Automated response in cybersecurity refers to the programmatic execution of predefined actions or workflows that are triggered automatically when security events are detected, without requiring direct human intervention. This critical component of modern security operations enables organizations to react instantaneously to indicators of compromise, suspicious activities, or policy violations identified by systems such as SIEM, intrusion detection systems, or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

These responses are typically orchestrated through sophisticated playbooks managed by Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms. Common automated actions include isolating compromised endpoints from the network, blocking malicious IP addresses at the firewall, revoking suspicious user access privileges, initiating malware analysis, or collecting forensic data for investigation. By automating repetitive, high-volume, and time-sensitive tasks, organizations significantly reduce response times and minimize the window of vulnerability, allowing security analysts to focus on complex threat analysis and strategic decision-making.