“Security is like an onion: the more layers you add, the harder it is to peel through.”
Matthew Sciberras, CISO-VP of Informational Security at Invicti Security
If you’re stepping into the CISO role or taking the first steps in building a cost-effective security stack, here’s some practical, straight-from-the-trenches advice. Building a solid defense doesn’t mean throwing money at every shiny new tool. It’s about picking smart layers of protection that give you the most bang for your buck, starting small and scaling up as your needs (and budget) grow.
What is a Security Stack?
Think of your security stack as the backbone of your defense strategy—a layered set of tools and practices working together to protect your organization. It’s not just about grabbing the latest tech; it’s about building a tailored system that covers all the bases. From endpoint detection and firewalls to SIEMs and threat intelligence platforms, your stack must spot, block, and respond to threats across every corner of your infrastructure.
What’s shaping (and complicating) CISO’s security stack
Building a strong security stack is about navigating the forces shaping your choices—like compliance demands, evolving threats, and resource constraints. But let’s be real: these same factors often bring their own set of challenges, from integration headaches to budget juggling.
What shapes a security stack
Your company’s stage of growth drives its security stack. Here’s what matters most:
Startups (2–4 years, 10–50 employees): Compliance is key to winning bigger clients. Focus on:
- Policies (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA).
- Controls to meet client needs.
- Pen testing for compliance.
- Endpoint protection (AV/EDR).
Growing companies (5–7 years, 50–500 employees): Avoiding breaches and reducing risk become priorities. Invest in:
- 24/7 security monitoring.
- Office 365/G-Suite protection.
- Security awareness training.
- Vulnerability management and patching.
Start with compliance, then scale your defenses to stay ahead of threats as you grow.
Challenges in building a security stack for 2025
Building a security stack in 2025 is hard – it’s a juggling act, and here’s why:
- Compliance overload. Regulations are piling up, and log monitoring is at the heart of it. Without a logging strategy, you’re leaving gaps for auditors (and attackers) to exploit.
- Resource struggles. Budgets are tight, and finding skilled security people is like looking for a unicorn. The challenge is to stretch what you have without cutting corners and burning out your team.
- Threats are evolving. Phishing scams, ransomware, zero-day exploits, etc. (see the picture below)—if your security tools can’t adapt, you’ll be playing catch-up instead of staying ahead.
- Tool sprawl. 64-76 tools is not a stack—that’s a headache. Too many tools mean more alerts, complexity, and things falling through the cracks.
Watch a seasoned Cybersecurity Leader explain the key factors and challenges ahead of a smarter 2025 security stack
2025 Security Toolkit
The current security stack has tools for every threat angle: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and so on. With so many choices, you can end up with too many tools—many overlap, go unused or fail to deliver their full potential. So how do you get through the noise and focus on what your organization needs? Let’s dive in and talk about how to prioritize.
How to build a security stack in 2025
Let’s keep it real—before diving into tools and fancy defenses, you’ve got to know what you’re working with. Map out your assets, document your network, set up solid logging, and get to know your staff. Humans are always the easiest entry point for attackers; you should never forget that.
So, let’s break it down into three levels—Essentials, Advanced, and Professional—with tools that pack value at each stage.
1. Essentials: Cheap & cheerful defensive must-haves
These are the security basics—no-frills, cost-effective tools that do the job. Not glamorous, but essential to any good defense.
- Firewall/WAP (Web Application Protection): Protects your network and web apps from unauthorized access and basic attacks like SQL injection.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A simple, proven way to block unauthorized users even if passwords are compromised.
- Vulnerability Scanning & Patching: Regularly finds weaknesses and fixes them before attackers do.
- Anti-malware, VPN, Security Awareness Training: Not sexy, but necessary. Anti-malware takes care of everyday threats, VPNs secure remote connections, and training platforms like KnowBe4 turn employees into your first line of defense.
“In your first year as a CISO, you’re picking the low-hanging fruit. But as soon as you’ve got those down—you start layering. Security is like an onion: the more layers you add, the harder it is to peel through. Just don’t overdo it—too many layers can complicate more than protect.”
Matthew Sciberras, CISO-VP of Informational Security at Invicti Security
2. Advanced: Targeted threat detection & protection
Advanced tools scale security, target specific threats, and provide flexibility as your business grows. If done right, they are worth every penny.
- Identity and access management (IAM): Ensures that the right people have access to the right resources—and no more. Think of it as a bouncer for your systems.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitors and detects threats at the endpoint level—laptops, servers, whatever—and provides tools to respond before damage spreads.
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR): An outsourced, expert-led service that delivers 24/7 threat detection, investigation, and response—ideal if you don’t have in-house resources.
- Security Operations Center (SOC)/Managed SOC: An in-house team (or outsourced service) monitors and responds to incidents 24/7. They’re like having security guards patrolling your digital perimeter.
- SIEM (Security Information and Event Management): Aggregates logs and alerts so you can join the dots between disparate data to detect advanced threats.
“If I had to choose between outsourcing a SOC or going with MDR, I’d pick MDR. It’s often cheaper but just as effective. Plus, MDR gives you more flexibility—custom detection, faster response times, and way less noise in alerts.”
Matthew Sciberras, CISO-VP of Informational Security at Invicti Security
3. Professional: Specialized tools for precise needs
At this level, tools are for organizations that want to dial in their defenses. These solutions can be quite powerful but require strategy and thought to avoid overcomplicating your security stack.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Keeps your sensitive data from walking out the door unintentionally or maliciously.
- Privileged Access Management (PAM): Limits and monitors access to your most sensitive systems, reducing insider threats or compromised admin accounts.
- Third-Party Security Audits (Frequent): Get regular external eyes on your security to find the gaps you miss and stay ahead of the curve.
- APT Solutions (Advanced Persistent Threat): This tool detects and stops the most advanced, sneaky attacks, which other tools can’t.
Two paths to building your security stack
If you’re just starting to plan your security stack, you’ll quickly realize there are two main ways to go about it:
1. Go Mono: Stick with a single enterprise provider like Microsoft or CrowdStrike. These companies offer comprehensive solutions with products and managed services that cover most security needs. It’s a cost-effective way to start—begin with the essentials, layer in more advanced tools as you grow, and have a unified, manageable system that scales with you.
2. Go Integrated: If you already have scattered tools you love (and your team’s used to), don’t throw them out—build around them. Opt for security automation and compliance platforms that integrate your existing tools and cloud environments. This approach, combined with MDR service, ensures seamless 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response without leaving gaps in your defenses. The key here is flexibility: the right platform brings everything together into a streamlined, efficient system.
Watch Cybersecurity Leader decode an effective security stack in the exclusive video
Final thoughts: Smart, layered security on a real-world budget
There you have it—my take on building a security stack that balances cost and protection. Let’s not kid ourselves: security isn’t cheap. The global average cost of a breach in 2024 hit $4.88 million—and it’s even worse in the U.S., climbing to $9.36 million. But here’s the thing: every dollar you invest in security saves you from cleanup costs, legal fees, and lost trust. The key is starting smart. Nail the basics first, then layer on advanced defenses over time. This gives you room to think, choose wisely, and build a fortress—one layer at a time.
UnderDefense is here to help you handle the complex stuff—like SIEM tuning, MDR, and 24/7 SOC coverage—so you can focus on your core mission without the constant firefighting. And remember, security isn’t about having every tool on the market; it’s about having the right tools in the right places.
1. What are Security Stack examples?
Security stacks typically include tools like firewalls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. For example, you might pair a robust EDR like CrowdStrike with a SIEM such as Splunk, alongside tools for identity management like Okta, and data loss prevention (DLP) systems. Each organization’s stack will vary based on its size, industry, and risk profile.
2. What are Security Stack best practices?
- Start with essentials: MFA, firewalls, and regular vulnerability scans.
- Prioritize integration: Ensure your tools work together seamlessly to avoid gaps.
- Regularly update and fine-tune: Outdated configurations are as risky as no protection at all.
- Train your team: Even the best tools fail without informed users.
- Monitor continuously: Use 24/7 monitoring solutions like managed SOC or MDR to stay proactive.
3. What are Security Stack key components?
At its core, a strong security stack includes:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Control who can access what.
- Endpoint Protection (EDR/XDR): Monitor and protect devices in real time.
- Network Security (firewalls, IDS/IPS): Protect the infrastructure.
- Threat Intelligence & SIEM: Correlate and analyze logs for smarter detection.
- Data Protection (DLP): Prevent leaks and ensure sensitive data stays secure.
4. How do I build a Cloud Security Stack?
Start by mapping your cloud assets and understanding their vulnerabilities. Key steps include:
- Deploying cloud-native tools like CSPM (Cloud Security Posture Management) to monitor configurations.
- Adding IAM solutions to control access to cloud services.
- Implementing EDR/XDR for endpoint visibility, even in hybrid environments.
- Setting up network segmentation and firewalls to secure your cloud perimeter.
Relying on managed SOC or MDR services for real-time monitoring and incident response in complex cloud ecosystems.
