What is SOAR (Security, Orchestration, Automation & Response)
A SOAR system is an incident tracking and orchestration system that automates tasks that can be automated and helps manage the human effort for those tasks that can't be automated.
Looking for a playbook on how to respond to a security breach?
Once it’s already happened is too late; you need to know “how to put out the fire” in advance.
With that in hand, you’ll be able to address known threats, but what about ones you’ve never encountered? In this video, Jeff “The Security Guy” explains the need to have a strategy AND the right tools for handling security incidents, including so-called “black swan” events.
SOAR
That’s the purpose of a SOAR system (Security, Orchestration, Automation & Response) – it’s an incident tracking and orchestration system that automates tasks that can be automated and helps manage the human effort for those tasks that can’t be automated.
SOAR platforms are essential tools for modern cybersecurity operations. By integrating security tools, processes, and human expertise, SOAR enables organizations to respond to security incidents more efficiently and effectively. In this article, we will explore the best practices for implementing SOAR to enhance your cybersecurity posture.
SOAR platforms combine security incident response, orchestration, and automation capabilities to streamline and improve cybersecurity operations. To make the most of SOAR technology, organizations should follow best practices in each of these areas.
Security Best Practices
- Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms.
- Regularly update and patch all security tools and systems.
- Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits.
Orchestration Best Practices
- Define clear workflows and playbooks for different types of security incidents.
- Integrate SOAR with existing security tools and systems for seamless orchestration.
- Automate the routing of security alerts to the appropriate teams or individuals.
Automation Best Practices
- Automate repetitive and time-consuming security tasks to free up analysts for more strategic work.
- Use machine learning and AI capabilities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of automated responses.
- Regularly review and update automation scripts and workflows to adapt to evolving threats.
Response Best Practices
- Establish clear incident response processes and escalation procedures.
- Leverage SOAR’s case management capabilities to track and document all security incidents.
- Conduct post-incident reviews to identify areas for improvement and optimize response strategies.
