AI in SOC: The Cure for Analyst Fatigue

Security Operations Centers (SOCs) have long been overwhelmed by alert fatigue and massive data volumes — but Artificial Intelligence is now changing the game.

A new study from Dropzone provides measurable evidence that AI agents can help cybersecurity analysts work faster, more accurately, and with greater focus, without requiring major process changes.

Faster Response, Less Fatigue

The study compared 148 cybersecurity professionals working under two conditions: manual alert investigation and AI‑assisted review.

Analysts supported by AI completed their tasks significantly faster and with higher precision, maintaining consistent performance even under pressure.

In contrast, manual analysts showed declining speed and accuracy as the complexity of incidents increased — a familiar scenario in high‑stress SOC environments.

Sustained Accuracy and More Complete Reporting

AI‑supported analysts produced more structured, detailed, and well‑documented reports, showing minimal quality loss between early and later tasks.

This indicates that AI assistance preserves human focus and decision stability, reducing the risk of errors stemming from fatigue or alert overload.

Manual analysts, in comparison, tended to issue shorter reports and omit key observations — a common outcome of repetitive or time‑critical workflows.

Seamless Integration and Positive User Experience

Most participants described their experience with AI tools as “efficient,” “useful,” and “time‑saving.”

They reported smoother workflows and quicker mental organization without losing control of their investigations.

Only a small number found the tools somewhat confusing, suggesting a low learning curve for security teams.

Participants overwhelmingly agreed that AI support fits naturally into daily SOC operations, with no interruption in routine or focus.

Immediate Operational Value

According to Hilary Baron, Senior Manager at the Cloud Security Alliance:

“These findings show that AI‑driven platforms in security investigations can enhance both speed and accuracy — delivering immediate operational value.”

Source: MedadPress
www.medadpress.ir