For many businesses, installing a firewall is considered the ultimate safeguard to protect their network from cyberattacks. After all, firewalls are the first defence line that blocks unwanted traffic and malicious activity, right? While firewalls are essential, relying solely on them is a dangerous mistake.
Why Single-Layer Defences Fail
Cybercriminals today are sophisticated, using multi-pronged attacks that go far beyond simply bypassing a firewall. Attackers know how to exploit weaknesses in your human workforce, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and ineffective email systems—all of which can bypass a single layer of defence.
A 2024 study by Symantec found that over 70% of cyberattacks today target not just IT systems but also human behaviour. This means that a single-layer defence, like a firewall, can’t protect you from threats that bypass the “perimeter” and come in through your people or devices. Even the best firewall will fail to stop an employee from clicking on a phishing email or an attacker from exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities on your devices.
The Power of Layered Security
To truly defend against modern threats, you need layered security—a multifaceted approach where each layer works together to provide a comprehensive defence. Layered security is like locking all your doors, windows, and gates and installing cameras, alarms, and motion sensors—all at once. It might seem like overkill, but when dealing with cyber threats, overkill is precisely what you need.
Here’s a breakdown of the most critical layers of security every business should have in place:
🔹 Network Layer
The network layer is the first line of defence, where your firewalls, DNS filtering, and secure VPNs work to keep unwanted traffic from entering your system.
Firewalls block traffic that doesn’t meet security criteria, but are only effective against known threats.
DNS filtering prevents your users from accessing harmful websites by blocking domains with a reputation for hosting malicious content.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt internet traffic, ensuring secure communications over public networks (such as remote connections).
Stats to Consider: According to Cisco’s 2024 Cybersecurity Report, more than 50% of data breaches begin with an attacker gaining initial access via a compromised device or network, which highlights how important it is to have multiple layers, not just a firewall, in place.
🔹 Device Layer
The device layer secures the endpoints—the laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets your employees use to access sensitive data.
Key defences include:
Antivirus software that scans for malware and automatically blocks or removes it.
Encryption that protects sensitive files, even if the device is stolen.
Patch management that ensures all software and systems are updated regularly to close known vulnerabilities.
Why It Matters: In 2023, a Kaspersky report found that nearly 60% of cyberattacks involved some form of malware infection, most of which targeted unpatched systems. Patch management helps reduce the risk of attacks through vulnerabilities in outdated software.
🔹 Human Layer
Humans remain the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain, so addressing human vulnerabilities is critical to a layered security approach.
Key defences include:
Cybersecurity training to raise awareness about phishing, password management, and best practices.
Phishing simulations to teach employees how to identify malicious emails and avoid falling for scams.
Strict password policies that mandate strong, unique passwords and encourage multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Stat Alert: The Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 82% of breaches involved the human element, showing that no matter how advanced your technology is, if your staff aren’t adequately trained, your business remains vulnerable.
🔹 Backup & Recovery
Even with all the layers of protection in place, no system is 100% safe. Cyberattacks are inevitable, but data loss doesn’t have to be.
Key defences include:
Regular backups ensure you can restore data after an attack.
Automated data recovery to minimise downtime.
Cloud-based storage solutions that offer greater flexibility and access to backup data from anywhere.
Did You Know? A 2023 study by Acronis found that over 60% of businesses that experienced a major cyberattack reported data loss as the most severe consequence. Ensuring you have off-site backups and automated recovery systems significantly reduces recovery time and helps protect your business.
Why This Approach Works
By employing multiple overlapping layers, you significantly reduce the risk of a breach. Even if one layer is breached (e.g., a user falls for a phishing email), other layers, such as endpoint protection or backup systems, will help mitigate the damage and prevent the attack from escalating.
Conclusion: One Lock Is Never Enough
Think of your cybersecurity like your home security system. A door lock is a good start, but it’s insufficient to keep out a determined intruder. You need multiple defences to ensure the safety of your home and data.
At Johnson Technical, we help businesses design layered security systems that make it incredibly difficult for attackers to succeed, ensuring your business is prepared for any threat.
Because one lock is never enough.
Contact us today to discuss how we can build a robust, layered security strategy for your business.
📧 sales@jtechnical.net📞 01277 888 799
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