Towards Autonomous Cyber Defence: Applying Systems Theoretic Process Analysis to Human-Machine Teaming

With cyberspace becoming ever more fiercely contested, blue team operations face a growing demand for more efficient and sophisticated capabilities. One way to meet this demand is by integrating Human-Machine Teaming (HMT) and autonomous cyber defence (ACD), enhancing blue team collaboration with AI-driven machines. A rigorous analysis of their interaction dynamics is essential to ensure these technologies are safely deployed in high-stakes environments.This study employs Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to examine the control actions and feedback loops between machines and controlled processors in the context of ACD, identifying potential hazards and losses arising from unsafe control actions. Additionally, it establishes system constraints to mitigate risks and enhance the safety and reliability of AI-driven HMT operations.