Automating AI-Powered Security Across Enterprise Networks with Cisco
Understanding Cisco’s Evolving XDR Capabilities
In a recent blog post, Cisco’s Shipley shared insights about the latest advancements in Extended Detection and Response (XDR) technology. With the integration of machine learning and large language models (LLMs), Cisco’s XDR is enhancing how organizations detect and respond to common cyberattacks. The system’s ability to automate investigation processes marks a significant shift in security operations.
Automation in Cybersecurity
Cisco’s XDR utilizes a combination of AI agents that collaborate across various stages of the investigation lifecycle. This means that each security incident receives a comprehensive evaluation that leads to a clear verdict. Notably, these conclusions can trigger pre-established playbooks in platforms like Cisco XDR or Splunk SOAR. This is crucial, as it allows for immediate responses to security incidents—either autonomously or with human intervention based on an organization’s protocols.
What is Splunk SOAR?
Splunk SOAR stands for Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response. It functions as a robust platform that automates and manages responses to cyber threats. The recent updates to Splunk SOAR and Splunk Enterprise Security 8.1 will strengthen security operations by improving visibility and streamlining workflows. These enhancements can lead to more effective detection and prompt automated responses right from the enterprise security interface.
Enhanced Forensic Capabilities
One of the standout features of the new XDR is its automated forensics capability. This tool significantly enriches visibility into endpoint activities and boosts the precision of investigative processes.
- Comprehensive Artifact Collection: The new forensics functionality allows for the collection of over 350 different artifacts from endpoints, including those that are compromised or encrypted.
- Key Evidence Types: These artifacts include critical information such as registry files, memory dumps, and activity logs, all essential for thorough forensic investigations. The collection of this evidence can be initiated automatically, based on risk assessments and behavioral indicators, or with a simple click from the incident management page.
Visualizing Threats with XDR Attack Storyboard
Another innovative feature is the XDR Attack Storyboard, which leverages AI technology for visualizing complex cyberattacks. This tool allows security teams to swiftly comprehend threats and act effectively.
- Dynamic Attack Graphs: Cisco’s AI composes a dynamic Attack Graph that aligns events with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, mapping the progression of an attack across a timeline.
- Simplicity in Complexity: This visualization helps a wide range of personnel—from security operation center (SOC) analysts to non-security IT professionals—quickly understand incident details, implications, and necessary actions.
Boosting Investigation Confidence
AI plays a crucial role in guiding investigations within this framework. It not only emphasizes root causes but also suggests containment and remediation steps. This enhances the decision-making process, allowing actions to be taken more swiftly and with greater assurance.
- Audit-Ready Narratives: For executives and auditors, the storyboard offers concise and understandable narratives, transforming complex technical details into clear, actionable insights. This clear presentation enables stakeholders to grasp situations and make informed decisions effectively.
Through these advancements, Cisco’s XDR capabilities stand to significantly enhance the efficacy of security operations, ensuring faster and more confident responses to cyber threats while simplifying the complexity involved in managing cybersecurity challenges.
