Your SOC is Exhausted, AI is Not

▼ Summary
– A benchmark study provides evidence that AI agents help security analysts work faster and more accurately during alert investigations without major workflow changes.
– Analysts using AI completed investigations faster and with greater accuracy, maintaining consistency even as tasks became more complex.
– AI-assisted analysts produced more complete and detailed investigations, showing less drop-off in thoroughness compared to manual analysts who shortened reports over time.
– Participants found the AI tools efficient and helpful, with a low learning curve and natural integration into existing workflows, leading to positive user experiences.
– The study suggests AI-driven platforms enhance speed and accuracy, providing immediate operational value according to industry experts.
For security operations centers grappling with overwhelming alert volumes, artificial intelligence is proving to be a powerful ally against analyst fatigue and burnout. A recent benchmark study provides concrete data showing that AI agents significantly boost both the speed and accuracy of security investigations, all while integrating smoothly into established analyst workflows. The research evaluated 148 security professionals as they tackled investigations either with AI assistance or through traditional manual methods.
The findings revealed a clear advantage for those using AI tools. These analysts completed their investigations more quickly than their counterparts working without assistance. This time saving remained consistent across different types of investigations, and notably, the increased speed did not come at the expense of precision. In fact, accuracy improved alongside efficiency, with AI-supported analysts demonstrating a superior ability to reach correct conclusions, especially as the complexity of the scenarios increased.
A telling pattern emerged among the manual analysts. As they progressed through the tasks, their pace slowed and the detail in their work began to deteriorate, mirroring the cognitive fatigue commonly seen in high-pressure SOC environments. The group using AI, however, maintained a much more consistent performance. They showed fewer signs of mental exhaustion and were able to sustain a steady, reliable decision-making rhythm throughout the testing period.
The quality of the investigative output also differed markedly. Analysts leveraging AI produced reports that were more thorough and comprehensively documented. Their notes reflected a disciplined adherence to investigative procedures, with no significant drop in the level of detail from their first task to their last. Conversely, the manual analysts often condensed their reports as they went along, inadvertently omitting critical observations and analytical steps. This suggests that AI support helps sustain an analyst’s focus and thoroughness, effectively countering the decline in performance that typically accompanies repetitive, labor-intensive work. This sustained consistency is vital for spotting crucial security indicators and reducing the risk of errors that creep in under fatigue or high alert loads.
Feedback from the participants who used the AI tools was overwhelmingly positive. They frequently described the experience as “efficient,” “helpful,” and a significant “time-saver.” Many reported that the tools streamlined their workflow, automating repetitive steps while still leaving them in full command of the investigative process. A common sentiment was that the AI-generated summaries helped them structure their thinking more effectively, allowing them to move more rapidly into the phases of validation and final reporting.
Very few participants found the tools confusing or difficult to manage, indicating a relatively gentle learning curve. The majority felt that the AI assistance blended seamlessly into their normal routine rather than disrupting it. A strong willingness to recommend similar tools to colleagues was also expressed, with the primary benefits cited being the considerable time savings, the production of clearer investigations, and a reduced likelihood of overlooking important details.
An industry expert commented on the results, stating, “These findings demonstrate that AI-driven investigation platforms enhance speed and accuracy to deliver immediate operational value to security teams.”
(Source: HelpNet Security)