Do you want reliable network security? The defense in depth is for you.
What is defense in depth? Why is it an effective network security strategy? How does it guarantee the protection of your systems?
WPG is a leading network security company in the USA. We explain in this blog, a popular cyber security strategy that companies and businesses find effective.
Let’s start by understanding the concept of defense in depth strategy.
It’s become evident that staying ahead of cyber attackers requires a holistic, all-hands-on-deck strategy.
Table of Contents
What is Defense in Depth?
Defense in Depth is a security strategy in which there are multiple layers of security protocols. So if one defense layer is breached, there is another layer of protection.
Defense-in-depth strategies work on the concept of having multiple backups and being prepared for the worst-case scenarios. It protects your network from vulnerabilities with multi-factor authentication, firewalls, network segmentation, and endpoint detection and response.
It is a security-first strategy that helps organizations better protect their data, users, and customers. You can have a layering of security protocols regardless of the platforms or technologies you use.
Let’s look at some defense-in-depth strategies to apply to your company.
4 Defense in Depth Strategies For Securing Your Network
With growing cyber threats, it has become crucial to have a complete cyber security approach. You can no longer afford to have a fix-as-it-happens approach. Cyber attacks are resulting in the loss of confidential data, money, trust, and more.
Here are 4 defense-in-depth strategies to ensure you have better security-
Protecting Endpoints With The Concept of Least Privilege
A defense-in-depth strategy encourages robust multi-factor authentication (MFA). Starting with the login process should require two distinct authentication methods for entrance, such as a password and a one-time password (OTP).
Local admin access should not be granted to user accounts, making operations like altering system configurations, installing software, or changing account settings impossible.
When a user needs elevated capabilities to perform an administrative activity or run a sensitive application, MFA should prompt them to confirm their identity again before granting just-in-time access to the resources they require for the exact length of time they require.
Context-aware, risk-based MFA and least privilege on endpoints assist prevent attackers from obtaining a foothold within an organization, launching ransomware and other user-based attacks, and unleashing a cascade of reconnaissance and lateral movement.
Monitoring High-risk Web Application Sessions
Employee access to business software is abused or misused in over 80% of firms. A defense-in-depth approach is crucial for managing web-application risk as more high-value data migrates to the cloud.
To begin, current Single Sign-On capabilities will be extended to validate users at the start and during each session, as well as implementing global time-outs to reduce risk, such as when a user walks away from a device during a session.
Organizations may quickly look for and audit activities by implementing step-by-step session recording and monitoring within protected apps without affecting the user experience.
Organizations can also opt to restrict data exfiltration operations, such as copying data and downloading files, and further limit individual user or application permissions depending on unique needs and requirements to better safeguard sensitive data contained in apps.
Storing and Exchanging Credentials Securely
Credential access is the No. 1 area of risk for enterprises today, according to Threat Landscape Report.
Credentials are in high demand as a technique for compromising identities and launching assaults. Despite the well-known risks, business users are frequently left to manage their credentials. This means weak passwords that can be easily guessed and breached.
Most times credentials are stored in plain text files, Excel spreadsheets, or browsers. This is very unsafe as attackers can easily get access to such files, limiting security visibility and control.
A defense-in-depth strategy may assist business apps and other sensitive data users avoid password headaches while improving the overall user experience.
Employees may safely access and share passwords, license numbers, encryption keys, and other critical data in the vault by establishing a centralized vault-based storage solution and making it available via passwordless authentication.
Providing Secure Third-party Privileged Access
Today, more than 96% of companies provide third-party access to essential systems. These approved third parties require timely and safe providing and de-provisioning of privileged access to certain company IT systems to complete their jobs.
The problem for businesses is to do so quickly, securely, and by an expanding set of rules. Third-party policies must follow internal Zero Trust standards, such as requiring authentication each time they need access.
A good defense-in-depth strategy will allow suppliers to utilize their own decentralized identities to acquire access to privileged resources through a universal gateway, allowing for simple yet secure authentication and giving vendor administrators control over their users’ access.
Dynamic, just-in-time provisioning to privileged accounts can be authorized on the fly for certain reasons and for defined lengths of time to improve security posture and minimize complexity. The attack surface is further reduced by eliminating the requirement for passwords, tokens, and network-based access restrictions.
Organizations may also improve their visibility into vendor behavior by offering full session isolation, real-time monitoring, and audit, which is crucial for lowering supply chain risks.
Conclusion
Security is important regardless of your company’s sector or size. You must take steps to mitigate the danger of a successful cyber assault.
Because of the complexity of systems and the ever-changing nature of threats, a skilled and forward-thinking cybersecurity approach is required. A defense-in-depth strategy might solve security weaknesses by providing layers of protection.
We have mentioned in this blog the 4 most important strategies to consider. Get the best possible security for your systems with defense in depth strategy.
