What Is Defense in Depth? Defense in Depth Defined, Explained, and Explored

Marketing Team Cloud Security Expert - CloudCodes Software
  • January 28th, 2021

What Is Defense in Depth? 

At every level of the IT system, one can apply a layered approach to security. Ranging from a single laptop to a coffee shop to a 50k user enterprise WAN; “Defense in Depth” will exponentially improve the security profile. One security layer can never be proclaimed to be enough to state with surety that the system is fully protected. Hackers are always up on their toes to evolve and are relentless in their ways to find any open door or leakages, even with the most robust security systems. Nonetheless, when a progression of various defenses are used together, for example, firewalls, malware scanners, intrusion recognition frameworks, information encryption, and integrity inspecting arrangements, the gaps which are created as a result of a singular security solution, are effectively closed. 

Elements of Defense in Depth 

To get a complete understanding of what is Defense in Depth, it is important to know about its elements. Here, we are going to discuss some of the common security elements of Defense in Depth, which are instrumental in safeguarding the networks and systems. This will help in protecting against the security threats which are ever-evolving in nature. 

1. Network Security Controls 

Assessment of network traffic is the first line of defense if you want to secure a network. Firewalls are used to block access to and from unauthorized networks. These work on a set of security rules to permit or stop Internet traffic. Firewalls are supported with intrusion protection systems for the identification of potential security threats along with ensuring quicker response. 

2. Antivirus Software 

It is important to lend security against malware and viruses. These generally rely on signature-based detection, which provides strong protection, but are vulnerable against intelligent cybercriminals. Hence, it is astute to use an antivirus solution that has heuristic features that scan for dubious patterns and movement. 

3. Analyzing Data Integrity 

A checksum is known as the mathematical representation of a file that has the data of its usage frequency, and source. This checksum may be used for checking against viruses and malicious codes, which are previously listed. Through the data integrity solutions, it is possible to check the source IP address to make sure that it has originated from a trusted source. 

4. Behavioral Analysis 

The behavior of network and file presents an insight during a breach. When the behavioral analysis gets activated, then it means that the firewall or intrusion safeguard solutions have failed. The analysis can either execute the automatic controls or send alerts for stopping the breach from spreading further. For correct working, companies must set a touchstone for “standard” behavior. 

Selecting the Perfect Line of Defense 

Now that you know what is Defense in Depth and its elements, it is clear that a firewall is the 1st line of defense. It is ideal to choose an all-inclusive solution that is loaded with several features that provide continuous safeguarding against the ever-increasing landscape of online threats, malware, and other exploits that can threaten your data and network. CloudCodes Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions help in defending the organization(s) against any emerging-malware or any other exploits, which may tend to threaten the integrity of the network(s) & data. With these latest CloudCodes CASB solutions, you can monitor the current activities of your network and quickly respond to incidents.  

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