What does the concept of defense in depth refer to in security operations?

The concept of defense in depth refers to a layered security approach that uses multiple defenses to protect assets. This strategy recognizes that no single security measure is sufficient to defend against all potential threats. By implementing multiple layers of security controls, organizations can create redundancies and enhance their overall security posture.

For example, in a defense in depth strategy, an organization might use firewalls to protect the network perimeter, intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity, encryption to safeguard data at rest and in transit, and robust access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information. Each layer provides a different type of protection, making it more difficult for an attacker to succeed.

This approach also allows for a more comprehensive response to threats. If one layer of defense fails, others can still mitigate the risk, thus providing an additional level of assurance that information and assets remain secure. This makes defense in depth a best practice in security operations.