When to invest in automation tools versus hiring more people depends on various factors such as the volume of repetitive tasks, need for real-time threat detection and response, rapid growth where scalability matters, tight budget, too many review steps that can be done with software, demanding regulatory requirements, and lack of security talent. Automation tools can parse huge volumes of data and perform repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy, while also providing real-time threat detection and response capability. However, certain risk management activities require security experts, such as complex threat analysis, incident investigation and response, strategic risk planning and collaboration, and evaluating risk. The cost of automation versus hiring staff is a complicated decision that requires careful consideration of the financial implications. Ultimately, automation will always win in terms of costs over employment costs if a task can be automated, especially with advancements in technology making it more sophisticated and less expensive.