Cyber With Debra!

Security teams today face more alerts than they can count. Each one might represent a potential threat, but reviewing them all takes time. The longer it takes to respond, the greater the risk. That is where SOAR comes in.

SOAR stands for Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response. It helps organizations manage alerts by connecting tools, automating repetitive steps, and coordinating how teams respond. Instead of getting buried in notifications, analysts can focus on the alerts that matter most.

In this week’s comic, Maria feels overwhelmed by the constant flow of alerts. Debra explains how SOAR handles the routine work, like opening tickets or isolating a suspicious device, so the team can move faster. Together, they show how automation supports people, not replaces them.

What SOAR actually does

SOAR combines information from tools like SIEM systems, firewalls, and endpoint protection platforms. It uses workflows, sometimes called playbooks, to perform certain tasks automatically.

With SOAR, teams can:

• Automate simple but time-consuming actions, such as blocking IPs or collecting logs

• Orchestrate different tools so they work together instead of separately

• Respond consistently to incidents using structured workflows

• Improve efficiency by saving time on repetitive steps

Why it matters

Even the best analysts can only handle so much. SOAR makes security operations more efficient by reducing alert fatigue and ensuring quick, consistent responses. It does not replace human judgment but strengthens it by removing the repetitive noise that slows analysts down.

In fast-moving industries like finance and healthcare, that speed matters. Automated responses keep systems resilient and ensure threats are handled before they spread.

Everyday takeaway

Think of SOAR like an automated assistant in a busy office. Instead of manually sorting every document or email, the assistant organizes them so you can focus on what really needs your attention. The work still gets done, just smarter.

Automation does not take away from the human side of security. It gives people more time to think, plan, and protect.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments what routine task you wish could be automated in your daily work. ⚙️