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Why Defense in Depth Matters in Modern Cybersecurity

  • Writer: Mirai Systems
    Mirai Systems
  • Sep 23, 2025
  • 2 min read
Defense in Depth (DiD) is more than just layers of security — it is about protecting human identity, machine identity, and assets at every step. From microsegmentation to device cloaking, the future of cybersecurity is layered resilience that keeps attackers from moving freely inside the network
Defense in Depth (DiD) is about protecting human identity, machine identity, and assets at every step.

A new proof-of-concept attack called Freeze and its variant EDR Freeze has shown that even the strongest cybersecurity tools can be silenced. These techniques use built-in Windows functions to suspend endpoint security software without raising alarms. For businesses, that means attackers can slip inside the network while the guards are asleep.


This is not a failure of EDR, XDR, or other frontline tools. It is a reminder that no single technology can stop every threat. The future of cybersecurity is Defense in Depth: layering protections across people, identities, devices, and networks so there is no single point of failure.


Why This Matters to Business Leaders in Cybersecurity: Human Identity, Machine Identity, and Data Protection


  • Attackers are adapting faster than tools. They are using legitimate Windows services to freeze protections. That makes attacks harder to spot and easier to scale.

  • Perimeter security is not enough. Firewalls, EDR, and XDR are vital, but attackers will find ways around them.

  • Business risk is rising. A single suspended security agent can open the door to data theft, ransomware, and financial loss.



The Layers That Will Keep Businesses Safe Moving Forward: Human Identity, Machine Identity, and Network Security


Defense in Depth, zero trust, and microsegmentation keep attackers out of the unguarded space.
Securing both human identity and machine identity is the future of cybersecurity.

Human and Machine Identity Security

Every employee, application, and device must prove who they are. Multi-factor authentication, certificate-based trust, and rotating credentials reduce risk. Strong identity security closes the door on credential theft, insider misuse, and unauthorized machine access.


Hardware and Asset Protection

Know what devices are on your network and keep them secure. Hardware root of trust, secure boot, firmware integrity, and inventory tracking stop attackers from hijacking endpoints. Asset visibility and protection prevent blind spots that intruders exploit once inside.


Microsegmentation and Cloaking

Break networks into smaller, hidden zones. Even if attackers compromise one system, they cannot move freely or discover critical assets. Microsegmentation and cloaking reduce the attack surface and block lateral movement, creating roadblocks inside the network.


Continuous Monitoring and Response

Watch for anomalies such as suspended processes, frozen security agents, or unusual use of Windows services. Continuous detection and response with clear incident playbooks ensures that when frontline tools go quiet, the business does not.



The Big Takeaway


EDR and XDR remain powerful cybersecurity tools, but attackers have proven they can be paused. Businesses that rely only on perimeter defenses are exposed to data breaches, ransomware, and downtime. The future of security belongs to organizations that invest in Defense in Depth, where identity, hardware, segmentation, and monitoring combine into layered resilience.


The goal is simple: even if attackers freeze one layer, the next one stands ready.

 
 
 

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