ReliaQuest, with over 15 years of cybersecurity expertise, is stepping into the AI arena with its new AI Agent designed to manage routine Tier 1 and Tier 2 tasks in Security Operations. This innovative tool is making waves in the tech world, joining similar initiatives from giants like Salesforce, Workday, and Google, but with a crucial twist—it’s all about protecting your organization’s security.
In an ideal scenario, we wouldn’t need such AI agents. Imagine a world with minimal cyber threats; human defenders could swiftly manage operations without breaking a sweat. Unfortunately, reality paints a different picture. Cyber threats are on the rise, security professionals are hard to come by, and many organizations grapple with intricate infrastructures. As a consequence, a level of autonomy is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s where reliable AI agents come into play.
Introducing the ReliaQuest AI Agent
ReliaQuest claims to be the pioneer with the launch of their AI Agent on the GreyMatter platform. While it’s hard to verify such a bold claim in a landscape crowded with security solutions, what stands out is the uniqueness of their approach. The AI Agent offers an autonomous action plan for Security Operations—an area where both the tech and stakes are incredibly high.
To get a clearer understanding of this AI Agent, we had a chat with Brian Foster, the President of Product and Technical Operations at ReliaQuest, a company that’s been shaping the cybersecurity landscape since 2007.
Transforming Human Expertise into AI
According to Foster, the development of the AI Agent is deeply rooted in years of experience accrued by the team at ReliaQuest. “Without the insights and expertise built over 17 years, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he explained. This expertise comprises what they refer to as the Cyber Analytics Methodology, a framework that powers the AI Agent’s functionality.
One of the standout features is what they call a “planner,” which leverages a variety of specialized tools tailored to tackle distinct issues. For example, if the AI Agent needs to investigate specific cyber attack artifacts, it can effectively search within the GreyMatter platform for similar past incidents and glean valuable insights from them. While the technology isn’t solely reliant on cutting-edge innovations like GenAI or large language models, it smartly integrates basic queries to ensure efficient data processing.
What Makes ReliaQuest Unique?
ReliaQuest’s positioning in the cybersecurity realm is unique; it zeroes in on large organizations and provides Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services without framing itself strictly as an MDR provider. Unlike some competitors that require all security data to funnel through a central hub, ReliaQuest opts for a federated approach, allowing organizations to utilize their existing security tools without additional hefty investments.
Foster emphasizes the company’s commitment to transparency. “We’re completely transparent, not a black box,” he shared. This applies to both the platform and the AI Agent, essential for fostering trust in the vulnerable field of cybersecurity, where being in-the-know can significantly impact response effectiveness.
Reducing the Burden on Security Operations Center Employees
The AI Agent’s innovative ability to break down large queries into manageable smaller steps is pivotal. It empowers the AI Agent to operate autonomously, making analyses independently rather than relying on human intervention. SOC employees can then focus on refined tasks that require their expertise. By analyzing historical data and tapping into external threat intelligence, the AI Agent becomes a powerful ally in detecting even the latest threats.
Ultimately, the goal is to relieve SOC employees from everyday Tier 1 and Tier 2 analyses, enabling them to respond promptly after the AI Agent has done its groundwork. With the transparency of its operations, employees can trust the AI Agent’s findings, which in turn facilitates quicker responses to potential threats.
The Future is Autonomy
Looking ahead, Foster is optimistic about further automated actions from the AI Agent rolling out early next year. The security industry needs to evolve in this direction; relying solely on human expertise in SOC operations simply isn’t sustainable. While many organizations express reservations about automation, there has been a notable increase of 200 percent in automated actions quarterly, signaling a shift in mindset.
Although complete autonomy in all facets of cybersecurity may remain distant, plenty of routine tasks—like resetting a user’s password after a phishing incident—can surely be automated. Automating these tasks could bring significant improvements to security operations.
As organizations brace against an influx of cyber threats, the introduction of ReliaQuest’s AI Agent stands as a promising development. Many players in the market may soon follow suit, signaling a competitive race in AI-driven security solutions. The real question is how quickly organizational attitudes can shift to embrace these innovations. While there’s hope, history indicates that widespread changes may take time.
In summary, the announcement of ReliaQuest’s AI Agent not only enhances their offerings but also reflects a significant trend towards leveraging AI in cybersecurity. As we move forward, it’s exciting to consider the implications of these developments in the industry.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
