SOC analysts’ expertise is better used in threat hunting than report writing. Unfortunately for them, reports are needed to trace the steps of their threat analysis, support their remediation and response decisions, and to garner buy-in from other departments regarding their effectiveness. In heavily regulated industries like finance and healthcare there may also be compliance rules that mandate specific report-keeping metrics and frequencies. This is where automated reports come into play, offering a host of benefits that can transform the efficiency and effectiveness of cybersecurity operations.
Benefits of Report Generation
Automated reports offer numerous benefits for cybersecurity teams, from enhancing data relevance and reducing resource strain to providing customizable reporting options and creating comprehensive audit trails.
Data Processing - Cybersecurity teams face the daunting task of sifting through large amounts of data to determine what incidents get reported on and the level of detail necessary to include in the report. There is a balance that needs to be struck so that stakeholders are not overwhelmed by too many details but have enough information to access the incident and response to an event when it occurs. One of the primary advantages of automated reporting is its ability to consistently filter and prioritize data, ensuring that only the most relevant information is highlighted. By implementing automating reporting, you can lessen the demands on cybersecurity professionals, allowing them to focus on what they do best -- addressing genuine threats rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks.
Ease of Use - Skilled personnel are indispensable for interpreting data accurately and generating meaningful reports. However, relying solely on human expertise can strain resources, especially given the shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. Automated reporting tools alleviate this pressure by performing the initial data analysis and presenting findings in a structured format that can then be quickly reviewed for accuracy by the team.
Report Customization - Moreover, different stakeholders within an organization require different types of reports. Executives might need high-level summaries to inform strategic decisions, while technical teams may require detailed analyses to guide their operational activities. Automated reporting tools offer customizable options to cater to these diverse needs, ensuring that each stakeholder receives information that is both relevant and actionable. This flexibility enhances communication and ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to cybersecurity posture and incidents.
Analysis Tracing - Another significant benefit of automated reporting is the ability to trace the steps taken during an analysis. This is crucial for audits, compliance, and incident response. Manually documenting every action is time-consuming and requires dedication to detail, on top of the security team’s already demanding responsibilities. Automated systems, however, can log each step meticulously, creating an audit trail that can be reviewed and referenced as needed. This not only saves time but also ensures accuracy and completeness.
The CodeHunter Solution
Automation serves as a bridge between different skill sets within a cybersecurity team. Not every engineer excels at explaining their findings or documenting their processes. By automating report generation, teams can ensure that their insights are communicated clearly and consistently, regardless of individual differences in communication skills. This allows talent to focus on their dedicated areas of expertise, improving overall productivity and job satisfaction.
CodeHunter’s patented threat hunting engine automatically analyses files at speed and at scale, reducing the complexity of the threat hunting process. Every scanned file automatically generates a report, as well as an available executive summary, to facilitate clear communication between the security team and their organization’s cybersecurity stakeholders. Learn how CodeHunter can better equip your team to protect against ever-evolving threats by leveraging automation here.
