What are the primary elements of layered security?

Layered security, often referred to as defense in depth, involves implementing multiple layers of security controls to protect an organization from threats. The primary elements of this approach are prevention, detection, and mitigation.

Prevention encompasses the measures taken to deter potential threats before they can cause harm, such as firewalls, access controls, and encryption. Detection involves identifying and alerting on potential security incidents or breaches in progress using tools like intrusion detection systems and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce the severity or impact of a security incident once it has been detected, allowing organizations to respond effectively to minimize damage.

These three elements work together to create a comprehensive security posture that not only aims to stop threats before they can penetrate defenses but also ensures that when incidents occur, they can be swiftly managed and their impact lessened. This holistic approach is essential for maintaining robust security in an increasingly complex threat landscape.