Why No Code Solutions Are a Double-Edged Sword

• Most out-of-the-box security automation is based on a simple logic — essentially, if “this” happens, then do “that.” There is no actual coding required for this approach.
• While low code solutions are the simplest form of automation and therefore easy to implement, they come with significant drawbacks.
• The main problem with low-code (or no-code) solutions is that they offer limited integrations, creating hurdles for a business’s functionality. Before adopting a low-code/no-code solution, it’s essential to do your research.

No-code out-of-the-box solutions are the simplest automation option on the market. But simple isn’t always better.

How will you know if a no code option is right for your business? It depends on your current needs and the future plans for your business. You also must keep in mind that they come with their own set of challenges.

In this four-part blog series, I guide you through the questions to ask when choosing the right security automation solution for your business. Looking for a deep dive into the five levels of automation? Download our eBook: The Five Levels of Automation.

No-code options are appealing because of their simplicity, ease of use and affordability. Here’s a simple use case for a no-code solution:

We all take pictures with our phones, but then what? Perhaps you want to store your images on Dropbox. But who has time to sit down and transfer files periodically? And who can remember to tackle the simple task? There’s an easy no code solution: automating the transfer of images taken with your phone to upload in Dropbox.

The logic is incredibly simple, and you don’t need to write code to solve for the problem. There is no playbook required. In this use case, no code is unequivocally the way to go.

Integrations matter

But beware of the seeming simplicity of out-of-the-box offerings. These solutions only work for the most basic of functions.

Specifically, many of the general purpose, no code/low code automation tools are extremely limited in terms of integrations. If you require integrations with firewalls such as CheckPoint or Palo Alto, you risk coming up short. Limited integrations hinder smooth business functioning and are one of the key drawbacks to these basic platforms.

eBook: The Five Levels of Security Automation
(and How to Determine the Best One for You)

Out-of-the-box can be a double-edged sword

Low code is appealing because it is the easiest level of security automation to implement and use. But it is a double-edged sword because the real-world implications of its integration limitations are significant. It is critical when evaluating a security platform to make sure it is flexible enough to utilize the programs and tools necessary to run your business and to grow it in the future.

Don’t back yourself into an integration corner — ask the right questions

There’s nothing worse than adopting a new vendor in your tech stack and realizing after the fact that they don’t have the integrations to fully meet your needs. Or maybe they met your needs at the time, but a year in, they no longer do.

Proper questioning before you buy ensures you’ve adopted a product that will satisfy all your requirements. First, assess the security tools in your environment, then come to the sales call prepared to ask your vendor the following questions:

• How many of our security tools do you support?
• For those tools you don’t yet support, how soon will the integration be available?
• Do you provide a service level agreement?
• What are the costs and turnaround times for customization?

Depending on the vendor’s answers, you’ll know if an out-of-the-box option is a viable solution or if you need to start pursuing ML-powered alternatives.

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One size rarely fits all

If you are a one-person, two-person, or three-person team, and you have simple playbooks, or a very simple use case with commonly found systems, then a low-code/no-code platform might be right for you.

But if your business is more mature or complex, and you expect to scale in the near future, then you likely need a more intensive level of security automation that has analytical capabilities while also offering deep integrations into a wide range of tools.

In conclusion, if the “If this” solution is too simple, “then that” may be your sign to level up.

To learn more about advanced security automation, stay tuned for the next blog post in this series: More Complex Use Cases: When No-Code/Low-Code Isn’t Enough.

LogicHub harnesses the power of AI and automation for superior detection and response at a fraction of the cost. From small teams with security challenges, to large teams automating SOCs, LogicHub makes advanced detection and response easy and effective for everyone.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Blog | LogicHub® authored by Kumar Saurabh. Read the original post at: https://www.logichub.com/blog/-why-no-code-solutions-are-a-double-edged-sword