Automation in security program management refers to the use of technology to perform repetitive and routine tasks without human intervention, which increases efficiency and consistency while reducing human error. Automation can encompass a wide range of processes, from compliance reporting to vulnerability management. For example, automating patch management ensures that systems are updated consistently without the need for manual oversight. In contrast, artificial intelligence would be focused on the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information, and encryption standardization is about defining protocols for encrypting data, not automating processes.