You may have heard this term thrown around in the cybersecurity world, but what is layered security, and why does your organization need to implement it? Layered security is a cybersecurity strategy that incorporates multiple layers of defense to safeguard networks from potential attacks or data breaches. As cyber threats continue to evolve and grow, it’s essential to ensure that your network and data are safe.
Also known as multi-layered security, a layered security framework will reduce the likelihood of a cybercriminal successfully breaching your network. Rather than focusing on one strategy, this model calls for widespread protocols in all areas of your organization — from the IT infrastructure to employee training.
How does a layered security model work?
A layered security model aims to ensure that each element of your security plan has a backup plan to counteract any flaws or gaps. To reduce the chance of cybercriminals entering your network, you should deploy multiple strategies like multi-factor authentication or employee training programs that work together to protect vulnerable areas of your network.
By combining these strategies and controls, your organization will have a strong defense and build a sturdy foundation for its cybersecurity environment.
Why do I need layered security?
No business is safe from cyber attacks, especially as technology advances. A layered security plan will create multiple roadblocks for a cybercriminal to maneuver before gaining access to your network.
Benefits of implementing layered security:
- Enhances your organization’s general security posture.
- Ensures sensitive data is being actively protected.
- Gives employees an understanding of how to detect suspicious activity.
- Provides an opportunity to update all software.
- Reduces the chance of a successful cyber attack.
To implement a layered security model, you need to first understand what goes into this type of approach.
10 elements of layered security
Cyber threats can come from many different areas of your network, so by having multiple layers of defense, your organization will be better prepared to handle any attack. This dynamic strategy can evolve as new and more advanced threats emerge.
1. Build a firewall
The first step in any cyber defense plan should be building a firewall. A firewall oversees the network traffic entering and exiting the network, examining each piece of traffic and determining if it is safe based on a set of pre-defined rules the network has in place.
This barrier is the first layer of security that traffic will encounter, blocking any malicious traffic from further entering the network.
2. Update software and firmware
Hackers will likely have an easier time getting through outdated software due to potential gaps in each system’s security. Updating software and firmware will close those gaps that would otherwise leave the systems and applications vulnerable to cyber attacks.
3. Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is one of the most important functions to add when improving cybersecurity. Requiring multiple forms of verification for a user to access a network, application, or account will prevent hackers from successfully gaining access.
Multi-factor authentication may include one-time codes or push notifications. Whichever method you choose, it will strengthen the organization’s security measures and reduce the risk of end-user information being compromised.
4. Include endpoint detection and response measures
Considering the many different types of devices teams are using today — such as laptops, workstations, mobile devices, printers, scanners, and more — there are many more entry points available to a hacker than ever before. That being said, it’s important to ensure that each of these entry points is included when creating a cybersecurity plan.
Endpoint detection and response solutions consistently monitor endpoints connected to a network and record behavior to allow security teams to protect the organization properly against threats. If any device is connected to the network, it should require endpoint detection and response.
5. Filter web content
Organizations can decide what content, sites, or sources should be blocked from entering their network. Once this is determined, software can be installed to block users from accessing this type of content or website. This reduces the chance of a user accessing malicious or inappropriate content while on the organization’s network.
6. Screen emails
One of the most common ways for a hacker to infiltrate the network is through emails. Cybercriminals know it only takes one click on a phishing email for a user to give them access to their information unknowingly.
Screening incoming emails mitigates the risks of phishing emails, which include ransomware and viruses.
7. Train staff on security risks and phishing emails
Unfortunately, many people who use advanced technology on sensitive networks may not have the ability to detect suspicious behavior or phishing emails. Training employees to recognize security threats and malicious emails will protect them and the organization from hackers entering the network.
Creating consistent training programs will give employees the knowledge they need to stay up to date with the latest scams to watch out for both at work and at home.
8. Upgrade password policy
More often than not, users create one password that they will remember and use across multiple different accounts. Though we can understand the convenience of doing this, it creates an opportunity for hackers to gain access to more than one account by using the same password.
Organizations can prevent this from happening by implementing company-wide password policies that detail requirements for password strength and complexity. Setting standards for the character limit, capitalization, or special characters used in a password prevents weak passwords and improves the network’s overall security.
9. Integrate business continuity and disaster recovery solutions
Should a hacker successfully enter your network, you can still take measures to ensure your data is secure. Integrating business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solutions can reduce the downtime your system will incur when a breach does happen.
A BCDR solution will help mitigate the damage done by a breach, allowing your business to restore data and start operations from a backup quickly.
Two critical factors to consider when creating backups to data:
- Isolate backups to make sure a hacker cannot reach it if they are able to breach the network.
- Continuously update the continuity plan, regularly testing and documenting it.
10. Enforce managed detection and response solutions
Managed detection and response solutions help detect when someone has gotten past the other layers of your security measures. By combining advanced monitoring software and 24/7 security operations, an MDR can identify and isolate suspicious or malicious behavior happening within the network in real time.
If the preventative measures we discussed above fail, an MDR can catch the cybercriminal trying to breach the network. Once caught, the solution will alert the system so users know that a breach has been attempted.
How Applied Tech help you implement a multi-layered security plan
The need for cybersecurity has never been more apparent. A strong security plan is essential with the quickly evolving threats that continue to advance. With layered security, your organization can ensure that the network and data are always protected.
Prepare your organization for the worst with Applied Tech. We will help you set up your layered security so your organization can prevent hackers from successfully breaking into your data. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you strengthen your security plan.
About Applied Tech
Applied Tech is a leading IT and cybersecurity services provider dedicated to helping businesses protect their digital assets. Our proactive and strategic services include cloud management, security, productivity, and IT growth strategy. With a team of experienced professionals, we provide unique solutions tailored to your IT needs.
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