Understanding the Real Cost of Security Automation in IT Operations

Security automation isn’t just about the price tag of tools — the real costs often come from fragmented workflows, brittle scripts, and operational inefficiencies that sap time and money in mid-market IT environments. This article breaks down how reliance on piecemeal automation can lead to daily rework, stale permissions, and audit fire drills, adding up to significant annual overhead. It also explores why adding more tools doesn’t always lower costs and highlights what organizations should consider when aiming for predictable, enforcement-first security automation. A valuable read if you’re evaluating your security automation strategy for 2026 and beyond.