Layered security uses multiple security programs to protect a computer or network, as one program may not stop all attackers. Each level must be a separate branded security program to be effective. It deters attackers and compensates for errors, but a weak password can render all levels useless.
Layered security is a computer security philosophy that emphasizes using more than one security program for a computer or network, because it may be impossible for a single program to stop all attackers. Different programs of the same security mark do not count as separate layers; a new level must be a separate branded security program. In addition to minimizing errors in any security system, layered security also seeks to deter attackers, because many hackers will become frustrated if they have to break into many layers of security. Along with multiple levels, your computer or network should have a strong password, because a weak password can make all levels useless.
When someone uses layered security, they are using two or more security programs at the same time to protect a computer or network. The main reason for using two or more security programs is that one program may not be able to stop all attackers. By using several programs at the same time, each compensates for errors or shortcomings in the other programs while adding a new level of security.
Most security program vendors offer several products, such as a firewall, email spam blocker, and antivirus program, but these don’t count as separate layers. Each level must come from a different brand’s security system if it is to be a viable level. This is because, even though each program within a brand has a separate function, each program in the suite is assumed to have bugs or problems similar to all other programs in the suite.
In addition to minimizing errors in any security system by adding layers, layered security also attempts to deter attackers in frustration. While some attackers like complex challenges, most want to get into a system, cause damage, and get out. With layered security, attackers may have to go through 100 security systems before reaching the actual system. Most attackers give up before breaking the last layer, especially if they don’t know how many layers there are in computer or network security.
While layered security is often effective, it has a potential weakness: a weak password. If the user has a weak password that can be easily cracked, the attacker can bypass all security systems without too much trouble. No matter how many security levels are used, the user should still create a strong password that cannot be easily guessed or guessed.
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