Chloe Burton, Manager, Detection Engineering, at DeepWatch on Detection Engineering Decoded: Guide To Smarter SOCs

In today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape, the question isn’t whether AI will impact security operations—it’s how we ensure humans remain at the heart of the process. In this episode of Discover Dialogues, hosted by Nikhil sonawane, Media Relations Lead at TechDogs, our guest Chloe Burton, Manager of Detection Engineering at Deepwatch, takes us inside the evolving world of threat detection.

From her unconventional start in tech to leading detection engineering at a cutting-edge MDR provider, Chloe shares how AI is transforming SOCs—and why human-in-the-loop remains critical. She discusses building scalable, context-first detection systems, measuring SOC maturity, and fostering proactive adversary thinking. Alongside the technical insights, Chloe dives into leadership philosophy, mentorship, and empowering cyber teams for long-term success.

Her path into cybersecurity is anything but typical. Starting with a background in psychology, Chloe transitioned into tech through a helpdesk role, eventually mastering Splunk and moving into security consulting at Deloitte, KPMG, and Accenture. Today, she leads a team of detection engineers at Deepwatch, building scalable, resilient SOC detection programs for a diverse customer base.

In this episode, Chloe shares why human judgment remains essential in an era of AI-driven threat detection. While automation and AI can streamline workflows, she stresses the importance of a human-in-the-loop approach—ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, human expertise.
 

Key topics covered:

 

• Career journey: From helpdesk to detection engineering leader

• AI in detection engineering: Benefits, risks, and how to use it effectively

• Healthy SOC operations: Standardization, repeatable processes, and detection-as-code

• Metrics that matter: Moving beyond MTTX to MITRE coverage and detection fidelity

• Mindset shifts: Why security teams must adopt proactive, adversary-focused thinking

• Context-first detection: Reducing alert fatigue through enriched, correlated events

• Leadership style: How empowerment builds stronger, more loyal teams

• Cyber career survival guide: Practical advice for thriving in a high-pressure field

Chloe’s insights go beyond the technical. She discusses how leaders can create environments where cyber talent can thrive—by fostering autonomy, encouraging experimentation, and supporting ongoing learning. She also speaks candidly about her own leadership values, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and the belief that team success is shared success.
 

This episode is a must-read (and watch) for:

 

• SOC managers looking to improve detection engineering practices

• Cybersecurity leaders navigating AI adoption

• Detection engineers seeking to develop adversary thinking

• Tech professionals considering a career in security

• Anyone interested in the evolving relationship between AI and human expertise in cyber defense

 

About Chloe Burton:

Chloe Burton is Manager of Detection Engineering at Deepwatch. She has led detection engineering and SOC transformation projects for global enterprises, developed go-to-market strategies for security solutions, and built high-performance cyber teams. A strong advocate for diversity and mentorship in technology, she is committed to empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

By blending AI innovation with human insight, Chloe shows how modern SOCs can scale detection without sacrificing quality. Her belief that “process + people” is as important as “tools + technology” is a guiding principle for anyone aiming to build a resilient cyber defense strategy.