Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical challenge — it’s a business imperative. With the average cost of a data breach now reaching $4.44 million, and breaches involving stolen credentials taking 241 days to contain¹, partners must rethink how they manage and communicate their security portfolios.

Enter the Cyber Defense Matrix, a framework created by Sounil Yu that helps you map cybersecurity capabilities across five operational functions:

1. Identify
2. Protect
3. Detect
4. Respond
5. Recover

Against five asset classes:

• Devices
• Applications
• Networks
• Data
• Users

When paired with NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, it becomes a strategic blueprint for building resilient, scalable, and zero trust-aligned portfolios.

But in today’s perimeter-less world, zero-trust architecture is no longer optional. It’s foundational. Trust is never assumed — every access request must be verified, every asset segmented, and every identity governed. The Cyber Defense Matrix helps partners visualize where zero-trust principles are already embedded — and where they need reinforcement.

How to use the Cyber Defense Matrix + NIST 2.0 for zero trust

• Map your assets: Plot your solutions across Devices, Applications, Networks, Data, and Users. See what’s covered — and what’s exposed.
• Align to functions: Tag each offering to Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, or Recover. Show how you enforce zero trust at every layer.
• Expose gaps fast: Spot weak spots in your stack. Fill them with micro-segmentation, least privilege access, and continuous monitoring.
• Sharpen your pitch: Use the Cyber Defense Matrix to tell a clear, standards-based story. Make your zero-trust value obvious.
• Drive resilience: Build a portfolio that’s not just reactive — but ready for what’s next.

TD SYNNEX’s enablement resources are designed to help you operationalize this approach. With access to 250+ security vendors, 700+ cybersecurity experts, and tailored pre-sales support, you can build a portfolio that’s not just compliant — but resilient.

In today’s threat landscape — where AI-driven attacks and shadow IT are on the rise — partners must lead with clarity, confidence, and zero-trust strategy. The Cyber Defense Matrix and NIST 2.0 aren’t just frameworks — they’re your competitive edge.

Ready to evolve your cybersecurity story?

Explore how TD SYNNEX can help you build, manage, and scale your security portfolio with confidence.

¹ IBM. Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025. https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach