Testing, Learning, Evolving: How Practice and Precision Strengthen the SOC with Marty McDonald

Testing, Learning, Evolving: How Practice and Precision Strengthen the SOC with Marty McDonald

From SOC Unlocked: Tales from the Cybersecurity Frontline by Mick Leach

October 9, 2025 · 40 min · Season 2 · Episode 4

About this episode

Mick Leach discusses SOC modernization and automation with Marty McDonald, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals in transforming cybersecurity operations.

In this episode of SOC Unlocked , host Mick Leach talks with Marty McDonald, Principal Domain Advisor at Optiv, about what it takes to modernize today’s SOCs for an AI-driven world. Marty shares how forward-looking teams are automating repetitive, level-one work with SOAR and agentic frameworks freeing analysts to focus on higher-value investigations. He also explains how UEBA and entity analytics help analysts tell better data stories, transforming telemetry into actionable insight for executives and boards alike. The conversation underscores a timeless truth—modernization starts with fundamentals. From refining metrics to running effective tabletop exercises, small, consistent improvements drive lasting transformation.

People in this episode

Host: Mick Leach

Guest: Marty McDonald

Topics covered

  • SOC modernization
  • AI in cybersecurity
  • automation
  • data analytics
  • telemetry
  • continuous improvement

Keywords

  • SOC
  • AI
  • automation
  • SOAR
  • UEBA
  • entity analytics
  • data stories
  • telemetry
  • cybersecurity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Optiv

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