The secret eighth layer of security: tools often overlooked
Blog|by Leanne Bevan|28 November 2025
When we talk about cyber security, the conversation usually revolves around the seven layers of security – network, application, endpoint, and so on. They’re essential. But the real differentiator for modern businesses like yours isn’t just those seven layers. It’s the additional eighth layer of security – a proactive, intelligent approach that combines advanced tools and continuous validation.
This hidden layer isn’t a single product. It’s a mindset backed by technology. It’s about anticipating threats before they strike and ensuring compliance isn’t just a checkbox but a living, breathing part of your security posture.
What’s included in the eighth layer of security?
The eighth layer is a fusion of four critical components we think that you shouldn’t overlook:
1. Protect your email systems with email security tools
Email remains the number one attack vector. Over 80% of cyber attacks and data breaches start with phishing attempts. That’s why email security isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Tools like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 or Mimecast provide advanced threat protection, stopping phishing and malware before they hit your inboxes. This reduces the risk of your employees accidentally clicking on malicious emails and causing a data breach.
2. Test how effective your defence is with penetration testing
Think your defences are solid? Prove it. Penetration testing by ethical hackers simulates real-world attacks to uncover vulnerabilities automated scans can’t. Only 5.3% of cyberattacks against financial institutions are successful, but that is because the financial sector are early adopters of penetration testing and cyber security.
Secure Impact’s ethical hackers mimic adversaries to expose weaknesses before criminals do. This includes intelligent and targeted phishing simulations, physical attack simulations, and OSINT assessments. Their team consists of certified professionals (e.g., OSCP, CREST, CISSP) who understand advanced attack techniques and real-world threat scenarios. This is great for those of you looking for in-depth testing and actionable advice on remediation to find your gaps before the cybercriminals do.
3. Automated testing and scanning for 24/7 peace of mind
Continuous scanning for web app and infrastructure vulnerabilities ensures you’re never caught off guard, and nothing slips through the gaps. It’s always-on running in the background, giving you piece of mind and helps ensure compliance. Speedy and cost-effective.
AppCheck automates what manual testing can’t scale. Their approach focuses on dynamic, first-principles testing that mimics real-world penetration techniques, combined with intelligent crawling, OSINT, and layered scanning to uncover vulnerabilities across web apps, infrastructure, and cloud environments – providing you with detailed reports and remediation guidance without relying on static signatures.
4. Stay compliant with regulations by using auditing tools
Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about proving resilience. But it can take a lot of time and resource to get everything you need in place.
CyberSmart helps SMEs stay aligned with standards like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 effortlessly. Their automated platform simplifies and accelerates the certification process, reduces manual effort and ensures ongoing compliance. Leaving you to focus your time on other key priorities.
Why does having the eighth layer of security matter?
Cybercriminals evolve daily. Relying on traditional layers alone is good. But you need to go that one step further. The eighth layer ensures continuous assurance, combining prevention, detection, and compliance into a unified strategy.
Ready to add the eighth layer?
Implement these solutions seamlessly – get in touch. From licensing to expert advice, we’ve got you covered. Fill in the contact form now to book an appointment with our cyber security team. They know their stuff.
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