Building Trusted Automation as Leaders Struggle with AI Adoption and CISOs Hire Experts

Building Trust in Automation: A Crawl-Walk-Run Approach to Autonomous Capabilities

As the introduction of Agentic AI gains momentum, the concept of autonomous “everything” is becoming increasingly popular. However, past experiences with automation have left a sour taste, and leaders are now faced with the challenge of introducing autonomous capabilities in a way that builds trust over time.

A Crawl-Walk-Run Progression

According to Tim Morris, Financial Services Strategist at Tanium, the key to successful automation lies in a crawl-walk-run progression. This approach allows teams to gradually introduce autonomous capabilities, reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency.

Morris emphasizes that automation is not about replacing human employees, but rather about augmenting their capabilities and freeing them from repetitive tasks. By leveraging automation, organizations can minimize human error and increase speed, ultimately leading to improved productivity and reduced costs.

Challenges and Concerns

However, the journey to trusted automation is not without its challenges. Leaders must navigate the complexities of introducing autonomous capabilities, while also addressing concerns around job security and the potential for “machine mistakes.” Morris suggests that a phased approach, starting with small, low-risk tasks, can help build trust and confidence in automation.

The Human Element

In addition to the technical challenges, leaders must also contend with the human element. As AI adoption becomes more widespread, senior leaders are facing pressures that are not always visible in public forums. Research has shown that executives are struggling to scale AI, citing continuous disruption, contested definitions of value, and emotionally divided responses to change.

Cybersecurity Landscape

Furthermore, the cybersecurity landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with threats evolving at an unprecedented rate. As a result, CISOs are facing significant challenges in hiring and developing the right talent to keep up with the threat landscape. With budgets shrinking, CISOs must prioritize their spending and focus on developing the skills and expertise needed to stay ahead of emerging threats.

The Evolving Role of the CISO

In this context, the role of the CISO is evolving, and the traditional reporting lines to IT are no longer sufficient. Experts argue that CISOs should report directly to the board, given the critical role that cybersecurity plays in business strategy and revenue protection.

Conclusion

Ultimately, building trust in automation requires a thoughtful and phased approach, one that addresses both the technical and human elements. By prioritizing transparency, communication, and employee engagement, leaders can create a culture that embraces automation and leverages its benefits to drive business success.

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