In this CIO Edge presentation, Melissa Bischoping, Senior Director of Security and Product Design Research at Tanium, highlights the growing challenges facing IT teams—particularly the pressure to scale operations while reducing burnout.

In a study of Australian IT leaders, a majority reported feeling the strain of doing more with fewer resources, with burnout affecting 69% of teams.

To address this, AI-driven automation is emerging as a critical solution, with machine learning playing a key role in streamlining routine tasks and optimising security operations.

By reducing manual workloads, AI allows IT teams to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives.

Melissa emphasises the importance of autonomous endpoint management, which leverages AI insights to automate system maintenance and remediation.

This shift not only alleviates burnout but also enhances efficiency, giving IT staff the space to be more innovative.

The surge in AI investment, particularly in the US, reflects a growing recognition of its transformative potential.

ADAPT research supports this, showing that leading organisations prioritise AI enablement to reduce operational costs.

By 2029, more than 50% of organisations are expected to implement autonomous management, highlighting the urgency of embracing AI for long-term efficiency gains.

Melissa also shares real-world examples demonstrating how automation can tackle the rising challenges of vulnerability management and threat detection.

With over 40,000 vulnerabilities reported in 2024 alone, traditional approaches—such as relying solely on CVSS scores—are proving insufficient.

She argues that a more contextual, real-time approach is essential, incorporating an organisation’s unique environment and risk profile.

This ensures IT teams can make informed decisions and manage the increasing complexity of modern security challenges effectively.

 

Key takeaways:

  • AI and automation are essential for reducing IT burnout – With 69% of IT teams experiencing burnout, AI-driven automation is becoming a crucial tool to alleviate pressure. Machine learning automates routine tasks, allowing IT staff to focus on strategic, high-value activities.
  • Autonomous endpoint management is the future – AI-powered automation of system maintenance and remediation significantly reduces manual workloads. By 2029, more than 50% of organisations are expected to adopt autonomous management, enabling IT teams to focus on innovation and strategy.
  • A contextual approach to vulnerability management is critical – Traditional vulnerability management methods, such as CVSS scores, are no longer sufficient given the exponential rise in vulnerabilities. Organisations must adopt real-time, data-driven security strategies to effectively manage modern threats.
Contributors
Melissa Bischoping Senior Director of Security and Product Design Research at Tanium
Melissa Bischoping is a passionate security evangelist whose academic & professional background in human psychology and technology align to educate, advocate, and... More

Melissa Bischoping is a passionate security evangelist whose academic & professional background in human psychology and technology align to educate, advocate, and remediate the difficult security problems faced by businesses and individuals.

She currently works as an Endpoint Security Research Specialist at Tanium where she analyzes emerging threats, zero-days, and CVEs to provide subject matter expertise for internal and external customers. Prior to Tanium, she held positions in operations and security across the hospitality, casino gaming, and industrial/manufacturing industries.

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