Key Takeaways
- AI automation is performing Tier 1 alert triage and investigation that traditionally served as training grounds for junior analysts
- COACH is a free Chrome extension that supports skill development for entry-level SOC analysts
- COACH analyzes security alerts, explains context, offers alternative hypotheses, and suggests investigation steps; the cybersecurity training tool augments rather than replaces human mentoring relationships
- SOC leaders need new strategies to develop analyst talent despite reduced entry-level opportunities
- The future of cybersecurity is AI-augmented human analysts, not complete automation
The SOC Analyst Talent Gap
Historically, an analyst gained essential experience performing Tier 1 alert triage before moving up the ranks. AI automation is changing Tier 1 alert triage and investigation processes in Security Operations Centers (SOCs). This automation removes repetitive tasks that contribute to alert fatigue but also eliminates the traditional training ground for junior analysts. There's a legitimate worry that this will lead to a talent gap for SOC analysts as the pipeline from junior to senior analyst will be disrupted.
Meet COACH (Cyber Operations Alert & Context Helper)
To address this issue, Dropzone AI has developed COACH, a free Chrome web extension designed to support the skill development of entry-level SOC analysts. COACH uses AI to enhance existing mentoring relationships within teams, providing structured guidance to junior analysts as they investigate alerts.
COACH illustrates how AI can effectively complement human mentoring by providing explanations and guidance during alert investigations. AI-powered cybersecurity training tools like COACH serve as accessible resources that junior analysts can rely on at any time. It shows how AI can accelerate existing training programs by helping junior analysts learn the investigative process quickly, without replacing human mentoring relationships.
How COACH Works
COACH integrates directly with existing SOC tools (such as SIEM and EDR platforms). When an analyst navigates to a security alert, they can ask COACH to help. It will analyze the page and provide the following:
- Summarization and explanation: It identifies the alert type, summarizes the context, and explains what the alert is trying to detect.
- Hypotheses for benign and malicious activity: COACH proposes two scenarios—one explaining why the alert might be a false positive and another indicating why it could be a genuine threat.
- Suggested investigation steps: It then outlines specific investigative tasks the analyst should complete to test each hypothesis.
- Additional resources: It pulls the best articles from the web in case you want to read further on topics related to the alert.
This approach allows junior analysts to work with COACH to independently reason through alerts, formulate logical conclusions, and then discuss their findings with experienced mentors.
Accelerating the SOC Talent Pipeline
AI will continue to automate routine SOC tasks, but skilled human analysts remain essential. A key challenge for SOC leaders is maintaining a robust pipeline of skilled analysts despite reduced opportunities for traditional entry-level training.
Dropzone AI has released COACH as a free resource, recognizing the importance of addressing the talent development challenges posed by increased automation. Although our commercial solutions fully automate Tier 1 investigations, we acknowledge the necessity of maintaining and developing human analyst capabilities. COACH is our effort to address this challenge.
Take Advantage of AI for Cybersecurity Skills Development
With the rapid development of AI, it’s time for cybersecurity leaders to think creatively and make full use of the technology available to them. SOC leaders should consider incorporating AI tools into their training strategies to ensure analysts gain the critical skills required for more advanced roles. COACH shows that the future is AI augmenting humans—making them smarter and more efficient—not replacing them.
What are you waiting for? Did we mention it’s a free Chrome extension? Install COACH today and pass the word on to your team.
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