Defense in Depth: Modern Cybersecurity Strategies and Evolving Threats

by Hewa Majeed Zangana (Editor)

Overview

Up-to-date reference on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, focusing on strategies that integrate AI, blockchain, and human factors

Defense in Depth delivers a comprehensive guide to the rapidly developing field of digital threats and defenses. This book examines how defense-in-depth approaches integrate multiple layers of security to protect against a wide range of threats; how AI technologies are being utilized for threat detection, response, and prediction; and how blockchain technology can be leveraged to enhance security measures, particularly in ensuring data integrity and securing transactions. Case studies of significant cyberattacks are included throughout the text to elucidate key concepts.

The book discusses additional topics such as:

• The critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s interconnected world and the historical evolution of cyber threats, highlighting modern attack vectors
• Core principles of defense, detailing layered security measures across networks, applications, data, and endpoints
• Human factors, often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with strategies for mitigating risks
• Machine learning and neural networks and their usage in AI-driven security solutions across finance, healthcare, and government
• Advanced defense techniques, practical applications, and future directions in cybersecurity

Defense in Depth is an essential reference on the state of the art in the field for cybersecurity professionals, IT practitioners, and researchers. It is also an excellent learning aid for advanced students in cybersecurity, particularly those in graduate programs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394340729
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/27/2025
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 1.50(h) x 9.50(d)

About the Author

Hewa Majeed Zangana is an Assistant Professor at Duhok Polytechnic University (DPU) in Iraq. He has held numerous academic and administrative positions, including Assistant Professor at Ararat Private Technical Institute, Lecturer at DPU’s Amedi Technical Institute and Nawroz University, and Acting Dean of the College of Computer and IT at Nawroz University. His administrative roles have included Director of the Curriculum Division at the Presidency of DPU, Manager of the Information Unit at DPU’s Research Center, and Head of the Computer Science Department at Nawroz University.

Dr. Zangana has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Inform: Jurnal Ilmiah Bidang Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi, Indonesian Journal of Education and Social Science, TIJAB, INJIISCOM, IEEE, EAI, and AJNU. In addition to his journal contributions, he has published many academic books with IGI Global, several of which are indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (Clarivate).

Beyond publishing, Dr. Zangana actively contributes to the academic community through editorial service. He serves as a reviewer for many reputable journals. He is also a member of several academic and scientific committees, including the Scientific Curriculum Development Committee, the Student Follow-up Program Committee, and the Committee for Drafting the Rules of Procedure for Consultative Offices.

Table of Contents

Editor Biography xxi

List of Contributors xxiii

Preface xxv

1 Introduction to Modern Cybersecurity 1
Hewa Majeed Zangana

1.1 Overview of Cybersecurity Evolution 1

1.2 Current Cyber Threat Landscape 2

1.3 Core Principles of Cybersecurity 4

1.4 DiD as a Cybersecurity Strategy 7

1.5 Cybersecurity Frameworks and Standards 10

1.6 Emerging Technologies and Their Security Implications 13

1.7 Cybersecurity Skills and Workforce Development 15

1.8 Conclusion and Road Ahead 18

References 20

2 Evolving Cyber Threats: Understanding the New Battlefield 23
Marwan Omar

2.1 Introduction 23

2.2 Historical Context of Cyber Threats 26

2.3 Types of Modern Cyber Threats 28

2.4 Motivations Behind Modern Cyber Threats 32

2.5 Case Studies of Recent High-Impact Attacks 35

2.6 Emerging Technologies and their Role in Cyber Threat Evolution 38

2.7 Defensive Strategies Against Evolving Cyber Threats 40

2.8 Role of Government and International Collaboration 44

2.9 Future Trends and Threat Landscape 46

2.10 Conclusion 48

References 49

3 Defense in Depth: A Multilayered Approach 51
Jamal N. Al-Karaki

3.1 Introduction 51

3.2 The Layers of Defense in Depth 53

3.3 Implementing Defense in Depth Across Different Environments 57

3.4 Integrating Cyber Threat Intelligence 60

3.5 Adapting to Emerging Threats with Defense in Depth 61

3.6 Monitoring and Incident Response in a Multilayered Architecture 63

3.7 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Defense in Depth 65

3.8 Challenges and Future Directions 68

3.9 Conclusion 70

References 70

4 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity 73
Derek Mohammed

4.1 Introduction 73

4.2 Key Applications of AI in Cyber Defense 75

4.3 Artificial-Intelligence-Powered Tools and Technologies in Cybersecurity 79

4.4 Enhancing Defense in Depth with Artificial Intelligence 81

4.5 Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Cyber Threat Intelligence 83

4.6 Artificial-Intelligence-Driven Security Operations Center (SOC) 85

4.7 Challenges in Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity 87

4.8 Case Studies: Real-World Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Defense 89

4.9 Future of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity 92

4.10 Conclusion 95

References 95

5 Blockchain Technology: Enhancing Security in a Decentralized World 99
Marwan Omar

5.1 Introduction 99

5.2 Blockchain Architecture and Security Fundamentals 102

5.3 Blockchain in Decentralized Security Models 105

5.4 Applications of Blockchain in Cybersecurity 108

5.5 Blockchain-Based Solutions to Emerging Cyber Threats 110

5.6 Challenges and Limitations of Blockchain in Cybersecurity 113

5.7 Case Studies of Blockchain Implementation in Cybersecurity 115

5.8 Ethical and Privacy Considerations in Blockchain-Based Security 117

5.9 Future Trends and Innovations in Blockchain for Cybersecurity 119

5.10 Conclusion 122

References 123

6 Human Factors in Cybersecurity: The Weakest Link 127
Hewa Majeed Zangana

6.1 Introduction 127

6.2 Understanding Human Factors in Cybersecurity 128

6.3 The Role of Human Error in Cybersecurity Breaches 131

6.4 Social Engineering and Insider Threats 134

6.5 User Awareness and Training 137

6.6 Human-Centric Security Design 139

6.7 The Role of Leadership and Organizational Culture 141

6.8 The Impact of Organizational Policies on Human Behavior in Cybersecurity 143

6.9 Technological Solutions to Mitigate Human Weaknesses 145

6.10 Challenges and Future Directions 148

6.11 Conclusion 150

References 150

7 Advanced Defense Techniques: Beyond Traditional Security Measures 153
Rebet Keith Jones

7.1 Introduction 153

7.2 Behavioral Analytics and Anomaly Detection 158

7.3 Zero Trust Architecture 160

7.4 Deception Technology and Honeypots 161

7.5 Threat Intelligence and Proactive Security Measures 162

7.6 Endpoint Detection and Response and Extended Detection and Response 164

7.7 Cloud Security Posture Management and Cloud Workload Protection 166

7.8 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cyber Defense 167

7.9 Secure Access Service Edge and Network Security Innovations 169

7.10 Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response 171

7.11 Post-breach Detection and Response Techniques 173

7.12 Emerging Defense Techniques and Future Directions 174

7.13 Conclusion 176

References 177

8 Practical Applications and Case Studies 179
Marwan Omar

8.1 Introduction 179

8.2 Case Study: Implementing Zero Trust Architecture in Enterprise Networks 182

8.3 Case Study: Cloud Security and Posture Management for Hybrid Environments 185

8.4 Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cyber Threat Detection 188

8.5 Case Study: Deception Technology and Honeypots in Financial Sector Security 189

8.6 Real-World Implementation of Threat Intelligence Platforms 191

8.7 Endpoint Detection and Response for Remote Work Security 193

8.8 Case Study: Security Automation, Orchestration, and Response in Healthcare 194

8.9 Using Blockchain for Data Integrity in Supply Chain Security 197

8.10 Insider Threat Detection and Prevention: A Case Study in the Government Sector 199

8.11 Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure: Protecting Energy and Utility Sectors 201

8.12 Lessons Learned: Key Takeaways from Practical Applications 203

8.13 Conclusion 206

References 206

9 Future Directions in Cybersecurity 209
Luay Albtosh and Sia Gholami

9.1 Introduction 209

9.2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Predictive Security 210

9.3 Quantum Computing and its Impact on Cryptography 212

9.4 Cybersecurity for the Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems 214

9.5 Blockchain and Decentralized Security Models 216

9.6 Enhanced Privacy Techniques: Homomorphic Encryption and Secure Multiparty Computation 217

9.7 Human-Centric Cybersecurity and Behavioral Defense Mechanisms 218

9.8 5G and 6G Network Security 219

9.9 Cybersecurity in Cloud Computing and Edge Environments 220

9.10 Zero Trust Architecture and Adaptive Security Models 221

9.11 Biometric Security and Next-Gen Authentication Mechanisms 223

9.12 Ethics and Responsible AI in Cybersecurity 225

9.13 Cybersecurity for Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence Agents 227

9.14 Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Skills of the Future 229

9.15 Anticipating Future Threats: Threat Landscape and Emerging Attack Vectors 231

9.16 Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Cybersecurity 233

References 234

10 Conclusion: Building a Resilient Cyber Defense Framework 237
Hewa Majeed Zangana

10.1 Introduction 237

10.2 Core Components of a Resilient Cyber Defense Framework 238

10.3 Proactive Threat Management and Anticipatory Defense 242

10.4 Building Resilience Through Zero Trust and Adaptive Security 244

10.5 Incident Response and Recovery Planning 245

10.6 The Role of Automation in Enhancing Resilience 246

10.7 Human Factors and Building a Security-Aware Culture 246

10.8 Compliance, Regulation, and Governance as Resilience Enablers 248

10.9 Collaborative Defense: Strengthening Resilience Through Partnerships 250

10.10 Evolving with Emerging Technologies and Threats 252

10.11 Case Study: Resilient Frameworks in Action 254

10.12 Key Takeaways and Best Practices for a Resilient Cyber Defense Framework 257

10.13 Conclusion: Future-Proofing Cyber Defense for Long-Term Resilience 259

References 262

Index 265