What is vertical defense in depth?

Vertical defense in depth refers to a cybersecurity strategy that involves implementing multiple layers of security controls across different system layers. This approach ensures that if one layer is compromised, additional layers still provide protection, creating a more robust security posture.

This strategy recognizes that various layers—such as the physical layer, network layer, application layer, and data layer—each have their own vulnerabilities and potential threats. By deploying controls at each of these levels, organizations can better safeguard their assets against a wide range of attacks. For instance, firewalls may protect the network layer, while antivirus solutions can secure endpoint devices, and encryption may safeguard data at rest or in transit.

The concept emphasizes the importance of not solely relying on a single defense measure, as cyber threats continue to evolve and bypass traditional security mechanisms. By layering defenses, organizations can create redundant security measures that enhance their overall security framework, thereby increasing the likelihood of detecting and mitigating threats before they cause significant harm.

In contrast, other options either misinterpret the concept or relate to different cybersecurity strategies.