What are some of the emerging technologies or tools that can help incident handlers?

1 Automation and orchestration

One of the biggest challenges for incident handlers is to handle the large volume and variety of alerts, tasks, and data sources that they need to deal with during an incident. Automation and orchestration tools can help them streamline and simplify their workflows, by automating repetitive or manual tasks, integrating different tools and platforms, and coordinating actions across teams and departments. For example, automation and orchestration tools can help incident handlers to triage alerts, collect evidence, execute response actions, update tickets, and generate reports, without having to switch between different tools or interfaces.

2 Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Another challenge for incident handlers is to keep up with the evolving and unpredictable nature of cyberthreats, which often require advanced analysis and detection capabilities. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools can help them enhance their situational awareness, by providing them with insights, recommendations, and predictions based on large and complex data sets. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools can help incident handlers to identify anomalies, patterns, and trends, classify and prioritize incidents, correlate and enrich data, and learn from previous incidents and responses.

3 Cloud and edge computing

A third challenge for incident handlers is to adapt to the changing and distributed IT environment, which often involves multiple cloud services, devices, and networks. Cloud and edge computing tools can help them improve their scalability, flexibility, and performance, by enabling them to access, store, and process data and resources in different locations and platforms. For example, cloud and edge computing tools can help incident handlers to leverage cloud-based security services, such as threat intelligence, malware analysis, and incident response platforms, and to monitor and protect edge devices, such as IoT sensors, mobile phones, and laptops.

4 Collaboration and communication

A fourth challenge for incident handlers is to collaborate and communicate effectively with different stakeholders, such as other security teams, management, legal, and external partners. Collaboration and communication tools can help them improve their coordination, transparency, and accountability, by facilitating the sharing of information, tasks, and feedback across different channels and formats. For example, collaboration and communication tools can help incident handlers to use chatbots, video conferencing, and instant messaging to communicate with other responders, stakeholders, and customers, and to use dashboards, wikis, and blogs to document and disseminate incident information and updates.

5 Simulation and training

A fifth challenge for incident handlers is to maintain and update their skills and knowledge, which are essential for effective incident response. Simulation and training tools can help them improve their competence and confidence, by providing them with realistic and interactive scenarios and exercises that test and improve their incident handling capabilities. For example, simulation and training tools can help incident handlers to use gamified platforms, virtual labs, and cyber ranges to practice and evaluate their technical, analytical, and decision-making skills, and to use online courses, webinars, and podcasts to learn from experts and peers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?