The State of Detection Engineering 2026: What the Data Reveals About Accuracy, Automation, and AI Adoption

Detection engineering is rapidly maturing as organizations work to outpace modern threats, balance false positives, and integrate automation and AI into their security operations. To better understand where the industry stands today and where it’s headed, SANS surveyed security leaders, detection engineers, and practitioners across industries and geographies.

Join SANS instructor, Terrence Williams, on May 11th, 2026 at 3:30 ET for a break-down of the data and where actionable insights into detection engineering practices will be shared. We’ll explore how organizations are improving detection accuracy, adopting Detection-as-Code approaches, automating workflows, and preparing for the role of AI in SOC operations. Whether you’re a hands-on detection engineer, a SOC leader, or a security executive, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of industry benchmarks and strategies you can apply to strengthen your own detection program.