What does 'defense in depth' refer to in cybersecurity?

The concept of 'defense in depth' in cybersecurity refers to the strategy of using a multi-layered approach for security measures. This approach ensures that if one layer of defense is breached, additional layers are in place to prevent or mitigate unauthorized access or attacks.

In practice, this means deploying various security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, encryption, and user education. Each of these layers functions independently, which enhances the overall security posture of the organization. By not relying solely on a single security measure, organizations can better protect their assets against a wide range of potential threats, as attackers often attempt to find weaknesses in specific defenses.

This multi-layered strategy is essential because threats can evolve and adapt, making it necessary for security measures to be diverse and comprehensive. Organizations can thus create multiple points of failure for attackers, increasing the chances of detection and response to potential security incidents.