Overview#
Automating standard operating procedures for security and operations. Reduces response time and human error during incidents and maintenance.
Core objectives#
- Establish shared definitions of Runbook Automation for security, engineering, and leadership teams.
- Connect Runbook Automation activities to measurable risk reduction and resilience goals.
- Provide onboarding notes so new team members can quickly understand how Runbook Automation works here.
Implementation notes#
- Identify the primary owner for Runbook Automation, the data sources involved, and the systems affected.
- Document the minimum viable process, tooling, and runbooks that keep Runbook Automation healthy.
- Map Runbook Automation practices to standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST CSF, or CIS Controls.
Operational signals#
- Leading indicators: early warnings that Runbook Automation might degrade (e.g., backlog growth, noisy alerts, or missed SLAs).
- Lagging indicators: realized impact that shows Runbook Automation failed or needs investment (e.g., incidents, audit findings).
- Feedback loops: retrospectives and metrics reviews that tune Runbook Automation continuously.
Related practices#
- Align Runbook Automation with defense-in-depth planning, threat modeling, and disaster recovery tests.
- Communicate updates to stakeholders through concise briefs, dashboards, and internal FAQs.
- Pair Runbook Automation improvements with tabletop exercises to validate expectations.