As artificial intelligence becomes the go-to weapon for cybercriminals, defenders must adapt swiftly. Relying solely on automation to handle repetitive security tasks is no longer a winning strategy. The future demands a shift toward agentic AI, AI systems that plan, learn, and act with independence, serving as strategic partners to human analysts.
This transformation is already reshaping Managed Detection and Response (MDR). With insights from Dustin Hillard, CTO of eSentire, we explore how agentic AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity operations and what cultural, operational, and architectural shifts are required to unlock its full potential.
Why Reactive Automation Falls Short
Most modern cybersecurity solutions use automation to handle high volumes of alerts and streamline incident response. These systems are valuable for handling routine tasks like sorting alerts and running basic correlation rules. But they operate on fixed logic and linear workflows, making them reactive by nature.
In a world where adversaries deploy AI to orchestrate dynamic, multi-pronged attacks, reactive tools simply can’t keep up. What’s needed now is foresight, adaptability, and decision-making power, hallmarks of agentic AI.
Understanding Agentic AI: Intelligence That Acts
Agentic AI goes beyond static automation. These systems are designed to:
- Set and pursue goals autonomously
- Adapt to changing contexts on the fly
- Collect and interpret diverse data sources
- Make informed decisions in real time
- Operate as intelligent collaborators with human analysts
As Hillard notes, the goal isn’t to replace human expertise or cut costs, it’s to multiply human effectiveness by enabling faster, smarter decision-making under pressure.
Inside the SOC: How Agentic AI Supercharges MDR
Within eSentire’s MDR ecosystem, agentic AI is already delivering significant gains across the threat detection and response lifecycle:
1. Rapid Investigations
Instead of waiting for a human analyst to manually pull data, the AI agent proactively gathers evidence from multiple systems, performing over 30 investigative steps in just 10 minutes. That’s the equivalent of 3 to 5 hours of human effort compressed into minutes.
2. Enhanced Detection Through Hypothesis Testing
Agentic AI evaluates numerous potential threat scenarios simultaneously, reducing false positives and surfacing highly contextualized alerts. Analysts receive actionable insights, not just raw data.
3. Adaptive Responses
Rather than following rigid response playbooks, agentic AI tailors its actions based on live threat intelligence, behavioral cues, and organizational context, delivering targeted responses that contain incidents before they escalate.
Beyond Detection: AI as a Strategic Security Advisor
Looking ahead, Hillard envisions agentic AI evolving into advisory roles. These intelligent systems could become virtual security consultants, providing organizations with strategic, real-time guidance such as:
- Prioritizing patch management based on live threat landscapes
- Suggesting resource allocation aligned with emerging risks
- Benchmarking security postures against industry norms
These capabilities aren’t theoretical. Early prototypes already exist in platforms like eSentire’s, pointing to a future where MDR providers don’t just detect threats—they help steer security strategy.
Unlocking Agentic AI: What Needs to Change
To fully leverage this technology, organizations must embrace three key paradigm shifts:
Mindset Shift: From Command-and-Control to Collaboration
Security teams must learn to trust and work alongside intelligent systems. Agentic AI isn’t a replacement; it’s a partner that enables humans to focus on strategic and creative problem-solving.
Operational Shift: From Scripts to Strategy
Static playbooks no longer suffice. SOC operations should evolve into dynamic environments where AI and analysts co-develop and test hypotheses to rapidly assess and respond to threats.
Architectural Shift: From Fragmented to Unified Intelligence
Legacy infrastructures often hinder AI integration. To support agentic capabilities, organizations need platforms with seamless data ingestion, real-time correlation, and low-latency execution across domains.
From Tools to Teammates: A New Era in Cyber Defense
Agentic AI is not a distant vision—it’s already reshaping how modern MDR providers like eSentire respond to and anticipate threats. But fully embracing its potential means rethinking how we design systems and structure teams.
In the years ahead, the shift will accelerate from using AI as a tool to partnering with AI as an autonomous teammate. These systems will anticipate threats, advise on risk, and act in real time, ushering in a new chapter in cyber defense where speed, intelligence, and adaptability define success.
To learn more about how eSentire’s Atlas AI can help your organization scale your security operations and get strong security outcomes, contact an Qylis S365 Security Specialist now.
