CyberCode Academy

Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 7: Implementing Defense in Depth, Data Integrity, and Zero Trust

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In this lesson, you’ll learn about:
  • Defense in Depth (DiD) and layered security controls
  • Data integrity, backup policies, and encryption best practices
  • Securing voice and email communications
  • Social engineering and vishing defense
  • PKI-based email protection (PGP, S/MIME)
  • Zero Trust Networking (ZTN) architecture and IAM principles
Core Principles of Modern Network Security 1. Defense in Depth (DiD) A security strategy based on creating multiple layers of protection so no single failure leads to compromise.
  • Physical Controls: Locks, cameras, facility access controls
  • Administrative Controls: Policies, procedures, user awareness training
  • Perimeter Controls: Firewalls, filtering devices
  • Internal Network Controls: Segmentation, monitoring, endpoint security
  • Goal: an attacker must successfully bypass multiple layers at the same time, reducing overall risk.
2. Data Integrity, Resilience, and Backup Strategy A. Data Integrity and Availability
  • Data must stay complete, accurate, and accessible.
  • Backup policies must consider the entire data lifecycle.
B. Backup and Retention Best Practices
  • Follow regulatory retention requirements (e.g., financial records retained for 7 years in certain industries).
  • Use reliable storage media and ensure off-site storage for disaster recovery.
  • Employ both:
    • On-site backups for fast recovery
    • Off-site backups for catastrophic events
  • Plan for long-term data growth.
C. Encryption for Data at Rest
  • Confidential data should be encrypted using strong symmetric algorithms such as AES-256.
  • Protects against physical theft, insider threats, and unauthorized access.
3. Securing Voice Communications A. Voice Technologies Covered
  • VoIP (Voice over IP)
  • POTS (Plain Old Telephone System)
  • Mobile communications
B. Key Threats
  • Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks
  • Caller ID spoofing
  • “Phone phreaking” and unauthorized system access
  • Social engineering and vishing attacks
C. Hardening Voice Systems
  • Encrypt voice traffic where possible.
  • Disable unnecessary features on phone systems.
  • Change all default passwords and device settings.
  • Use network segmentation (VLANs/subnets) to isolate voice systems from the main LAN.
  • Users with sensitive communications should use encrypted apps such as Signal.
4. Email Security Essentials A. The Need for Encryption Historically, email was transmitted in clear text—making confidential messages vulnerable to interception. B. Two Primary Encryption Systems Both rely on asymmetric PKI (Public Key Infrastructure):
  1. PGP / GPG / OpenPGP
  2. S/MIME (Secure / Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)
C. Additional Email Protections
  • Opportunistic TLS for encrypting SMTP connections when possible.
  • SPF (Sender Policy Framework) to validate legitimate email senders.
  • Anti-spam and anti-phishing filters (e.g., Bayesian filtering).
  • User training via phishing simulations to strengthen human defense.
5. Zero Trust Networking (ZTN) A. Core Philosophy
  • “Never trust, always verify.”
  • Assume an attacker may already be inside the network.
B. Architectural Components
  • Strict verification of every user and device before access is granted.
  • Network segmentation using VLANs and subnets to reduce lateral movement.
  • Identification of the “protect surface” — the most critical data and systems.
C. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Strong use of AAA principles:
    • Authentication (verify identity)
    • Authorization (grant the minimum required access)
    • Accounting/Auditing (log all actions)
  • Reduces reliance on perimeter-only defenses.


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CyberCode AcademyBy CyberCode Academy