How to Add an Extra Layer of Network Security
Hello! You know when you leave your front door at home? You lock it, but maybe doing so is not enough. Maybe next, you add a gate, you add a CCTV camera, you add a dog—whatever it takes to feel more secure.
The same is true with your network security.
The hackers are undoubtedly getting smarter nowadays. One security tool is not enough anymore. Even if you have a great security tool, there’s always the potential for little holes for them to get through.
So it’s important to add layers of protection, as you and your team can always be one step ahead of the attackers. The more layers of protection there are, the more difficult it is for an attacker to penetrate, so your team has more time to react to the attack.
This guide will walk you through why it’s worth it, which layers to protect with, and how to select the right one to protect your business.
Why Adding an Additional Layer of Security Is Worth the Effort
Let me discuss a concept, sometimes referred to as the “Swiss cheese model.” I’m sure you are just going to envision some cheese that has holes, and since one slice can’t cover all of the holes, you will think there is a chance to get through it. But, if you take a slice of cheese, and put another slice of cheese on top of that, and then add another on top, then slice by slice you stack cheese on top of cheese. Eventually you will be at a progression seeing that you are out of holes on the cheese you are on top of.
This is what is meant by layers, and the best way of going about eliminating risk. No individual security measure eliminates risk, but together they are better. If there was a hole in the first layer of your security, the second layer of security could find you. The more layers, while reduce the chance of the attack happening and reduce the chance that you get hurt by an attack.
Additionally, the increased layers may help you comply with policies and laws regarding the custody of your customers data, which is not only good practice – it may also be a requirement.
Review the Core Security Layers You Should Have Before Adding More
Before buying fancy tools, check if your basic protections are strong. Here’s what you should already have:
- Physical security – Lock your server room and limit who can touch the computers.
- Firewalls – These control what comes in and goes out of your network.
- Endpoint protection – Use antivirus and keep devices updated.
- Data backups – Make sure your files are saved somewhere safe and tested often.
- User training – Teach your team how to spot fake emails or phishing.
- 24/7 monitoring – Watch for weird stuff happening on your network.
If you’re missing any of these, fix those first. A strong foundation makes extra tools work even better.
How to Choose the Right Additional Layer of Security for Your Business
Not every business needs the same thing. To choose the right extra security, ask yourself these three questions:
- What threats worry you most?
Maybe it’s phishing emails, ransomware, or employees clicking bad links. Start with the problem that keeps you up at night. - Which tool gives you the biggest protection fast?
Pick something that blocks or reduces damage quickly—something with high security value. - Can you set it up in 90 days?
Don’t choose something that’ll take forever. Go for a tool your current team (or a partner) can set up soon.
This way, you’re not just adding random tools—you’re choosing what actually works.
High-Value Security Option #1: Add Multi-Factor Authentication as an Extra Layer
You probably use passwords for everything, right? But guess what? Hackers are really good at stealing passwords now.
That’s where MFA helps. It means you need two steps to log in—like a password and a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for someone to break in, even if they know your password.
Start by protecting the most important things first:
- Your email system
- VPN connections
- Admin accounts
To set this up, use tools like Microsoft Authenticator, Duo, or Google Authenticator. And make it a rule across your whole company.
A good goal is to get 90% of your team using MFA within 30 days. That way, your whole business becomes way harder to hack.
High-Value Security Option #2: Use 24/7 Threat Monitoring as an Additional Defense Layer
Even if you have good protection, sometimes bad guys still get in. That’s why 24/7 threat monitoring is super important. It watches your systems all the time and catches problems before they turn into big disasters.
You can do this in two ways:
- Option 1: SIEM + Your Own Security Team
You collect all the system data and your team checks it for signs of trouble. - Option 2: Outsourced MDR (Managed Detection & Response)
A team from another company watches your network for you, 24/7, and jumps in fast when something looks wrong.
Good monitoring means they don’t just watch—they act. They sort alerts, look at real threats, and respond quickly.
What to aim for:
Try to catch threats in under 5 minutes and stop them in less than an hour. The faster you catch it, the less it can damage.
How to Prove the ROI of Your Additional Security Layer
Sometimes people say, “Is this security thing even worth the money?” So it helps to prove it’s working by checking some numbers before and after you add the new layer.
Here are three smart ways to track improvement:
- Fewer clicks on phishing emails
If people stop clicking on fake links, that means training or tools like MFA are working. - Blocked login attempts
You’ll see when someone tries to break in but fails because of your extra protection. - Faster response to attacks
If your team now spots and stops threats quicker than before, that’s a huge win.
These numbers help you show your boss—or anyone—that the extra layer is really helping and is worth the cost.
Take the Next Step to Strengthen Your Security Stack
Ready to close the gaps in your cybersecurity defenses? Book a free Layer-Gap Review with our experts. We’ll analyze your current stack, identify missing layers, and deliver a prioritized roadmap—along with cost estimates and a 90-day action plan. There’s no obligation, just clear next steps to boost your protection. Let’s make your network safer—starting today.