What are the 3 elements of layered security?

1st October 2020 3 minute read

Table of Contents Show

Challenges of Multi-Layer Security
Advantages of Layered Security
How does Multi-Layered Security Work
Improving your Layered Security
Conclusion
What is layered security?
Where reboot to restore technology fits in

Multi Layered security – also known as "multi-level security" or "defence in depth", is a concept of protecting multiple threat vectors through multiple layers of security. Whether this is done at the application layer, network layer, physical layer, or any other layer; all layers possess entry points for malicious activity. Protection and prevention across all the layers decrease the risk of a cyber-attack, or malicious activity. The standard network communication structure via the OSI layers is still present and all layers in the OSI 7 layer model possess possible security breaches.

See table below for layers of security and threat vectors.

Challenges of Multi-Layer Security

It’s a challenge for organisations to maintain multi-layered security defences for many reasons. What confuses this challenge is that the techniques and attack vectors that cybercriminals depend on are continually advancing. Many breaches occur through human error or businesses not investing in up to date or complete security solutions protecting the business. This means the threats such as ransomware and phishing impacting the business is very high.

The biggest challenge with a multi-layered security strategy is to deploy the right solutions at the right levels, using the most effective products, whilst keeping the economic expense and ongoing monitoring and maintenance to a cost effective and achievable level. Not only does technology play a role in preventing breaches, but the human factor is a considerable one. Phishing and identity theft breaches cost individuals and organisations immensely financially as well as their reputation.

Advantages of Layered Security

There is a distinct advantage of implementing your security posture across multiple layers. There is a need for security to extend to both the network and the software layer whether it’s bought off the shelf or developed in house. With each layer of security that is implemented, there is less and less access making it more difficult to infiltrate the system. Each layer running individually is not enough to cover most threat vectors. A combined set of layered security defences strengthens the defence and enforces a resilient defence system.

How does Multi-Layered Security Work

The multiple layers of security ensure that the defence component protects the data at that layer of any failure or loophole in the system. In a multi-layered security strategy, every layer focuses on key areas of security to prevent breaches. Each individual layer in the multi-layered security strategy focus on areas that are vulnerable to cyberattacks at that level.

The common types of solutions across security layers include:

Application Protection
Endpoint Protection
Identity Management
Patch Management
Perimeter Security (Firewalls)
Email and Web Filtering
Data/Disk Encryption
MFA
Encrypted VPN
DLP

Improving your Layered Security

There is no single silver bullet to provide complete protection across all layers. A combination of various solutions at various layers is required to minimise the risk. Each individual organisation will have a different requirement to the next organisation. Protecting the layers comes down to implementing not only defences at the various layers with technology, but the human factor also needs to be taken into consideration. Education and influences around procedures and best practices is recommended in any organisation.

System Level Security
- Ensuring endpoints are properly configured to avoid many common security vulnerabilities and reduce the likelihood of a system-wide attack. Restrict Administrative Privileges, Strong Passwords, Data Encryption, patched systems, up to date firmware, etc
Network Level Security
- Protecting internal network resources relies on several different methods, especially if employees are connecting remotely. Effective network-level security incorporates firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems, as well as packet inspection, web content filtering and HTTPS Inspection. Encrypted Remote Access through secure IPSEC or SSL VPN’s with MFA and/or digital certificates is also recommended for an enhanced Remote Access Security solution.
Application Level Security
- Protecting critical software and applications from malicious attacks is an essential part of a layered security strategy. Poor application layer security can lead to performance and data theft. DDoS and other flooding techniques can cause considerable disruption from buffer overflows leaving systems exposed or unusable.
Device Level Security
- Comprehensive Endpoint security solutions. Endpoint hardening is one of the most effective means of protecting a network from known software vulnerabilities and malware attacks. Up to date Endpoint Security solution with restrictions to detachable storage and unnecessary protocols, applications and ports.

Human Factor
- Education and Best Practice with Security Awareness sessions with your staff is a great starting point. A solid Security Awareness policy and education session can help the staff understand the implications of a data breach or a cyber threat. Phishing attacks, and Data Leakage can be avoided.
Design Business Policies around procedures, limitations, Organisation goals and most of all a clear set of controls designed to prevent and protect.

Conclusion

Any organisation is susceptible to cyber-attack, regardless of its size, location, operational model and sector. There is no escaping the fact that cyber security threats will remain part of modern business, and the risks associated with this need to be managed moving into the future.A multi-layered security approach should be made an important element of the overall IT security strategy in every organisation.

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The Dicker Data Security Software team can help you identify correct solutions according to your requirements. With access to our list of industry leading security vendors, we can customise tailored solutions. Find out more here.

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With over 30 years of experience building solutions and owning his own successful MSP Business, Chris demonstrates his passion as a Pre Sales Specialist in the Software Team across multiple ...

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As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, IT managers have had to develop new methods for securing their data and networks. In the past, many companies relied on centralized security controls that were designed to protect against all known threats, yet these bulky systems often contained significant vulnerabilities that were easy to exploit. This is especially true for large corporations that operate complex networks and utilize a wide variety of different interconnected devices.

With the rise of BYOD culture, many organizations have started pivoting to a layered security strategy that incorporates several disparate measures into a multi-tiered cyber defense system. Not only does this allow for increased network flexibility, it also provides a much-needed safety net when viruses, hackers and unauthorized users try to gain access to critical business data.

What is layered security?

As pointed out by Industrial IP Advantage — a cybersecurity-focused partnership between Cisco, Panduit and Rockwell Automation — a layered approach to network security is founded on the principle that any one point of protection will likely be comprised sooner or later. To combat this risk, IT professionals have begun advocating for the implementation of security controls for several different areas of an organization’s core systems, including the physical, network, computer, application and device layers.

By building security protocols into every facet of a network’s infrastructure, IT managers can make it much harder for would-be attackers to bypass the entire system. Additionally, vulnerabilities in one layer can be reinforced by the strength of other security measures, creating a more robust system overall. If you’re looking to secure your business data and operations, consider these four essential components of an effective layered security strategy:

System-level security: Ensuring that your employees’ workstations are properly configured is the best way to avoid many common security vulnerabilities and reduce the likelihood of a system-wide attack. According to IBM, system-level security controls include “the ability to assign administrative roles, assign application user privileges and specify credentials that enable the system components to access data sources.” Deploying a comprehensive asset management platform allows IT managers to stay on top of their system’s architecture, governing policies and processes to safeguard all network computers from exploitation.
Network-level security: Protecting internal network resources from unauthorized access and intrusion relies on a number of different encryption methods, especially if your employees are frequently connecting to your servers remotely. It’s important to build a strong security framework for all business communications sent over IP networks, as some of the transmitted data may contain sensitive customer information that cybercriminals are looking to steal. Effective network-level security incorporates firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems, and establishes access protocols for shaping and managing network traffic.
Application-level security: Insulating critical software and applications is an essential part of a layered security strategy, as it locks down access to important process functions by forcing users to log in with a username and password assigned by an authorized IT professional. Many modern web-enabled applications are synced with a business’s internal database for the sake of convenience and efficiency, yet this practice can create a number of issues with security and network functionality should something go wrong. By tracking and managing software usage through a detailed reporting platform, businesses can roll out important updates, pre-schedule maintenance windows and create software installation packages without fear of a large-scale security breach.
Device-level security: Deploying comprehensive endpoint security solutions can be time consuming, as every computer, smartphone and router has different default settings. Despite the time sink it entails, computer hardening is one of the most effective means of protecting a network from known software vulnerabilities and malware attacks. Be sure to equip every workstation with up-to-date antivirus software, application whitelisting and a host intrusion detection system, which can protect users from many common computer risks. It’s also important to close all unnecessary ports and remove any unused applications, protocols and services, as they represent clear entry points that cybercriminals can exploit.

Where reboot to restore technology fits in

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for building an effective layered security strategy, there are a variety of tools that can help IT managers streamline the process. Faronics’ Deep Freeze software provides secure and efficient solutions that can fit into several layers of your system and network security plan, including:

IT asset administration
Software deployment and maintenance
Patch management
Endpoint customization
Cloud storage integration
Threat intelligence and prevention

Reboot to restore technology enables end users to address a wide array of computer vulnerabilities and turns each workstation into a self-healing endpoint. Deep Freeze allows IT managers to roll out system-wide security patches and software updates to all workstations remotely, which can be fully applied with a simple restart. This can shore up your network’s defenses as soon as a weakness is found, bolstering business continuity and supporting quick disaster recovery following a cyber attack. If you’re looking to implement a layered security strategy, Deep Freeze can help you fill in the gaps.

To learn more about how Faronics’ solutions have ensured high system availability for over 30,000 organizations worldwide, contact us today.