In Microsoft Sentinel, automating common tasks can be done by using what?

In Microsoft Sentinel, automating common tasks is most effectively achieved through the use of playbooks. Playbooks are essentially collections of actions that can be triggered in response to alerts or incidents, allowing for a streamlined and consistent approach to handling security events. These playbooks are built using Azure Logic Apps, which enable you to integrate a variety of services and automate workflows without needing extensive coding.

For instance, when a certain security alert is generated, a playbook can automatically initiate actions such as sending notifications, creating tickets in a service management system, or even taking direct action like blocking an IP address. This automation significantly reduces response times to incidents and helps maintain a stronger security posture by ensuring that repetitive tasks are handled promptly and consistently.

The other tools mentioned serve different purposes. Deep investigation tools assist in thorough analysis of incidents, workbooks provide visualizations and reporting of security data, and hunting search-and-query tools help security teams proactively look for threats. While all are important in their own right, playbooks uniquely fulfill the automation need within Microsoft Sentinel.