Let’s paint a picture of the cybersecurity threat landscape:
- Cybercriminals can infiltrate 93% of company networks, often in just an average of two days
- Software supply chain attacks have increased by 650%
- A ransomware attack occurs every 11 seconds
- The average cost of a data breach in 2021 was $4.24 million
There are, of course, plenty more statistics that illustrate the same point—cyber threats, hacks, breaches, and attacks are exponentially increasing in frequency and sophistication. If your organization hasn’t already been subjected to malicious activity, then it seems to be only a matter of time until hackers try their hand at accessing your network, assets, and data.
So what can your enterprise do to mitigate your chances of falling victim to the relentless wave of cybercriminals and their endless efforts? A scattered cybersecurity strategy will only do so much; consider implementing a defense in depth cybersecurity approach to provide comprehensive protection to your organization.
In this article, we’ll dive into what defense in depth cybersecurity strategy entails, how it benefits your enterprise, and provide some examples. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a Defense in Depth Cybersecurity Strategy?
A defense in depth cybersecurity strategy, sometimes called a security in depth strategy, refers to a holistic approach to cyber defense efforts by leveraging multiple layers to protect against attacks. The concept originates from the National Security Agency and refers to medieval castles whose defenses were systematically layered to thwart attacks—moats, drawbridges, towers, and more were in place to protect those inside.
This approach involves orchestrating various types of controls to safeguard your organization against attacks; these controls can be divided into three sections:
Physical Controls
Physical controls include the physical restrictions established to secure your company, assets, access to machines, etc. For example, fences around your building, needing a badge to swipe in, passing through a security checkpoint, and fingerprint readers constitute physical security controls.
Technical Controls
The next layer of a security in depth strategy is that of technical controls; this includes a myriad of efforts to keep your network, assets, and data secure by utilizing things like:
- Disk encryption
- File integrity software
- Multifactor authentication
- Antivirus software
- Firewalls
- Virtual Private Networks
- Audits
- And more!
Technical controls operate within your organization’s network and machines so that internal and digital threats are mitigated as much as possible. Leveraging various types of technical controls, of course, contributes to a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy since there are multiple vectors for cybercriminals to try and exploit.
Administrative Controls
The final component of a defense in depth cybersecurity strategy involves administrative controls, also known as policies and processes that your organization can implement to further fortify your cybersecurity efforts.
Examples include:
- Mandating cybersecurity training on a regular basis
- Encouraging strong passwords are used and regularly updated
- Requiring multi-factor authentication to access your network or company files
- Enforcing an acceptable use policy
- Outlining cybersecurity procedures as related to your organization’s needs
These administrative controls are imperative for your company to fully protect itself against attackers and virtual threats; it’s not enough for your cybersecurity and internal IT professionals to follow good cybersecurity practices—so too must your employees.
How a DiD Cybersecurity Strategy Benefits Your Enterprise
If you’ve been approaching your enterprise’s cybersecurity posture from just one or two perspectives that address one problem but not another, then it’s time to reconsider your approach. Multiple facets contribute to the success of your digital protections, so being intentional about how you determine and structure your cybersecurity initiatives is crucial.
Leave no stone unturned—that’s likely where digital criminals will discover your company’s vulnerability and exploit it to their benefit. Feel overwhelmed with the cybersecurity strategy process? Are your internal resources already stretched thin?
Partner with Compuquip to help you navigate your internal and external cybersecurity needs! Our experts have decades of experience and dozens of certifications in industry practices. We’re eager to help you secure your network, assets, and reputation with fortified cybersecurity efforts.
