AI is reshaping the security operations center (SOC), shifting it from a manual, reactive function into a faster, intelligence-driven environment. For organizations dealing with alert fatigue and limited analyst capacity, AI is becoming a practical tool for improving how threats are identified and managed.
In this UC Today discussion, Kristian McCann speaks with Morgan Adamsky, Principal at PwC, to explore how enterprises are operationalizing AI in the SOC.
Adamsky brings a pragmatic perspective, focusing on how AI can be deployed responsibly. Her insights center on aligning technology with people and process, ensuring AI enhances rather than complicates decision-making in high-pressure environments.
From Hype to Operational Reality
Traditionally, analysts have had to manually review large volumes of data, often taking significant time to identify real threats. AI is changing that by rapidly surfacing anomalies and prioritizing potential risks, helping teams respond faster.
Adoption, however, varies widely. Many organizations are still taking a “bolt-on” approach, adding AI into existing workflows. More advanced organizations are rethinking the SOC entirely, treating AI as a “force multiplier” and designing operations around it from the outset.
This gap highlights different levels of maturity. While some are experimenting, others are investing in deeper transformation, a move Adamsky suggests will deliver greater long-term value, particularly as attackers also leverage AI to accelerate their efforts.
Challenges remain. Organizations must integrate AI across the full security lifecycle, ensure outputs can be trusted, and train teams to use it effectively. As Adamsky notes, the human factor is still a key hurdle in scaling adoption.
Building a Smarter, Safer SOC
To manage these challenges, organizations are introducing clearer boundaries between AI and human decision-making. AI can handle tasks like initial triage, but critical actions such as containment or shutting down systems typically require human validation.
