Let's get real. More than 43% of cyberattacks target small and midsize businesses, yet many rely on single-layer security solutions. But single-point defenses are no longer sufficient against modern cyber threats. Long gone are the days when a single cybersecurity appliance or application could sufficiently protect your business environment. Rather, a multi-layered cybersecurity approach—one that combines tools, strategies, and processes—is essential for SMBs to safeguard their data and operations.
True Security Requires Defense in Depth
Even the smallest of businesses need to practice a "defense in depth" approach to cybersecurity to fully protect their operations, data, and customers from ever-evolving, sophisticated attacks by cybercriminals. This strategy uses multiple security layers to protect IT systems, with highly integrated modern security solutions that greatly reduce gaps and cracks in an organization's security perimeter.
Key components of multilayered cybersecurity include:
- Perimeter defense (firewalls, intrusion detection systems)
- Endpoint protection (antivirus, device management)
- Network security (encryption, secure configurations, secure applications)
- Data security (backups, access controls)
- Human element (employee training, phishing simulations)
Why Layers are Essential for SMBs
Integrating security solutions to eliminate gaps and fend off cyber attacks from multiple sectors isn't easy. However, it is key to consider that for most organizations, a cyberattack isn't a matter of "if it will" but rather "when it will" happen.
With the growing sophistication of cyberattacks, such as quickly evolving ransomware, "smart" AI-powered social engineered attacks, and the always-present insider threats, securing only one "doorway" to your organization's network is woefully insufficient. Over the last few years, many businesses have heard the phrase "threat surface," in the context that more and more elements of your network provide opportunities for cybercriminals to wedge in a foot while you aren't looking. Instead of closing the door to your network at one or two points, most tech environments look more like hotels than houses—doors, windows, balconies, etc.—all targets for sneaky cybercriminals.
With a layered or integrated approach to cybersecurity, overlapping and collaborative tools cover multiple threat surfaces and reduce your organization's overall risk by lessening the chance of gaps and vulnerabilities.
Note: If your organization is governed by regulatory compliance standards such as HIPAA or GDPR, and tightly mapped, holistic approach to cybersecurity is a must when it comes to adhering to those requirements.
Common Mistakes SMBs Make with Cybersecurity Layers
If you are thinking "We already have multiple cybersecurity solutions in place," you must also consider some common mistakes. Many businesses think they have all those IT doors blocked, but still overlook crucial steps.
- Mistake 1: Relying on a single solution like antivirus or a firewall. The layered approach to security requires attention to each place your environment might be breached—and one single solution cannot possibly manage endpoints such as devices as well as network scans for viruses. It simply can't be done with one tool.
- Mistake 2: Neglecting regular updates and assuming security solutions are "set it and forget it" rather than dynamic and adaptive. The evolving nature of attacks is one reason that working with a seasoned cybersecurity expert such as your managed services partner is wise. Lack of regularly scheduled and thorough testing can lead to unnoticed vulnerabilities or components failing to perform as expected.
- Mistake 3: Failing to include robust backup solutions as part of layered security increases vulnerability to ransomware. Back to the idea of "when, not if." When an attack happens, is your organization able to quickly and reliability restore systems and data? Businesses today need to consider business continuity a key element of a robust, layered approach to cybersecurity.
Learn more in our free ebook on business continuity
- Mistake 4: Failing to address insider threats. Focusing only on external threats and ignoring insider risks, such as disgruntled employees, weakens defenses. Employee awareness and training are crucial elements of defense at depth, especially since statistics show that 85% of breaches involve a human insider.
- Mistake 5: Overlooking the importance of real-time monitoring and response. Monitoring and updating are critical in maintaining layered IT security because without active monitoring across all layers SMBs are slow to detect and respond to threats. Statistics show that most organizations don't recognize a breach for weeks, even months, providing cyber criminals plenty of time to siphon off sensitive data.
How Do You Effectively Implement a Layered Cybersecurity Strategy?
A managed service partner is the best starting point when your organization is ready to tackle a cohesive approach to IT security. An expert partner can explain why multi-layered security is important and guide you toward the best managed security solutions for your needs. Beyond that, here are the common steps toward a holistic roadmap toward improved security:
- Conduct a risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities.
- Invest in foundational tools (firewalls, antivirus, and backups).
- Introduce advanced solutions such as endpoint protection, SIEM, and encryption.
- Train your team on cybersecurity best practices.
- If you haven't already, partner with an MSP for expert guidance and monitoring.
Regardless of where your organization is on the spectrum of cybersecurity readiness, it is never a mistake to evaluate and improve its security posture.
