will proactively help to spot breaches and hacking attempts that might slip through unnoticed, then make suggestions on the best responses for each situation.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2017/02/13/ibm-turns-watson-to-cyber-security/#5ccb62e95a03
Automation and machine learning comes in many forms and has expanded through many different industries over the past year. Many experts and industry trade publications, in addition to TechTarget Network and Forbes, are reporting that automation is going to be a complete game changer in 2017. However, as with all new technologies, there will be some hiccups. Forbes gives a few great examples of the perks and risks of automation, here.
Need help determining how automation and its new applications could help your business? Contact us anytime at 800-584- 6844 or via sales@saalexIT.com. We’d love to customize a plan to fit your needs.