SOCs are undergoing a transformation, with AI, automation, and advanced analytics redefining how organizations detect and respond to threats. The experts at the forefront of this shift are influencing how security leaders think about SOC strategy, AI adoption, and operational efficiency.
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From analysts at the biggest research firms to independent bloggers, these (in no particular order) are the top 10 SOC influencers and thought leaders we at Intezer follow:
1. Allie Mellen – Forrester’s Voice on AI in the SOC
As a leading Forrester analyst, Allie Mellen is one of the most respected thought leaders in security operations. With a background spanning engineering, hacking, and security research, she offers deeply technical insights into AI, automation, and SOC evolution.
Why follow Allie?
- She’s shaping the conversation on agentic AI, recently writing a great blog that is closely aligned with Intezer’s philosophy.
- She’s a realist who is rightfully skeptical about many AI SOC solutions on the market that lack proper metrics and transparency.
- She advises Fortune 500 CISOs and frequently speaks at major industry events and with top media outlets.
2. Eric Ahlm – The Gartner Perspective on the SOC Evolution
Eric Ahlm, Gartner’s Research Director for Security Operations, knows the SOC space inside and out. He specializes in alert fatigue, automation strategies, and SOC maturity models, and his insights help security leaders implement AI purposefully and strategically.
Why follow Eric?
- He believes in using the right tool for the right challenge, challenging the assumption that AI is a cure-all for SOC problems.
- He emphasizes the importance of SOC performance metrics—a principle central to Intezer’s Autonomous SOC Platform.
- He provides actionable guidance on improving SOC efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Chris Kissel – The IDC Authority on SOC Automation
Chris Kissel, IDC’s Research VP, tracks how AI-driven security analytics impact SOC performance, threat detection, and market trends.
Why follow Chris?
- He understands the importance of balancing automation with security expertise.
- He provides critical insights for VCs, cybersecurity investors, and tech vendors.
- He is frequently quoted on AI security trends and SOC automation.
4. Andrew Braunberg – Omdia’s Strategic Thinker on SOC Trends
As Omdia’s Principal Analyst, Andrew Braunberg explores how SOCs are shifting from reactive to proactive security. His research covers vulnerability management, attack surface reduction, and AI-powered breach prevention.
Why follow Andrew?
- He offers tactical advice for enterprises evolving their SOC strategies.
- He examines automation’s role in improving threat detection accuracy.
- He breaks down proactive security approaches for breach prevention.
5. Tyler Shields – The Cyber Why Blogger & ESG Analyst
Tyler Shields brings 25+ years of cybersecurity experience to his role at Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) and his blog, The Cyber Why. His focus? Product strategy, security operations, and the business of cybersecurity.
Why follow Tyler?
- He advises cybersecurity vendors on how to align technology with real-world customer needs.
- He covers vulnerability management, offensive security, and risk analysis.
- His straight-talking approach makes complex topics digestible.
6. Filip Stojkovski – Cybersecurity Automation Evangelist
Filip runs the Cyber Security Automation blog, where he’s a vocal advocate for Tierless SOC models, MDR evolution, and AI-driven security frameworks.
Why follow Filip?
- He sees the AI SOC as a necessary evolution for modern SOCs.
- He believes in the practical implementation of security automation.
- His blog offers exclusive playbooks for improving SOC workflows.
7. Darwin Salazar – The Cybersecurity Pulse on SOCs & Startups
Darwin has worked as a detection engineer, cloud security consultant, and analyst at major enterprises. His blog, The Cybersecurity Pulse (TCP), delivers sharp analysis of SOC tech, M&A activity, and emerging security startups.
Why follow Darwin?
- His blog is quickly becoming a must-read for industry insiders.
- He breaks down product launches, acquisitions, and funding trends.
- He brings real-world, hands-on experience to his analysis.
8. Mike Privette – Return on Security: Where Cyber Meets Business
Mike’s blog, Return on Security, focuses on how security teams can balance operational needs with business objectives.
Why follow Mike?
- He analyzes market trends without the fluff.
- He offers VCs, CISOs, and security teams practical guidance on security investments.
- He brings a customer-service mindset to cybersecurity, bridging security and business strategy.
9. Ross Haleliuk – Venture in Security: AI & Cyber Business Models
Ross is a startup advisor, investor, and analyst covering cybersecurity trends, AI in security, and the automation revolution for his blog, Venture in Security. Last year he also wrote “Cyber for Builders: The Essential Guide to Building a Cybersecurity Startup,” which not only is an Amazon Best Seller, but was also named Book of the Year at the SANS Difference Makers Awards—the most prestigious recognition in the world for cybersecurity authors.
Why follow Ross?
- He explores how AI is redefining service providers and SOCs.
- He examines cybersecurity’s shifting business models.
- He delivers deep-dive research on venture funding, product strategy, and automation.
10. Francis Odum – Leading Independent Cyber Research
Francis founded Software Analyst Cyber Research, one of the largest independent cybersecurity research firms read by over 60,000+ security pros.
Why follow Francis?
- He collaborates with some of the most powerful cybersecurity professionals.
- He brings an AI/ML background into cybersecurity, helping bridge the gap between AI and SOCs.
- He provides research-backed insights into SOC automation’s future.
BONUS: Anton Chuvakin – The Cloud Security Pragmatist at Google
Keeping this list to only ten individuals was an enormous feat, so we simply couldn’t help ourselves and had to add a bonus to our list.
Currently a Security Advisor at the Office of the CISO at Google Cloud, Dr. Anton Chuvakin is one of the most respected and recognizable voices in modern security operations. With a career spanning research, strategy, and hands-on technical roles, Anton brings both depth and clarity to the challenges facing today’s SOCs.
Why follow Anton?
- As co-host of the popular Cloud Security Podcast by Google, he tackles real-world challenges in governance, detection, and SOC operations.
- He’s known for asking tough, necessary questions about the value and limitations of AI and automation in security.
- With prior roles at Gartner, Chronicle, Qualys, and LogLogic, he brings a unique blend of enterprise, vendor, and advisory perspectives.
The SOC landscape is shifting fast. At Intezer, we follow these influencers because they are helping security leaders, vendors, and investors navigate the changes. Whether you’re looking for expert insights on automation, AI-driven security, or the latest in SOC innovation, these are the voices shaping the future.
Want to hear more from our SOC influencers? Check out the latest SecOps Automation posts!
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