Massive data breaches and damaging cyberattack reports have become common in today’s cybersecurity landscape. New threats emerge constantly as cyberattackers adapt their attacks to bypass traditional security measures and avoid detection. Unfortunately, no target is too small as cyber threats increase in volume. So, why should you consider a multilayer cybersecurity process? Let’s find out.
What is multilayered security?
Multilayered security refers to security systems that protect the most vulnerable areas of your network where cyberattacks or breaches may occur using multiple components. The purpose of a layered security approach is to ensure all the individual components of your cybersecurity strategy are backed up to counter any gaps or flaws.
The layers work together to build a strong foundation for your cybersecurity plan and bolster your defenses. It’s important to ensure that your security approach shields each layer so that private data remains safe.
How does a layered security approach work?
There are different components of a layered security approach used in managing security vulnerabilities. Multilayer security secures information effectively and prevents it from being breached by malicious individuals and hackers. Each shielding component incorporated in the layering process has specific functions that deal with various types of threats to create a safe network.
The layers prevent criminals from accessing the protected network. Note that in an organization, a multilayered security approach focuses on the breaches that result from information security threats. The approach provides the organization with the right tools to defend the organization’s network by applying multiple security solutions.
It also helps businesses evaluate the potential impact of threats and implement policies and actions to fight the threats to curtail the impact.
Protect your network with these essential security layers
Multilayered security can help you protect your business-sensitive data, employees, and network. Here are crucial security layers you should put in place.
- Managed detection and response (MDR)
Managed Detection and Response is an advanced security solution that combines a 24/7 security operations center and next-generation monitoring software to identify and isolate suspicious activity on your network in real-time and detain confirmed threats immediately to prevent spread.
MDR functions as the alarm system that alerts you when a breach occurs and the security camera that catches the criminals sneaking onto your network if your preventive measures fail.
- Dark web monitoring software
The dark web is home to illegal activities like the sale of personally identifying and sensitive data stolen during information breaches. Credentials of employees are a best-seller on the dark web and are used by cyberattackers to access a company’s private information, install malware, send email spam, and more.
Dark web monitoring software scan the dark web for passwords and email addresses associated with your organization’s domain to help you discover and prevent these vulnerabilities before they are exploited by criminals.
- Business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR)
BCDR solutions can mitigate the damage and downtime associated with cybetattacks, allowing you to restore your operations and information from a backup. However, be sure to:
- Isolate your backups to prevent them from being accessed and encrypted if your network is breached.
- Document, test and update regularly your business continuity plan.
- Phishing simulations and security awareness training
Can your workers identify phishing emails if they slipped into their inbox? Training on cybersecurity best practices is crucial when building your security layers to help your employees spot suspicious emails and other cyber scams that may threaten your network’s security.
You can reinforce the training through periodic phishing simulations to test your workers on their vigilance in spotting phishing emails to strengthen your defenses.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Enabling multi-factor authentication can help you minimize cyberattack risks. MFA requires different forms of verification to access corporate networks, accounts, or applications. For example, you may be required to enter a one-time code sent via push notification or text message after entering your password.
These additional authentication requirements prevent criminals from exploiting compromised or weak end-user passwords, making it difficult to access your network.
- Email filtering
Cyberattackers know it only takes one click on a malicious link for end-users to grant access unknowingly to their entire company’s network. Filtering emails at the gateway is crucial as it minimizes this risk and helps protect your employees and company from email-related cyber threats such as viruses, phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, and business email compromise.
- Endpoint protection
Each device connected to your networks such as security cameras, computers, printers, copiers, and smart devices is a potential entry point for cybercriminals. All of these entry points, referred to as endpoints should be included in your company’s cybersecurity plan.
- Firewall
A firewall is the first line of defense in your organization’s network security. It monitors outgoing and incoming traffic based on certain rules. The SonicWALL Security Appliance Firewalls act as a barrier between an untrusted and a trusted network, only allowing into your network traffic that has been defined safe in the security policy.
Employing a multilayered security approach is essential as new threats emerge daily. Implementing these cybersecurity layers will mitigate your risks and help you build cyber resilience, putting your company in the best position to prepare for, and recover from cyberattacks.
Sources
- How Multi-Layer Security and Defense in Depth Can Protect Your Business – WebRoot
- What is Layered Security & How Does it Defend Your Network? By Amy Mersch, October 4, 2021 – Pro Source
- What’s A Multilayer Cybersecurity Process And Why Should You Consider It? By John Giordani, August 18, 2021 – Forbes
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MULTI-LAYER CYBERSECURITY SOLUTION by Aratrika Dutta, August 19, 2021 – Analytics Insights
- Why You Need Layered Security, November 5, 2021 – Impact
