Our world is more digital and interconnected than ever. While technology has allowed businesses to reach customers internationally, that access can be a two-way street. With 2,365 data breaches affecting 343,338,964 victims in 2023, a single security measure is no longer enough. Your business needs to be able to defend against a range of threats if you want to protect your company, its data and your customers.
Enter multi-layered cybersecurity. With multiple layers of protection, your business can better defend against attacks. Let's dive into how multi-layered data security and protection can guard your business.
What Is a Multi-Layered Security Approach?
A multi-layered security approach means using several security measures to protect your data and systems. Multi-layered approaches combine different tools and approaches to build a better defense against cyberthreats. While single-layered approaches might be cheaper, they cannot address all your security vulnerabilities. Combining defenses means that several more are standing strong when one fails. Key components of the multi-layered approach include:
- Firewalls
- Encryption
- Security audits
- Intrusion detection systems
- Antivirus software
Using a multi-layered security with cybersecurity best practices like training, regular backups and updated software makes your systems harder to breach. You must stay vigilant against cyberthreats to ensure your system is protected.
Core Elements of Multi-Layered Cybersecurity
Data breaches cost companies $4.45 million on average in 2023. Multi-layered cybersecurity can give your business the defense it needs to deter these cyberthreats. With multiple defense layers, your organization becomes a harder target. Use this strategy to ensure you've got a comprehensive defense that withstands a range of attacks. Here are the core elements of a multi-layered cybersecurity approach:
1. Threat Detection and Risk Management
Threat detection and risk management are your first line of defense. Threat detection is a continuous monitoring of potential cyberthreats. Advanced software scans for unusual patterns, security openings and threats, identifying these dangers so the rest of your cyberdefense can take action. Threat detection provides valuable identification information — you need to know what you're up against to take the right protective measures.
Risk management assesses potential risks and addresses them before they become security problems. Risk assessment uses threat detection information to evaluate its potential impact. Once this is done, your cybersecurity team can then implement mitigating measures. With threat detection and risk assessment, you can stop attacks before they get to your virtual door.
2. Endpoint and Network Security
Endpoint and network security are the next layer. Endpoints are devices connected to your network, like computers, phones and tablets. These endpoints are common targets for cybercriminals — when left unprotected, they give threat actors access to your network. Anti-malware tools, antivirus software and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions are great tools for protecting devices. They stop threats from getting into your endpoint devices and your network.
Network security measures protect data traveling across your business network. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor all the network traffic. When they notice unusual or unauthorized traffic, they shut it down. With your network and endpoint devices secured against threats, you build multiple defenses against unwanted entries.
3. Data Encryption and Access Control
Data encryption and access control work together to protect your sensitive information. Both of these measures protect data but with different methods. Data encryption involves converting data into a unique code that needs a decryption key to read. If threat actors get your data, they can't read it — it's encrypted and untranslatable. You should encrypt stored data and data in transit to ensure your information is always secure.
While encryption makes any accessed data unreadable, access control means only authorized personnel can access certain information. Passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls (RBAC) are all access control measures that protect your information. Use them to keep unauthorized users out and minimize data breaches.
4. User Training
Security training is a great way to manage the human factor in your security. Employees are your first line of defense against cyberthreats like phishing, malware and social engineering attacks. Making sure they know what to look out for can reduce your security risks. Security training teaches employees how to recognize suspicious emails and links so they can avoid falling for traps. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of reporting so everyone knows to come forward about potential threats.
Phishing simulations are a great training exercise for your team. These exercises look like phishing attacks, letting your team identify and report in a controlled environment. Use phishing simulations to let your team put their training to the test — you'll give them the ability to recognize scams without risking company data.
Specialized Security Measures
The multi-layered approach is a great defense against cyberattacks. You can further reinforce your defenses with specialized security measures. Combining cybersecurity principles and best practices with specialized measures creates a custom defense built to your needs. These measures address specific security concerns, making your cybersecurity even stronger.
1. Vulnerability Management and Security Audits
Vulnerability management is a target security approach. Use security audits to assess potential gaps in your security measures. If you leave openings, cybercriminals will exploit them. Security audits are an excellent tool for managing your vulnerabilities. Audits review your security policies, procedures and measures to ensure they're secure. Auditing ensures your security measures are always up to date and effective. If audits find weaknesses, you can quickly address them. Use security testing to keep your security on the cutting edge of cyberdefense.
2. Cloud and Network Security
Cloud and network security are critical. In 2023, 82% of data breaches involved information stored in the cloud. If you want to protect your cloud-stored data, you need to invest in cloud security. Measures like encryption, strong access controls and monitoring tools can secure your cloud from attacks. Look for cloud providers that offer built-in security and put additional measures in place for a secure defense. If threat actors can get into your network, they can access your cloud. Work with an experienced team to tailor your cybersecurity to your unique needs.
Elevate Your Cybersecurity With Phin Security
Leave single cybersecurity measures in the past. Phin Security offers the tools and expertise you need to take your multi-level cybersecurity strategy to the next level. Our security solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of managed service providers (MSPs), providing essential training, phishing simulations and detailed reporting.
Our security awareness training will teach your employees to recognize and respond to cyberthreats effectively. Our easy-to-use campaign builder and automated phishing simulations ensure your team is ready for cyberscams. With real-time analytics, you get valuable insights into your security performance, letting you address gaps quickly. Contact Phin Security for your free trial today!
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