ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Defense in depth (computing)

In computing, defense in depth means protecting your computer, network, or data by using multiple layers of protection. It's like having lots of doors and locks to keep the bad guys out.

First, you might have a strong password to protect your accounts. Then, you might use antivirus software to protect your computer from viruses and malware. You might also have a firewall to block unauthorized access to your network.

But that's not enough. You should also make sure your software is always up to date, because hackers can find and exploit vulnerabilities in older versions. You might also use encryption to protect your data from being stolen or intercepted.

Finally, you should train yourself and your employees to be careful about what they click and download. Many attacks come from social engineering, where hackers trick people into revealing their passwords or installing malware.

Defense in depth means having multiple layers of protection, so that if one layer fails, another one can still prevent an attack. It's like being a ninja with lots of armor and weapons – the more defenses you have, the harder it is for the bad guys to get through.
Related topics others have asked about: