defense in depth
Multiple security layers
Defense in depth is a security strategy using multiple layers of protection so that if one fails, others remain.
The term originated in military tactics—positioning successive defensive lines to slow an advancing enemy.
In cybersecurity, it means combining firewalls, encryption, access controls, and monitoring rather than relying on a single safeguard: Our defense in depth includes both perimeter security and endpoint protection.
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- access controlRestricting resource availability selectively
- intrusion detectionSpotting unauthorized access attempts
multi-factor authentication · security policies · honeypots · sandboxing · VPN · DMZ · security training · audit trail
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- trenchLong narrow excavation
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- artilleryLarge-caliber battlefield weapons
- infantryGround combat troops
armor · barricade · camouflage · reconnaissance · siege · tactics · kill zones · minefields
Needless duplication
- failoverAutomatic backup system activation
- backup systemsRedundant mechanisms for continuity
- fault toleranceSystem continues despite failures
- disaster recoveryRestoring systems after catastrophe
load balancing · graceful degradation · survivability · replication · business continuity · recovery time
firewall
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- access controlRestricting resource availability selectively
intrusion detection · multi-factor authentication · security policies · honeypots · sandboxing · VPN · DMZ · security training · audit trail · tokenization
fortification
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- trenchLong narrow excavation
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- artilleryLarge-caliber battlefield weapons
infantry · armor · barricade · camouflage · reconnaissance · siege · tactics · kill zones · minefields · obstacles
redundancy
Needless duplication
- failoverAutomatic backup system activation
- backup systemsRedundant mechanisms for continuity
- fault toleranceSystem continues despite failures
disaster recovery · load balancing · graceful degradation · survivability · replication · business continuity · recovery time
- defensedefending, protecting, protection, security, safety
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- cybersecurityantivirus, malware, firewall, firewalls, encryption
- military tacticstactics, flanking, maneuver, ambush, battle formations
- military doctrineattrition warfare, combined arms, deterrence, total war, conventional warfare
- reactor safetycontrol rods, scram, safety valves, pressure vessel, passive cooling
defense, defence, defend, defender, defenders, defenses, defences, defensive, defensively