Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are facing an overwhelming rise in alert volumes and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, while artificial intelligence is seen as a solution, it is important to recognize that not all AI tools are created equal, especially within the SOC environment, traditional assistant-based AI requires constant human oversight, while a new type of AI, Agentic AI emerged, offering more autonomy and the potential to transform security operations.
This article will break down the differences between Agentic AI and assistant-based AI. Discussing its operational benefits and economic advantages for modern SOCs. We’ll also explore key factors security leaders should consider when evaluating Agentic AI solutions.
Understanding Agentic AI vs. Assistant AI: Key Differences
Agentic AI stands out for its autonomy. Unlike traditional assistant-based AI that operates as a helpful tool waiting for human guidance, Agentic AI independently analyzes alerts. Investigates incidents, and provides actionable outcomes with minimal human involvement. In the SOC context, Agentic AI acts as a skilled analyst that autonomously triages alerts. Follows industry best practices, and offers detailed reports.
In contrast, assistant AI functions similarly to a copilot. Providing insights and suggestions based on prompts but relying on human direction for every action or decision. For example:
- Assistant AI: Waits for an analyst’s prompt, offering responses or insights about specific alerts.
- Agentic AI: Proactively investigates, analyzes logs, correlates data, and resolves threats autonomously.
This autonomy marks a crucial difference, as Agentic AI doesn’t require scripted workflows or playbooks. It adapts in real-time, scaling SOC operations without constant human input.
How Agentic AI Revolutionizes Security Operations and Reduces Costs
Agentic AI offers several transformative advantages to SOC operations by automating key tasks like triaging alerts and conducting investigations. This leads to faster response times, improved accuracy, and more scalable operations.
- Instant Triage at Scale: Agentic AI evaluates alerts instantly, based on risk factors, and identifies true threats quickly, bypassing the human limitations of bandwidth and fatigue.
- In-Depth, Consistent Investigations: Unlike traditional tools that focus only on high-priority alerts, Agentic AI examines all alerts thoroughly, ensuring no threats are missed.
- Improved Prioritization: By investigating all alerts—low and medium-priority ones included—Agentic AI offers better prioritization, reducing missed threats.
- Operational Consistency: With no fatigue or burnout, Agentic AI provides consistent performance even during intense alert surges or high-pressure situations.
- Reduced Analyst Burnout: By handling repetitive tasks, Agentic AI allows analysts to focus on complex investigations and high-value tasks, reducing stress and improving retention.
- Lower Costs, Higher Efficiency: Agentic AI enhances operational efficiency without adding pressure to stretched teams, offering cost-effective scalability in response to the growing cybersecurity skills shortage.
By handling a significant portion of alert triage and investigation autonomously, Agentic AI reduces dwell time and Mean Time to Investigate (MTTI), leading to faster detection and improved security outcomes. This automation minimizes the financial and reputational risks associated with security breaches, providing measurable ROI for businesses.
- Force Multiplier for SOCs: Rather than replacing human analysts, Agentic AI amplifies their capabilities, allowing SOC teams to scale efficiently and maintain effectiveness with fewer resources.
Considerations for Adopting in Your SOC
When evaluating Agentic AI solutions, security leaders should prioritize:
- Transparency and Explainability: Ensure the AI tool’s decision-making process is clear, enabling analysts to validate outcomes.
- Accuracy and Investigative Depth: Choose solutions that provide thorough investigations across a wide range of data sources.
- Seamless Integration: The AI should easily integrate with your existing tools and workflows to minimize disruption.
- Customization and Adaptability: Look for AI that can learn and adapt to your organization’s unique security needs.
- Measurable ROI: Assess the AI’s impact on critical SOC metrics such as risk reduction, cost efficiency, and security outcome improvements.
Agentic AI represents a significant evolution in SOC operations. It allows SOC teams to shift from reactive to proactive, enhancing the effectiveness of human analysts while reducing burnout and improving operational efficiency. Prophet Security exemplifies this evolution by automating triage and investigations, allowing for faster, more accurate responses to security threats.
With Agentic AI driving routine tasks and empowering human analysts to focus on higher-value work, Prophet Security helps teams strengthen their security posture while maintaining operational effectiveness. Visit Prophet Security to request a demo and learn how Agentic AI can elevate your SOC operations.
