The Forrester Wave™: Automation Security, Q1 2025

Report ID: AU-SEC-2025 January 2025 32 Pages

Executive Summary

Automation security has become a critical concern as organizations scale their RPA and AI implementations. This Forrester Wave evaluates leading automation security solutions, providing detailed analysis of current offerings and strategic recommendations for enterprise buyers.

Market Overview: Automation Security Landscape

Market Size & Growth

$4.2B
2025 Automation Security Market
28%
CAGR Through 2028
67%
Organizations with Security Concerns

Key Market Drivers

  • Rapid Automation Adoption: Organizations deploying 100+ bots quarterly
  • AI Integration Risks: Machine learning models vulnerable to adversarial attacks
  • Regulatory Compliance: GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific security requirements
  • Remote Work Expansion: Increased attack surface from distributed automation
  • Third-Party Risks: Supply chain attacks targeting automation platforms

Market Challenges

Despite strong growth, the automation security market faces several challenges:

  • Skills gap in automation security expertise
  • Integration complexity with existing security stacks
  • Performance impact of security controls
  • Evolving threat landscape requiring constant updates

Evaluation Criteria & Methodology

Forrester Wave Evaluation Framework

Current Offering (40%)

  • Security feature completeness
  • Integration capabilities
  • Platform stability
  • User experience

Strategy (30%)

  • Product roadmap
  • Innovation pipeline
  • Market responsiveness
  • Partnership strategy

Market Presence (30%)

  • Market share
  • Customer base
  • Geographic coverage
  • Industry recognition

Evaluation Process

The evaluation included:

  • Detailed product demonstrations
  • Customer reference interviews
  • Technical architecture reviews
  • Competitive analysis and benchmarking
  • Executive interviews with vendor leadership

Vendor Analysis & Wave Positions

The Forrester Wave™: Automation Security, Q1 2025

[Wave Diagram Visualization]

Interactive wave diagram would be displayed here showing vendor positions across Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute axes.

Leading Vendors

Leaders

Ascenra Global Automation Security Suite

Position: Strong leader in enterprise automation security

Strengths: Comprehensive security framework, advanced threat detection, seamless integration

Differentiation: AI-powered behavioral analysis, zero-trust automation architecture

Strong Performers

Enterprise Security Platforms

Position: Robust security capabilities with broad market adoption

Strengths: Proven track record, extensive integrations, strong support

Contenders

Point Solutions

Position: Niche security solutions with limited scope

Strengths: Deep expertise in specific security domains

Automation Security Best Practices

Comprehensive Security Framework

1. Design-Time Security

  • Secure coding practices for automation scripts
  • Code review and testing protocols
  • Secrets management and credential handling
  • Input validation and sanitization

2. Runtime Security

  • Behavioral monitoring and anomaly detection
  • Access controls and least privilege principles
  • Session management and timeout controls
  • Real-time threat response capabilities

3. Infrastructure Security

  • Secure bot runners and execution environments
  • Network segmentation and isolation
  • Container security and orchestration
  • Cloud security configurations

4. Governance & Compliance

  • Security policies and procedures
  • Audit logging and monitoring
  • Compliance reporting and attestation
  • Incident response and recovery plans

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

Establish security policies, assess current state, implement basic controls

Phase 2: Implementation (Months 3-6)

Deploy security tools, integrate with automation platforms, train teams

Phase 3: Optimization (Months 6-12)

Fine-tune controls, implement advanced features, establish monitoring

Strategic Recommendations

For Enterprise Buyers

  • Adopt a defense-in-depth security strategy
  • Implement zero-trust principles for automation
  • Invest in security training for automation teams
  • Regular security assessments and penetration testing
  • Establish incident response procedures

For IT Security Leaders

  • Integrate automation security into existing security operations
  • Establish governance frameworks for automation deployments
  • Monitor and respond to emerging automation-specific threats
  • Collaborate with automation teams on security requirements

For Automation Teams

  • Embed security considerations into automation development
  • Implement secure coding practices
  • Regular security testing of automation solutions
  • Stay updated on automation security threats

Vendor Selection Criteria

When selecting an automation security solution, consider:

  • Comprehensive feature set covering all security domains
  • Integration capabilities with your automation platforms
  • Scalability to support your automation roadmap
  • Vendor's security expertise and track record
  • Quality of support and professional services
  • Total cost of ownership and ROI potential

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