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Security Through Obscurity (STO)
Definition - What does Security Through Obscurity (STO) mean?
Security through obscurity (STO) is a process of implementing security within a system by enforcing secrecy and confidentiality of the system's internal design architecture. Security through obscurity aims to secure a system by deliberately hiding or concealing its security flaws.
Techopedia explains Security Through Obscurity (STO)
STO is based on the idea that any information system is secure as long as security vulnerabilities remain hidden, making it less likely that they will be exploited by a malicious attacker. Obscurity means keeping the underlying system’s security loopholes a secret to all but the most important stakeholders, such as key developers, designers, project managers or owners. Typically, a hacker’s approach in exploiting a system begins with identifying its known vulnerabilities. If there is no public information on those weak areas, hackers will find the system more difficult to penetrate and will eventually delay or postpone its malicious objective.
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The Cybersecurity Blueprint: A Four-Part Model for Providing Comprehensive Layered Security - Cyberattacks have increased in both number and severity over the past few years; ransomware alone is responsible for roughly $5 billion USD in 2017. Cyberthreats loom over both individuals and businesses.
