Better Cybersecurity with Defense in Depth (DiD)

When the COVID hit, businesses all over the globe had to shift to remote work almost overnight, the hybrid work model has gained popularity ever since. Employees are now able to work from home, the office or both. According to a report, close to 65% of large businesses have adopted a hybrid model, and most workers prefer it that way.  The spit workforce has now created additional issues for securing a business’s network, but can a business provide better Cybersecurity with Defense in Depth (DiD) strategies?

One of the primary concerns of IT leaders across the globe is the unprecedented increase in cybercrime. Experts estimate that cybercrime has shot up by almost 300% since the start of the pandemic. DiD is a cybersecurity approach in which multiple defensive methods are layered to protect a business, combining several layers of security is a more effective security approach.

It’s important to differentiate DiD from another cybersecurity concept called layered security. While layered security uses different security products to address a particular security aspect, such as email filtering, DiD is more comprehensive and includes multiple security measures to address distinct threats related to the entire IT infrastructure.

While DiD is critical to protecting your business against evolving cyberthreats, it’s an undertaking that requires time, extensive knowledge and experience. Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) can simplify the process, reduce stress and minimize opportunities for error.

How MSPs Help Defend Against Threats
An MSP will help you divide DiD into three security control areas:

1.     Administrative Controls

The policies and procedures of a business fall under administrative controls. These controls ensure that appropriate guidance is available and that security policies are followed.

Examples include hiring or employee onboarding protocols, data processing and management procedures, information security policies, and vendor risk management, etc.

2.     Technical Controls

Hardware or software intended to protect systems and resources fall under technical controls.

Examples of technical controls are firewalls, configuration management, disk/data encryption, identity authentication (IAM), vulnerability scanners, patch management, virtual private networks (VPNs), intrusion detection systems (IDS), security awareness training, etc.

3.     Physical Controls

Anything aimed at physically limiting or preventing access to IT systems falls under physical controls.

Examples are fences, keycards/badges, CCTV systems, locker rooms, etc.

Essential Elements of DiD

An MSP will help you implement all the elements of an effective DiD strategy to minimize the chances of threats seeping in through the cracks. These elements include:

1.     Firewalls

A firewall is a security system comprised of hardware or software that can protect your network by filtering out unnecessary traffic and blocking unauthorized access to your data.

2.     Intrusion Prevention and Detection Systems 

Intrusion prevention and detection systems scan the network to look for anything out of place. If a threatening activity is detected, it will alert the stakeholders and block attacks.

3.     Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions operate by constantly monitoring endpoints to find suspicious or malicious behavior in real time.

4.     Network Segmentation 

Once you divide your business’ network into smaller units, you can monitor data traffic between segments and safeguard segments from one another.

5.     The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)

The principle of least privilege (PoLP) is a cybersecurity concept in which a user is only granted the minimum levels of access/permissions essential to perform their task.

6.     Strong Passwords 

Poor password hygiene, including the use of default passwords like “1234” or “admin,” can put your business at risk. To protect your accounts from being hacked, it’s essential to have strong passwords and an added layer of protection by using practices such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).

7.     Patch Management 

Security gaps left unattended due to poor patch management can make your business vulnerable to cyberattacks. As soon as a new patch gets delivered, deploy it right away to prevent exploitation.

If you’re wondering about where and how to begin creating a DiD strategy for your business. Click on the Catalyst IT contact us link or call 877-843-9611 to get your questions answered. Catalyst IT, your Proactive IT Management company.