Detection Engineering Dispatch 5 Signs You're Overengineering your Detection Logic w/ John Dempsey
May 22, 2025
Join John Dempsey, Senior Manager of Security Operations at the National Audubon Society, as he shares his expertise on optimizing detection logic. He reveals five signs that your detection rules may be too complex, potentially causing alert overload. John emphasizes the importance of clarity in detection design and the dangers of over-engineering systems. The conversation also touches on simplifying detection processes with AI and encouraging creative approaches in cybersecurity, all while maintaining effectiveness and transparency within teams.
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Document Detection Logic Clearly
- Always document your detection logic with clear inline comments or explanations.
- This helps current and future engineers understand and maintain the rules effectively.
Build Trust Through Transparency
- Provide clear context and transparency around why detection rules fire.
- Transparent logic builds SOC trust and encourages better feedback and tuning.
Test Detection Rules Passively
- Test detection rules passively in production to observe firing patterns without causing alert fatigue.
- Tune and refine before activating rules fully to avoid unexpected alert spikes.