Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cybersecurity, and nowhere is this more evident than in Security Operations Centres (SOCs). AI-powered SOC analysts are being marketed as the future of cyber defence, promising faster threat detection, reduced workloads, and improved accuracy. But how much of this is reality, and where do human analysts still play a critical role?
In South Africa, the cybersecurity landscape presents unique challenges. The country has seen a surge in cybercrime, with ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and data breaches on the rise and becoming more intricate. As businesses and government entities strive to strengthen their defences, AI-driven security tools are being adopted to help address the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. However, while AI can enhance SOC operations, human expertise remains essential to effectively combat threats tailored to South Africa’s specific cyber risk environment.
What AI Can Do:
- Automate Repetitive Tasks – AI can efficiently handle log analysis, event correlation, and initial alert triage, allowing human analysts to focus on more complex threats.
- Identify Patterns and Anomalies – Machine learning models can detect unusual behaviour across networks, flagging potential threats that may otherwise go unnoticed.
- Reduce Alert Fatigue – AI can prioritise alerts based on severity and relevance, filtering out false positives and reducing the burden on security teams.
- Accelerate Incident Response – AI-driven tools can recommend or execute predefined response actions to quickly contain threats.
What AI Can’t Do:
- Understand Context Like a Human – AI struggles with the nuances of human behaviour, insider threats, and complex attack scenarios that require deep contextual analysis.
- Think Creatively – Threat actors constantly evolve their tactics, and AI often relies on historical data, making it less effective at predicting novel attack techniques.
- Make Ethical Judgements – Security decisions often require ethical considerations, trade-offs, and a deep understanding of business risks—areas where human expertise remains essential.
Where Human Analysts Remain Essential
Despite AI’s advancements, human analysts remain the backbone of effective security operations.
Key areas where human expertise is irreplaceable include:
- Threat Hunting – AI can identify suspicious patterns, but human intuition and creativity are necessary to uncover advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Incident Investigation – AI can flag an alert, but only a human can interpret business impact, assess intent, and determine appropriate response strategies.
- Adversary Simulation & Red Teaming – Ethical hackers and security professionals test defences in ways that AI cannot replicate.
- Strategic Decision-Making – Security is not just about technology; it’s about risk management, compliance, and business alignment – domains where human expertise is critical.
Striking the Right Balance: AI + Human Expertise
The most effective SOCs recognise that AI is a powerful tool – but not a replacement for human analysts. The key to success is a balanced approach:
- Use AI to Augment, Not Replace – Let AI handle mundane tasks while human analysts focus on high-value investigations.
- Continuous Training & Adaptation – AI models should be regularly updated based on emerging threats, with human oversight to fine-tune their performance.
- Invest in Analyst Development – Skilled security professionals remain the heart of SOCs. Ongoing training and education are crucial to staying ahead of cyber threats.
- Hybrid AI-Human Workflows – Implement processes where AI and humans work together, leveraging the strengths of each for maximum security effectiveness.
Conclusion
AI is revolutionising cybersecurity, but it is not a silver bullet. While AI-powered SOC analysts bring efficiency and speed, they still lack the contextual awareness, creativity, and decision-making skills of human experts. The future of cyber defence lies in a symbiotic relationship – where AI and human analysts work together to outsmart adversaries.
For South African organisations facing a growing cyber threat landscape, the key is to embrace AI as an enabler rather than a replacement. By combining AI’s efficiency with human expertise, businesses can build stronger, more resilient security operations, ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-evolving threat landscape.