IT security:
A primary focus of IT security is protecting information systems, networks, and data from intrusion or damage.
This umbrella term refers to safeguards implemented anywhere data is stored or processed, including the cloud, apps, containers, the internet, endpoints, and APIs.
To keep sensitive data safe, a solid security structure must be put in place.
Automation:
“The use of technology to perform repetitive tasks with minimal human help” (definition of automation) has been shown to increase productivity while decreasing the probability of human error. Processes can be streamlined, environments can be scaled, and CI/CD (continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment) procedures can be developed with the help of automation. Some instances of automation include IT automation, infrastructure automation, business automation, robotic process automation, machine learning, deep learning, and a lot more besides.
If you automate IT processes like provisioning and coding, your IT team will have more time for high-level projects. Playbooks are the framework for automating activities, and the Red Hat® Ansible® Automation Platform subscription product comes with hundreds of them. Each play in a playbook comprises of two or more plays, and each play is carried out by a module, a type of script.
Due to this alternative, which is completely automated and includes modules that support a wide variety of security vendors, there is no longer any need for manual command-by-command execution of security tasks. Additionally, cloud service licensing is a model of the self-service nature of cloud computing. Through automation, end-users can gain access to cloud services without involving the IT staff by using a branded self-service portal.
Why automate security processes?
As infrastructure and networks grow in size and complexity, it becomes more difficult to actively keep up with security and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, it can be difficult to keep track of the increasing number of networked devices as a greater proportion of workers use their own computers at home.
When dealing with such a complex environment manually, errors in problem detection and resolution, misconfiguration of system resources, and inconsistencies in policy application can leave your infrastructure susceptible to noncompliance issues and attack. This can lead to a loss of usefulness or even a complete shutdown, which is both an expensive and inconvenient surprise.
When you automate your IT systems, processes, hybrid cloud structures, and applications (or apps), you can ensure their safety from the ground up. If you completely automate your security, you can cut the average cost of a breach by 95%.
What security processes can be automated?
Threat hunting
Rapid threat detection can lessen the chances of a security breach happening within your company and the costs connected with such an event. Manual processes can slow down threat identification in complex IT environments, leaving your business vulnerable. Threats can be identified, validated, and escalated more quickly and accurately when security processes are automated.
Security incident response
If a security breach is found and contained in under 200 days, the average cost is reduced by 95%, from $1.22 million USD to $775,000 USD. However, manually remediating your ecosystem of platforms, apps, and tools can be time-consuming and error-prone. Security teams can respond to incidents and implement fixes to compromised systems more quickly with the help of automation.
Endpoint protection
The endpoint devices are the most widespread and vulnerable components of an IT system. Using an EPP, malicious behaviors on endpoints can be uncovered, investigated, and remedied. Event-driven detection, quarantining, and remediation are all made possible when EPP tools are woven into bigger security processes, such as those offered by the Ansible Automation Platform.
What companies have automated their security?
According to IDC’s interviews with a broad range of decision-makers, automation has resulted in significant gains in productivity, agility, and operational efficiency for all businesses, with IT security teams seeing a 25% boost in efficiency as a direct result.