UBC’s Security Operations team recently celebrated a notable achievement: Tom Power, a member of the team, received an award from Tines AI for his innovative project, “Generate a Reduced Functionality Mode Report with AI.” The award not only honors Tom’s ingenuity but also emphasizes the team’s dedication to increasing efficiency in cybersecurity through cutting-edge automation. This solution alone has saved the Security Operations team over 25 hours annually.
We sat down with Tom to learn more about the project, his experience with Tines, and what this recognition means for IT’s future.
Taking a leap into AI automation
When asked about what motivated him to submit his work, Tom shared with a smile, “I was drawn by the T-shirt giveaway,” he jokes, but of course, the motivations were much more meaningful. “I was thrilled when I found out I’d won—it was a nice surprise, especially because it supports the cybersecurity community,” he added.
What sets Tines apart in cybersecurity
Founded by cybersecurity experts, Tines is a Dublin-based startup focused on transforming how analysts approach automation. Tom explained that Tines stands out with its low-code/no-code platform that requires no programming background. “Unlike other automation tools that require developers, Tines was designed to be user-friendly for security analysts,” he shared. Since UBC Cybersecurity’s official onboarding in March, Tines has been instrumental in streamlining routine tasks, bolstered by a customer success team that guided the initial setup.
From fine arts to cybersecurity automation
Tom’s unique background has played a significant role in his approach to cybersecurity automation. “I actually have a background in fine arts, and the drag-and-drop interface reminds me a bit of working with mobile sculptures, like those by Alexander Calder,” Tom shared. “It’s very visual, and you simply drag actions onto the interface and connect them. Even though I don’t have a programming background, I was able to pick it up quickly, which I think is one of the platform’s strengths.”
Tines in action: Streamlining security workflows
One of the primary challenges Tom faced was converting raw security data into a usable form, a task that Tines revolutionized. “For example, I can type a request in natural language, and Tines generates the necessary Python code in seconds,” he said. This capability alone reduces the time needed to produce code, transforming what was once a 30-minute task into a 10-second operation. Tom also shared how he schedules automated workflows to run every Friday morning, allowing reports to be generated and sent out seamlessly, saving both time and effort. Automated scheduling is a core feature of the platform, which integrates with various systems using APIs to ensure efficient data flow.
A valuable recognition and a promising future
Winning this award reflects the team’s successful adoption of automation in cybersecurity and underscores Tom’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to UBC’s cybersecurity team. “It reflects our commitment to innovation and motivates us to keep pushing boundaries in our automation efforts,” he reflected.
Looking ahead, Tom plans to develop additional workflows with Tines to better integrate systems for handling indicators of compromise. With Tines’ support and the potential for further automation, Tom and the Security Operations team are poised to explore new opportunities for enhancing the security of UBC’s digital environment.
Check out all the winners of the Tines Awards
Article by Lili Sabirova
